TWIC Card for crew

[marusso]

After my one of my mates contacted the USCG about the requirement of all crew needing a TWIC card, they confirmed that all personnel working on a vessel for hire is required to have one. Apparently that will include divemasters and instructors as well. Maybe everyone knows this already, but I thought I would give yall the heads up just in case someone did not know.

I do know that when I was working down in Key Largo this past winter, none of the divemasters, instructors, or crew, besides the Captains, had TWIC cards.

Just a heads up...

-Michael

 

[Wookie]

Your mate got bad info. If the crew member is serving on a vessel that isn't required to have a vessel security plan, they aren't required to have a TWIC, either. Only licensed individuals (except OUPV) and folks needing unescorted access to MARAD secure facilities need a TWIC.

In December, the US Coast Guard issued a policy letter that will, it is hoped, ease the burden imposed by the oft-reviled Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). The revised regs would exempt crew on vessels not required to have Vessel Security Plans. The bad news, if you ever plan on working on a vessel with a required Vessel Security Plan, you’re still going to need a TWIC. At least, for now. In May, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report saying the program had significant security and administrative problems.

Get a copy of the Coast Guard’s Policy Letter here.

Specific types of vessels excluded include Uninspected Passenger Vessels as well as "T" boats on coastwise voyages. That pretty much covers US flagged dive boats unless you're running to the Bahamas or Bermuda.

 

[marusso]

Yeah that is exactly what I told him as well, however, it just so happened that the coasties from station Tybee Island, GA were on our dock yesterday after our trip and when asked they stated a TWIC is required. Apparently there is a disparity between the folks enforcing the law and the ones making them.

-Michael

 

[Wookie]

Kinda like when a fish cop stops you to check your cooler. Season and bag limits are great, and they usually know state laws, but maybe you caught (whatever fish it was) in federal waters, on a rebreather, with a powerhead.

That just screws them up. I hate having to teach the CG their own rules. Makes me grumpy.