TWIC Notification
February 9, 2009
Industrial Terminals, LP
Transportation Workers Indentification Credential (TWIC)
Terminal User Notification
The United States Coast Guard has announced that a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) will be required for unescorted access in the Port of Houston beginning April 14, 2009. Therefore, all users of Industrial Terminals will be required to present a TWIC to entry gate security officers to gain unescorted access to the Terminals. All longshoremen, truck drivers, export packers, cargo surveyors, tenant employees, delivery personnel and contractors, not previously enrolled, should begin the enrollment process immediately.
Longshoremen, export packers, cargo surveyors and other users who seek access into the Terminal to perform work will be required to present their TWIC. Other users, with authorized business at the Terminal who do not possess a TWIC, may be granted access accompanied by a designated terminal escort. The Terminal will provide escorts, as available, to parties requiring access for vessel interests at a cost to be determined. Parties with cargo related interests must coordinate their need for escorted access through the Terminal’s freight handler, Gulf Stream Marine, Inc. Gulf Stream Marine will provide escorts, as available, at a cost to be determined. Users allowed access on an escorted basis must remain under “side by side” escort during their entire visit to the Terminal. Federal law prohibits unlimited escorting and specifies escort ratios depending on the identified security area to be accessed.
All seeking entry to the terminal will be asked to present their TWIC in addition to the current terminal requirements at the security gate starting March 15, 2009. Unescorted entry will be denied to non-TWIC holders after April 14, 2009.
On-line pre-enrollment should not be confused with actual enrollment. Applicants are not enrolled unless the application fee has been paid at an enrollment site, and all requirements are met, including fingerprinting and photographing. Although the enrollment process time has been significantly reduced, workers have experienced delays of two to three months or longer, in some cases. Local enrollment sites are at the following locations:
TWIC Enrollment Center
Suite 100
1717 Turning Basin
Houston, TX 77029
TWIC Enrollment Center
Gulf Gate (Chase Bank Building)
Suite 314
2900 Woodridge Drive
Houston, TX 77087
More information on enrollment can be found at the TSA website, the TWIC website or by e-mailing credentialing@dhs.gov or calling the TWIC hep desk at 1-866-DHS-TWIC (1-866-347-8942).