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.
Atsec Fixed Reader Passes TWIC Trials
Atsec announced the successful test of Schneider Electric’s PC3-TBR reader against the specifications set forth by the TWIC Reader Evaluation Program. Before vendors can sell their products to be used in the TWIC program, they have to undergo independent testing. As an accredited laboratory under the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP), atsec is qualified to test TWIC readers for conformance with the program requirements. According to Schneider Electric’s executive VP Smart Infrastructure Division Ignacio Gonzalez, "As one of the first vendors to undergo testing for a TWIC reader, Schneider Electric is a pioneer of the new program. atsec has been an excellent partner in the process and their test engineers are highly competent.
