I will leave it to others to debate whether problems were inevitable with implementing the Transportation Worker Identification Credential program, better known as TWIC.What I know based on personal experience along with feedback from rank-and-file Seafarers, and based on internal industry communications and public media reports, is that the program is off to a rough start.
Since long before the TWIC final rule was issued, the SIU has been proactive in trying to help make the program as effective and as user-friendly as possible. We are continuing those efforts today and will do so in the months and years ahead – working cooperatively with other maritime unions and other stakeholders, and participating in key industry groups like the Department of Homeland Security’s National Maritime Security Advisory Committee, abbreviated as NMSAC.
Still, it’s ultimately up to the responsible agencies, particularly the Transportation Security Administration, and their contractors to make sure the program works properly. So far, there’s a lot of room for improvement.
Recently, it became known that two-thirds of the machines used to produce the actual TWIC cards are broken. Through various communications including face-to-face feedback, we’ve learned that mariners sometimes aren’t being notified when their cards are ready for pickup. In other cases, they’re being told their TWICs are ready, only to travel back to the enrollment center and find out that’s not the case. (I can personally relate to that last example.)
There have been problems with long waits on the toll-free TWIC telephone hotline and with computer crashes at the enrollment centers. Sometimes the fingerprint machines don’t work. Cards have been issued with incorrect expiration dates. In some cases, employees at the enrollment centers haven’t verified receipt of all the necessary paperwork with certain applications. In some port areas, the enrollment centers are located a long way from the facilities they’re designed to serve.
Those are just some of what I’d call the basic problems the program has run into so far. There also are a number of fairly complex technical and procedural issues still unresolved.
By the way, I haven’t even mentioned the card readers – which probably is a topic better reserved for another day, anyway.
None of this is intended to ridicule the program, or to toss out criticism for the sake of criticism. The SIU, as we’ve done all along, supports the goals of the TWIC program. And again, we’re trying to be part of the solution as much as possible.
What I’m saying is, apply now. Don’t wait. We have no choice but to secure our TWICs – it’s the law, and the April 2009 deadline will arrive soon enough. As the saying goes, however, forewarned is forearmed.
Register and Vote
SIU members have long understood that grassroots political activities are vital to helping maintain a strong U.S.-flag fleet. In fact, political action is nothing short of a necessity. At every level, we’ve got to remain politically involved.
That’s true all the time, but it’s probably more apparent these days, since it’s a presidential election year. In any case, I urge all Seafarers, pensioners and their families to make the most of this election season. Be active. Make sure you are registered to vote (and if you’re not, please register). Read up on the issues and back the candidates who will support the U.S. Merchant Marine.
We have an important message – namely, that America is best-served by a strong, vibrant U.S. Merchant Marine. We can all help ensure that our message is heard in November and beyond.
###
Printer Friendly Page