TWIC Stickler

Some guys are just sticklers for the truth. Consider the email I received in response to my post that everyone has to get the TWIC.

"Yeah, but what is the actual law that says I gotta have a TWIC if I don't use my licence? I don't believe that I gotta have it if I never use my ticket."

Here it is. Read 'em and weep:

CFR Title 46: Shipping
PART 10—LICENSING OF MARITIME PERSONNEL Subpart A—General

§ 10.113 Transportation Worker Identification Credential.
By September 25, 2008 all mariners holding an active License, Certificate of Registry or STCW endorsement issued under this part must hold a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) issued by the Transportation Security Administration under 49 CFR part 1572. Failure to obtain or hold a valid TWIC may serve as a basis for suspension or revocation of a mariner's license, COR or STCW endorsement under 46 U.S.C. 7702 and 7703.

Please note it says "all mariners holding an active License..." not using or working under or acting as, but holding. Translation: If there is an unexpired USCG license with your name on it, you must have a TWIC by Sept 25, 2008, whether or not you ever intend to use the license or work as captain, or enter any secure areas.



Furthermore:

Failure to obtain or hold a valid TWIC may serve as a basis for suspension or revocation of a mariner's license, COR or STCW endorsement under 46 U.S.C. 7702 and 7703.

What part of "suspension or revocation" do you want to take a chance with? Maybe I'm on the cutting edge (doubtful), but I am really surprised about how much confusion and misinformation is running around out there about this TWIC issue. It just seems so simple to me - after Sept 25, 2008, the USCG will accept only one proof of your background and identification, and that will be the TWIC. Without that proof, your license becomes void. End of story. Get a TWIC or surrender your license.