The SIU earlier this week joined with other U.S. maritime unions in crafting testimony concerning federally proposed rules on the implementation of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and the consolidation of Merchant Mariner Qualification Credentials (MMC). The testimony was presented July 20 to the U.S. House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. (The subcommittee is part of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.)As previously reported, the new credentials were mandated in the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002. Since the government issued Notices of Proposed Rulemakings in late May, various segments of the U.S. maritime industry have analyzed the proposals – and many have warned of unintended consequences that could cripple commerce by throwing port operations into gridlock.
Maritime unions including the SIU have emphasized that they fully embrace strong shipboard and port security measures, but that such regulations must not cause undue burden on mariners or other transportation workers, nor should they disrupt commerce.
During the subcommittee hearing on July 20, Ron Davis, president of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) spoke on behalf of unions including the SIU, MEBA, MM&P and AMO. “In regards to future changes in mariner credentialing and the creation of the Transportation Worker Identity Credential, the Department of Homeland Security should allow the existing U.S. Merchant Mariner Document to serve as both a TWIC and a mariner credential for the purposes of identification and qualifications held by the mariner,” Davis stated. “Essentially, we propose keeping the MMD ‘as is’ with the exception of adding a biometric identifier as mandated in the Maritime Transportation Security Act and ensuring that it complies with all International Labor Organization conventions.”
He added that proposed revised MMD “should allow mariners access to their vessels docked at any port facility in the United States;” that the Coast Guard “should continue to be the sole agency responsible for vetting and credentialing merchant mariners;” and that licensed deck and engine officers should still receive a license that may be displayed aboard ship for inspection purposes.
Seafarers again are reminded that nothing has been finalized with respect to the new regulations, and that the final rules probably won’t be finished for at least a few months. As currently written, the new regulations would require that the TWIC program is fully in place 18 months after the final rules are published.
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