I think we’re all up to date, but the deadline nears….please pass this on to all the hold-outs and doubters out there who still don’t think they need a TWIC.
There is still one thing missing from all the notices disseminated by the USCG so far: what is the penalty for non-compliance? I have yet to see a single, definitive answer as to what they will actually do if they discover that you hold a credential and didn’t get a TWIC. Will they suspend your license? Will they revoke it for life? Will they just tell you to get a TWIC and don’t ever do that again?
Look, if they are going to set a deadline, fine. But shouldn’t a deadline include some sort of ultimatum – a consequence for not meeting the deadline? “You do this by this date, or else!” Hello? Would someone at the USCG please tell us the consequence for blowing off the April 15th deadline.
So far, the only thing I’ve seen in writing is what is actually in the CFRs: (46CFR10.113)
Failure to obtain or hold a valid TWIC may serve as a basis for suspension or revocation of a mariner’s license, COR or STCW endorsement under 46 U.S.C. 7702 and 7703.
Failure may serve…or… maybe not? Furthermore, 46USC7702/7703 could be interpreted as only applying if you were acting under the authority of your license. Not a single TWIC bulletin or memo from the USCG ever mentions that loophole when stating the policy of mandatory TWIC by the deadline. They all say holding, not using. Big difference.
Here is what’s got my barnacles all bunched up; I think that guys who missed the deadline should suffer some consequences beyond just having to go get a TWIC. I think the USCG should issue a written policy that says so. Something like this: All mariners who failed to meet the TWIC deadline will have their credentails automatically suspended for one year. Is that so hard to say?
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Here in Honokohau Harbor Kona,Hawaii theres Resturants,Sundry Stores,Launch Ramps(5000 Trailer boats,Jet skies ect),Gas Stations,2 Boat Yards and Flow Through Traffic,220 Slips 110 are private and the other 110 are Commericial and the Only ones with TWIC Cards are the Licensed Captains on Documented Vessels with Million Dollar Insurance.The TWIC Cards have yet to Work at the Places where there Supposed to,Keahole (kona) Airport and Kawaihae Harbor 32 miles from Honokohau Harbor.So far when the TWIC cards have been used as I.D. the holders have been told(by T.S.A.Uniformed Officers) to put them away and show there Hawaiian Drivers License?During a U.S.C.G.Boarding 2-23-09 one Captain was told that he’d never need his TWIC Card in Honokoahau Harbor by the Boarding Officer?Please Help Stop the Madness!! Captain Bill Crawford,Chiripa Sportfishing Kona Hawaii………
William, sorry to hear about your troubles. You’re not alone. Just a few comments from me: The boarding officer may indeed be correct in that many captains will never, that’s never ever have to show or otherwise use their TWIC card with one very important exception. When they renew their USCG License. So far, this policy is hard and fast, and there is no reason to believe that it will change. If you have a USCG license, you must also have a TWIC. Period. This has nothing to do with secure areas, port, airports, or TSA checkpoints. Its because the USCG will no longer do background checks on the folks who hold a license, the TSA will do that, and your proof that you have been vetted is the TWIC. End of story.
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