DHS Issues Credentialing Rule

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the issuance of the final rule for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program, which enhances port security by checking the backgrounds of workers before they are granted unescorted access to secure areas of vessels and maritime facilities.

The rule was posted publicly on TSA's web site Jan. 1, 2007 and has been delivered to the Federal Register for posting in the coming days. The rule lays out the enrollment process, disqualifying crimes, usage procedures, fees and other requirements for workers, port owners, and operators. These guidelines allow the industry, government and public to prepare for the implementation of this important security program. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the U.S. Coast Guard held four public meetings around the nation and received more than 1,900 comments regarding the initial draft of this federal rule. Comments were filed by workers, port facility owners and operators, small businesses and others who would be affected by the new program. All comments were carefully considered in the development of the final rule.