Thesis : With the advent of increasing terrorist activities, it is essential for security agencies to protect their critical infrastructure. The risk of having illegal activities in sensitive economic areas is high. Ports of entry and sensitive areas should be screened appropriately and closely monitored ( Druta & Alden, 2016) . The TWIC program is an initiative that promises to bring security amidst several challenges in its implementation.
Introduction
Workers who work in secure areas on the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) require a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) ( Druta & Alden, 2016) .
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TWIC enables people to work in secure areas without escorts.
It also prevents potentially dangerous individuals from gaining access to restricted areas.
Workers without a TWIC would require escort when performing their responsibilities to prevent threatening individuals from carrying out suspicious activities ( Transportation Workers Identification Credentials) .
Background and Importance of MTSA in the TWC program
Created to respond to the 9/11 terrorist attack.
MTSA protects critical infrastructure such as ports of entry and sensitive industrial sites.
Establishes measures that regulate and closely monitors the sensitive areas.
Complies with international shipping requirements and security codes to prevent suspicious activities.
Escorting Procedures
Escorting is ensuring an individual is always accompanied in secure areas.
Escorting reduces suspicious or illegal activities in secured areas ( Transportation Workers Identification Credentials) .
In restricted access areas, individuals with a TWIC may escort a maximum 5 non- TWIC holders.
TWIC program was established by the Transport Security Administration (TSA) and implemented by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) ( Transportation Workers Identification Credentials) .
Even with the TWIC, there us be a business purpose for individuals to enter restricted areas at JAXPORT.
Absence of a TWIC and an escort prevents entry to restricted regions.
Definitions of private TWIC Escorts
JAXPORT allows private companies to offer TWIC escorts in delivering and receiving goods and services at tenant facilities.
Private TWIC escort is defined as independent contractors.
Responsibilities and Rules for Private TWIC Escorts
Private TWIC escorts are to monitor and continuously supervise people without a TWIC when they visit restricted access areas of JAXPORT.
They are also required to redirect the actions of non-authorized people when they engage in suspicious activities.
They are mandated to report all activities to relevant persons.
Requirements of JAXPORT Private TWIC Requirements
Must attend combined JAXPORT 33 CFR 105.215 employee security.
Must go for annual training of awareness and private TWIC escorting.
Must have a valid JAXPORT identification card when operating within the property.
A valid driver’s license is compulsory when operating automobiles within the facility.
Must have a valid email address for official communication.
Must remain as a resident of the current city where the facility is located.
Must abide by the facility’s rules and regulations.
Must have full responsibility of people under the TWIC escort.
TWIC escorts should ask individuals whether they possess illegal items such as firearms, explosives, contrabands, and passengers.
Who Needs a TWIC?
TWIC escorts should show good faith ( Transportation Workers Identification Credentials) . they may be;
Coastguards
Port employees
Long-shore workers and merchant mariners
Truck drivers
Pilots of vessels and crewmembers
Others who provide manual labor such as hauling goods
Port security as determined by the Department of Homeland Security
Unloading Cargo
TWIC should prevent the staging of products and notify security if escorted individuals fail to comply ( Transportation Workers Identification Credentials) .
Obtaining a TWIC
Make an appointment at an enrollment center and visit them (TWIC escorting).
Provide biographic information such as fingerprints.
Pay the enrollment fee.
Who may be Denied a TWIC?
Only U.S. citizens and eligible immigrants can apply for TWIC (TWIC escorting).
Supporting documents are provided and verified to determine the status of the applicants.
Those with ties to terrorists would be denied application (TWIC escorting).
Also, one without mental competence may not hold a TWIC
Individuals with a particular criminal history would also be denied access to TWIC (TWIC escorting).
Other Transportation Areas
Apart from maritime regions, other sensitive areas also require TWIC such as airports, railroads, chemical companies, and refineries ( Transportation Workers Identification Credentials) .
Loopholes
Employees without TWIC can still gain access to restricted areas if they applied for it ( Transportation Workers Identification Credentials) .
This shows that the TWIC requirement is not as strict as required.
Delays due to card reader technologies and validation processes creates a lack of oversight and poor coordination ( Transportation Workers Identification Credentials) .
The implementation of the entire system is costly, and delays may stall operations.
Those with concerns from background checks have had significant delays during the application processes.
Cards may be faulty.
Faulty cards limit the movement of both people and goods since individuals would be denied access to certain areas ( Druta & Alden, 2016) .
In turn, operations at the facilities are likely to be delayed.
Criminals may carry out illegal activities due to minimal supervision of permitted TWIC holders.
Legislation
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Essential Transportation Worker Identification Credential Assessment Act in 2014 that orders the Department of Homeland Security to assess the effectiveness of the TWIC program ( Druta & Alden, 2016) .
References
Druta, C., & Alden, A. (2016). Communications Worker Credentialing Requirements (No. NCHRP Project 20-59 (52)).
Transportation Workers Identification Credentials (TWIC). United States Department of Coast Guards. Retrieved from https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Prevention-Policy-CG-5P/Inspections-Compliance-CG-5PC-/Port-and-Facility-Compliance-CG-FAC/Cargo-and-Facilities-Division/TWIC/
TWIC escorting. Chemical Security Group LLC. Retrieved from https://www.chemicalsecurity.com/mtsa/twic/twic-escorting
