Last Day for Maritime Security Card Compliance for Texas Ports
April 14th was the last compliance day for a federal maritime worker identification program that requires biometric identification for access to secure port areas. Texas ports, including those at Houston, Galveston, Freeport, Port Arthur, and Texas City, had their official compliance day, along with every other port across the country.
At the Port of Houston, the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) compliance went off without a hitch. Nearby, at Galveston Port, however, some workers were turned away because they had not yet been enrolled in the program. It is estimated that there are about 300,000 maritime workers in the Houston area and as of April 9th only 78,708 maritime workers had been enrolled. Of these, 57,709 cards have been activated.
The TWIC program was created due to the increased security threat to ports after 9/11. After the twin towers collapsed it became clear that our ports provided easy access to those who felt the need to harm Americans. The Department of Homeland Security established the program, which requires longshoremen, dock workers, vessel crew, truck drivers, and other maritime workers, who require access to ports, to produce an identification card. The program aims to introduce an additional wall of security to our ports, making them safer. Workers who have the identification card went through an intensive background verification check and are not seen as being a threat.
The number of maritime workers who have already enrolled in the program is over one million. The U.S. Coast Guard is in charge of enforcing compliance and has extended the compliance period to May 13th, 2009. This extension only applies to maritime workers who have applied for the cards and are waiting to receive them. These workers may be allowed unescorted access to secure port areas until May 13th if they can provide verifiable proof of their application.
Port officials in Texas have been working hard for months to remind workers about the compliance deadline. However, there are several workers who have yet to enroll in the program. Galveston Port officials say it has been especially difficult getting truckers to enroll in the program. If a trucker does not have his TWIC card, he can only access secure areas with an escort. This is bound to create delays and other problems. Providing escorts for maritime workers who do not have the card will also be expensive and time consuming.
Maritime Safety
Part of providing a safe working environment for maritime workers is ensuring their security. It is important that maritime companies participate in the program fully by getting their workers to apply for their TWIC card as quickly as possible.
If you have been injured in a maritime accident, a maritime attorney can help you receive the full benefits package that deserve.
The attorneys at Arnold & Itkin LLP have represented thousands of maritime workers and helped them receive their dues. Contact a maritime lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free consultation.
