USCG: Mariners, vessel owners ‘could’ face civil penalties

At this point, the U.S. Coast Guard is still trying to educate people about the Transportation Worker Identification Credential requirement, with enforcement only as a last resort.

However, those found not in compliance with the TWIC requirement “could” face possible civil penalties.

After April 15, 2009, all mariners operating under the authority of their U.S. Coast Guard license or document are required to have a TWIC card, which costs $132.50.

Lt. Commander John Winter, chief of the Prevention and Compliance Department of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam, yesterday said “licensed and documented mariners could face possible civil penalties and/or revocation actions against their Coast Guard licenses and documents.”

“Vessel owners and operators who hire licensed and documented mariners without a TWIC card could also face possible civil penalties,” Winter told Saipan Tribune.

In a telephone interview, Winter said the U.S. Coast Guard will go through administrative procedures, which include investigation and verbal warning, rather than revoking U.S. Coast Guard license or document right away.

Facilities in the CNMI that are regulated by the Coast Guard Maritime Transportation Act require personnel who work in security related duties to have a TWIC card after April 15, 2009.

A TWIC card is given only to U.S. citizens and those with federal work visas who are also holders of U.S. Coast Guard license.

Because of this, many non-U.S. citizen boat drivers in the CNMI’s marine tour businesses—mostly Filipinos and Japanese—will not be allowed to operate sea vessels after April 15. Securing federal work visa will be too costly for owners and operators of marine tours.

Operators of commercial fishing vessels raised concern whether they too will need a TWIC card.

Winter reiterated that only mariners with U.S. Coast Guard licenses or documents are required to get a TWIC card.

“Commercial fishermen operating vessels under 200 gross tons (which is generally all) in this area are not required to have licenses; therefore, TWIC is not required,” he said.

A TWIC is a common identification credential for all mariners holding Coast-Guard issued credentials, and all personnel requiring unescorted access to secure areas of Maritime TSA-regulated facilities and vessels.

Enrollment for TWIC has begun at the TSA office at the TSL Plaza in Garapan. Those who wish to apply for TWIC need to schedule an appointment with the TSA office at 1-866-347-8942 or pre-enroll online at http://twicinformation.tsa.dhs.gov.