Port workers, longshoremen, truckers, and others at the port of Honolulu HI, Baton Rouge LA, Tacoma WA, Beaumont TX, and Oakland CA are now scheduled to enroll in the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program, according to information in the Federal Register November 6.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) program requires a background check for anyone who has unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities and vessels. The TWIC credential is valid for five years. The TWIC fee will be $132.50. Workers with current, comparable background checks, including a hazardous materials endorsement on a commercial driver license, Merchant Mariners document or Free and Secure Trade (FAST) credential, will pay a discounted fee of $105.25.
Workers at the port of Wilmington DE began to pre-enroll for TWIC October 9, followed by those in the port of Corpus Christi November 1. Those in Honolulu, Tacoma, and Baton Rouge began November 7 and those in Beaumont and Oakland will begin November 8.
A link to the pre-enrollment Web site will be available online at tsa.gov. Pre-enrolling online speeds up the process by allowing workers to provide biographic information and schedule a time to complete the application process in person. This eliminates waiting at enrollment centers and reduces the time it takes to enroll each individual, TSA said.
In late November, the enrollment will include Chicago/Calumet IL, Houston TX, Port Arthur TX, Providence RI, and Savannah GA.