TWIC’s Last Hurdle is Scaled
Card reader technology is tested, proven and in use, nationwide. While the maritime industry awaits the Fed’s edict on MTSA, the solution already exists. The Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) requires that individuals needing unescorted access to MTSA-regulated Facilities and Vessels must first obtain a TWIC. To obtain a TWIC Card, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass a security threat assessment conducted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Individuals are then issued a tamper-resistant credential containing the cardholders biometric fingerprint data, which provides a conclusive link between the card and the individual cardholder. To date, more than 2 million of these credentials have been issued.
Are our Ports Safe?
Two recent reports have raised alarms about the security of our ports and the cargo that enters them by containers every day. The top North American container ports handle more than 35 million containers per year bringing vital goods to U.S. homes and companies every day. Without this freight, our economy would be at a standstill. But one nuclear device placed into a shipping container could wreak havoc not just at the port it enters, but also with the surrounding population of our busiest ports such as New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Long Beach.
Oversight Hearing on TWIC Implementation
The House Committee on Homeland Security conducted an oversight hearing on the Implementation of the TWIC Program. In his prepared remarks, Committee Chair Bennie Thompson (D-MS) expressed his concern that the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program is far behind schedule and that the estimates of the number of workers affected are much understated. Testimony was for the record, as the hearing was interrupted by a floor vote. Rear Admiral Brian Salerno, USCG, explained how the program is being rolled out on a port-by-port basis and that progress is being made with regard to the card reader technology. Ms. Cathleen Berrick…
Port Security Improvement Act of 2006
The official text of the Port Security Improvement Act of 2006 (H.R. 4954), which was passed by Congress just before its recent recess, has been posted on the Internet. The measure provides for, among other things, the inclusion of salvage response provisions in all Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans; the phased distribution of transportation worker identification credentials (to be accompanied by a pilot program to test card reader technology); long-range vessel tracking provisions; authorization for port security grants (based on risk) in the amount of $400 million annually; and codification of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program. The bill now awaits the President's signature. Source: HK Law
