The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is a system-wide federal common credential that individuals will be required to have in order to gain unescorted access to port facilities. TWIC is being developed in accordance with the legislative provisions of  the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) and the SAFE Port Act.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will issue workers a tamper-resistant "Smart Card" containing the worker's biometric (fingerprint template) to allow for a positive link between the card itself and the individual. An estimated one million individuals will be required to obtain a TWIC, including Coast Guard-credentialed merchant mariners, port facility employees, longshoremen, truck drivers, and others requiring unescorted access to secure areas of maritime facilities and vessels regulated by MTSA.

The TWIC requirements will become effective on April 15, 2009.

To learn more about TWIC, click here.