USA: The Port of Tacoma's implementation of the transportation worker identification credential (TWIC) card has been smooth since the card became mandatory in late February.
TWIC is a common identification credential for personnel requiring unescorted access to secure areas of facilities and vessels. Holders of the TWIC receive a tamper-resistant credential containing the worker's biometric fingerprint template.
Following the initial TWIC registration effort in November 2007, the Port of Tacoma and its terminal operator customers began an outreach program to raise awareness of the new requirement.
"By qualifying who can access secure areas of the Port, the TWIC helps ensure the safety of personnel, cargo, port facilities and our community," said Port of Tacoma Executive Director Timothy J Farrell.
As of April 3, 2009, total TWIC enrollments in the Tacoma area numbered 12,170 with 10,193 activations. All of the staff have received their TWIC cards. The port and terminal operators are now focused on helping remaining uncredentialed workers get their TWIC and establishing firm escort policies at each terminal.