What are you doing for the rest of your life? Think Maritime.

TWIC is a common identification credential for all personnel requiring unescorted access to secure areas of MTSA-regulated facilities and vessels, and all mariners holding Coast Guard-issued credentials. Individuals who meet TWIC eligibility requirements will be issued a tamper-resistant credential containing the worker's biometric (fingerprint template) to allow for a positive link between the card and the individual.

Congress directed the federal government, through the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), to issue a biometric security credential to individuals with unescorted access to secure areas of facilities and vessels and all mariners holding Coast Guard-issued credentials or qualification documents. Controlling access to secure areas is critical to enhancing port security.

TWIC information and resources are available on the official TWIC Program web site and through the TWIC help desk (1-866-DHS-TWIC), at no additional cost to the enrollment fee.

In Duluth-Superior: The Transportation Security Administration is temporarily processing applications for TWIC cards at their local office located at 5739 Old Highway 61, Duluth, MN 55810. Please contact them at (218) 624-3535, (888) 294-3535 or d.kivi@yahoo.com. For a full listing of required identity documentation, please go to www.tsa.gov/twic or call (866) 347-8942.