Good News! TWIC cards no longer required for some mariners
NACO (National Association of Charterboat Operators) has worked diligently on the TWIC card issue from the very beginning explaining this was an unnecessary financial burden and would not provide additional security. We can proudly announce some good news for many captains.
The Coast Guard has released a Policy Letter which modified the requirement that all mariners obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) in order to be issued a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
The Coast Guard is allowing mariners without a valid TWIC who operate on board vessels that do not have a security plan to acquire and renew a MMC. Specifically this policy will apply to mariners who are inactive or not operating under the authority of their credential, as well as those who serve on vessels that are not required to have a vessel security plan. These vessels include:
- Uninspected passenger vessels of less than 100 gross register tons
- Vessels inspected under subchapter T of Title 46 Code of Federal Regulations, except those on international voyages
- Towing vessels not involved in towing barges inspected under 46 CFR subchapters D, I or O
- Towing vessels involved in fleeting, docking, or ship assist
Mariners on the vessels described above will be permitted to renew an existing credential without submitting proof of hold a valid TWIC. The coast guard will implement policies, which will enable these mariners to acquire a MMC without having to make two trips to a TWIC enrollment center.
Should you require additional information or assistance, please contact the USCG National Martitime Center (NMC) by email at IASKNMC@uscg.mil or by phone at 1-888-IASKNMC (1-888-427-5662).
source – NACO and the Alaska Charter Association