(TWIC) Transportation Worker Identification Card

Captcruz · 06-29-2009, 08:00 PM

Hi to all,

Just wanted to pass on this information for anyone that is thinking about or in the process of getting their TWIC card. First, they are really on the ball and very quick service. I had applied online a few months ago and not heard back.Today I call their help desk ( 1888-347-8942, my call was taken in less than 2 minutes, I have an appointment here in Fort Lauderdale tomorrow morning. All you need is 2 pieces of Indentification. If you have your MMD card bring it, it's

less money as well to have your MMD card. Your Twic will expire on the same date as your STCW/MMD/ certificates. The Twic card will be issued in two weeks. Hope this helps.

NYCAP123 · 06-29-2009, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captcruz

Hi to all,

Just wanted to pass on this information for anyone that is thinking about or in the process of getting their TWIC card. First, they are really on the ball and very quick service. I had applied online a few months ago and not heard back.Today I call their help desk ( 1888-347-8942, my call was taken in less than 2 minutes, I have an appointment here in Fort Lauderdale tomorrow morning. All you need is 2 pieces of Indentification. If you have your MMD card bring it, it's

less money as well to have your MMD card. Your Twic will expire on the same date as your STCW/MMD/ certificates. The Twic card will be issued in two weeks. Hope this helps.

Although I didn't agree that an investigation by Homeland Security was necessary in addition to the FBI investigation that's done for a Master's certificate it was at least a reason (albeit idiotic) for the additional fee. Now, the Master's certificate is issued by Homeland Security in West Virginia so what exactly are we paying the additional fee for? Is it so Homeland Security can investigate us twice? Must say, it's weird seeing "Martinsburg, W.V." as the issue port. It used to be that a license was restricted to the issue region. If that ever comes back we'll be running boats down I-80. In the mean time I view the TWIC as nothing more than a tax.

Captcruz · 06-29-2009, 10:57 PM

capt, I agree with your thinking. I try to stay out of the politics, I guess they learned something from the MCA on how to raise revenue. Just thought I would pass the info for those interested. I was once a Harley Davidson forum and had not spoken to kindly about the company and the way they do business these days and was thrown off for no other reason that I spoke out about the company.

Cheers,

Jordan

NYCAP123 · 06-29-2009, 11:18 PM

When someone attempts to silence you it shows the reason to talk even louder. Taxation without representation was the reason this nation was formed. This is exactly that. There is no reason for a licensed Master to have to get a TWIC.

Marmot · 06-30-2009, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYCAP123

There is no reason for a licensed Master to have to get a TWIC.

The best reason right now is that if you didn't have a TWIC on April 15th, you don't have a USCG license either. Think about that one if you get boarded or have to talk to your insurance company.

As far as the whole program goes, it isn't just for "masters" ... it is the human equivalent of the little numbered tags you see on the ears of sheep. It also transfered a pretty good pile of cash to Lockheed.

NYCAP123 · 06-30-2009, 08:23 AM

[quote=Marmot]

Quote:

The best reason right now is that if you didn't have a TWIC on April 15th, you don't have a USCG license either.

That's not the reason; that's the threat.

Quote:

it is the human equivalent of the little numbered tags you see on the ears of sheep.

Excellent analogy.

Quote:

It also transfered a pretty good pile of cash to Lockheed.

Now there's the reason.

Marmot · 06-30-2009, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYCAP123

That's not the reason; that's the threat.

That's not a threat, it's a fact. If you hold a USCG license and do not have a TWIC you do not have a valid license. What that means in small boat real life is between you, the Coast Guard, and your insurance company.

There must be thousands of guys in that position though. I had to get a replacement card the other day and there was a "master" in the office who was telling the lady that he had to renew in August so he figured it was time to get a TWIC. Talk about a double-whammy, he will probably be well into late Fall before he has a valid license again unless something truly miraculous has happened in West Virginia.

NYCAP123 · 06-30-2009, 10:15 AM

Fact, threat it amounts to the same thing. Pay the money or lose your license. As for the Master, I had my TWIC 3 weeks after applying and my renewal 2 weeks after submiting the papers.

Captcruz · 06-30-2009, 11:41 AM

Marmot"",

Thanks for your reply, saved me time. Also having your TWIC will save you a lot of time when you renew, you will not have to go down to renew in person anymore. I posted this in an effort to help not to get into a debate. Then again if one is not active or armchair captain , I guess it doesn't matter.

Capt JC

K1W1 · 06-30-2009, 11:50 AM

Hi,

What happens if you are a USCG Master who works outside the US say in the Persian Gulf or South America- Do you need this Card to renew your license no matter if you do not sail into or out of US Ports?

Does this ******* apply to Engineers as well as Deck Officers?

Captcruz · 06-30-2009, 11:59 AM

That is a good question Chief, I am willing to bet that if you hold US paper even a chief Engineer ticket its reguired. A quick call to MPS will answer that. I do that for my ticket even If I work in Asia as an expample, its required and the C.G. will not even look at your paperwork for renewal unless you have your TWIC>

Cheers

Marmot · 06-30-2009, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K1W1

Hi,

What happens if you are a USCG Master who works outside the US say in the Persian Gulf or South America- Do you need this Card to renew your license no matter if you do not sail into or out of US Ports?

Does this ******* apply to Engineers as well as Deck Officers?

Applies to all USCG license holders, engineers included. The TWIC is now part of the package of certificates required to hold a valid license issued in the land of the free.

Capt. Bill11 · 07-02-2009, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marmot

Applies to all USCG license holders, engineers included. The TWIC is now part of the package of certificates required to hold a valid license issued in the land of the free.

Also applies to anyone who holds only a STCW cert.

NYCAP123 · 07-02-2009, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt. Bill11

Also applies to anyone who holds only a STCW cert.

I believe that would only apply to those working on US vessels or situations requiring access to restricted areas.

Marmot · 07-03-2009, 08:13 AM

Always go to the source for this kind of information.
http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers...#who_gets_twic

"Who must get a TWIC?
We anticipate that over 1.2 million individuals will apply for a TWIC. This includes Coast Guard-credentialed merchant mariners, port facility employees, long shore workers, truck drivers, and others requiring unescorted access to secure areas of maritime facilities and vessels regulated by MTSA."

http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/stcw_policies.asp

"Who must comply with the STCW?
STCW only applies to Mariners employed on vessels greater than 200 Gross Register Tons (Domestic Tonnage), or 500 Gross Tons (ITC Tonnage), operating seaward of the boundary lines specified in Title 46 CFR Part 7."