TWIC Card

Below is some general information about TWIC and TWIC requirements within the UNOLS fleet. If you have further questions regarding gaining access to Sikuliaq while in port, please contact the Marine Superintendent.

What is a TWIC?

The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is designed to be a security measure that will ensure individuals who pose a threat do not gain unescorted access to secure areas of the nation's maritime transportation system. TWIC was established by Congress through the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) and is administered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Coast Guard. Under the MTSA, certain UNOLS vessels and port facilities are required to have approved Vessel Security Plans (VSP) and Facility Security Plans (FSP) that make it necessary to implement TWIC regulations as well. MTSA regulations regarding TWICs began in April 2009.

Who Needs a TWIC?

Sea going scientists working on research vessels with a Vessel Security Plan, (VSP) or needing access to secure facilities are considered transportation workers and need to obtain a TWIC in order to be allowed unescorted access to secure facilities or vessels.

Based on these regulations, the following UNOLS participants and personnel should obtain TWICs:

• Seagoing scientists and students who regularly sail on research vessels with a VSP or that will operate from secure facilities are strongly encouraged to obtain a TWIC in order to be allowed unescorted access to secure areas. In particular, those sailing as Chief Scientists, Principal Investigators (PI) and party chiefs should obtain a TWIC.

• All credentialed mariners within the UNOLS fleet will be required to obtain TWICs in order to maintain their license or merchant mariner documents (MMD).

• UNOLS Marine Technicians should be required by their institutions to obtain a TWIC unless they will never sail on a vessel with a VSP or never operate from a secure facility.

Will I Need a TWIC for Unescorted Access to R/V Sikuliaq?

If Sikuliaq is ported at a secure facility you will be required to either have a TWIC or be escorted by personnel that posses a TWIC card. Escort requirements are typically outside the control of UAF and the need for an escort can cause delays for non-TWIC holders to access the vessel.

Will I Need a TWIC to Access the UAF Seward Marine Center(SMC) Facility?

A TWIC card will not be required to access Sikuliaq while in port at the Seward Marine Center.

Alaska Railroad Dock- Sikuliaq will at times make berth at the Alaska Railroad Dock which is a secure facility in Seward, Alaska. As such, non-TWIC carrying cruise participants may require an escort to and from the ship. Contact the Marine Superintendent.

Should TWICs be obtained for foreign nationals?

UNOLS is recommending that students and researchers, working in the U.S. on a visa with restricted authorization to work (e.g. F-1 or J-1 visas), do not apply for a TWIC. Several people have tried and have been denied. Foreign students and researchers will still be able to go to sea on UNOLS research vessels, but, may require an escort to gain access to the ship at certain secure facilities.

To Obtain a TWIC

Please find information on applying for a TWIC card HERE.