>Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Pilot Test Underway

Posted by , Monday, September 21, 2009

>As required by the SAFE Port Act of 2006, the Transportation Security Administration is conducting a pilot test to evaluate the impact of verifying a transportation worker’s identity by using card readers to conduct a one-to-one match of a worker’s biometric to the biometric stored on the TWIC. The technical performance of readers and the operational and business impact of using readers will be evaluated by the pilot.

The pilot includes facilities and vessels at the ports of New York/New Jersey; Brownsville, TX; and Los Angeles and Long Beach. The pilot also includes vessel operations in Annapolis, MD and Vicksburg, MS. Facility and vessel owners participating in the pilot test will purchase readers and other infrastructure using Port Security Grant Program funds.

The TSA Website link contains information pertinent to the TWIC reader specifications and pilot testing. Maritime facility security officers, owners & operators, should review this information, keeping in mind that the final rule making has not been published.