The Dept. of Homeland Security’s final rule for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program was published in the Federal Register today.
Under the rule, workers, including truck drivers, who want unescorted access to the nation’s maritime ports will be required to carry special biometric ID cards. Eligibility for TWIC includes passing a security threat assessment similar to that required of hazmat drivers.
The Transportation Security Administration said that TWIC enrollment will begin in March 2007, “initially at a small number of ports.” The remaining ports will become activated throughout the year according to an implementation schedule established in the SAFE Port Act.
