Long range TWIC enrollment process

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RckyMtnKP

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I have been helping my DS research the requirements for the TWIC enrollment. I have spent some time on the official TSA site and searching previous posts on the TWIC topic on this forum. The information that I have found seems to have changed recently. For 2015 candidates is it a requirement to have your TWIC prior to INDOC when you are more than 500 miles away from an enrollment center?
 
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From what I understand, in years passed anyone more then 200 miles from an enrollment center doesn't need to worry about TWIC, Kings Point will help you handle it after you're aboard.
 
Do you know of an official web site or document that states this exception? Last years Logging In 2014 document that I read does not reference any exceptions to the requirement.
 
Call the Academy

I suggest you call "Admissions"
 
A given

My DS will be doing that next week. We are planning the process this weekend so I was trying to take advantage of the weekend to make arrangements.
 
If you read the 2013 logging in book, found here;
http://www.usmma.edu/admissions/pdfs/LoggingIn2013.pdf


Page 8 says:


Provide a written statement to Midshipmen Personnel during in-processing that states the nearest enrollment center was more than 200 miles from your home and/or would have represented a significant burden on the student or family to enroll for a TWIC prior to reporting. In this case, the Academy will arrange for the student to obtain the TWIC some time during the academic year at the New York City enrollment center. The student must provide the funds to pay for the TWIC, either credit card or check (no cash).
 
Hmmmm....

Hmmmm..... They removed that statement from the 2014 logging in book. I guess admissions will have to clarify the requirement for 2015.

Thanks for the input!
 
It might not have been in the 2014 logging in book, however there are numerous midshipen here that did not have their TWIC card coming into indoc and they all made the arrangements to get it done somewhere around here I believe it was in New Jersey (just a couple train rides)
 
So as usual everyone here on this thread is "kinda right & kinda wrong..."

The exception that used to exist was removed and they want you to get your TWIC done before reporting aboard. Of course not everyone did or does that, in the past (when the exception was in the logging in book) the administration made arrangements for those who lived more than 200 miles from USMMA to get it done, as that exception is no longer in the book the administration doesn't make those arrangements and the midship now must do that themselves.

It's much easier to do this before you report than after, especially during your Plebe year if you elect or assigned B split.
 
Here is a question about the ol' TWIC that I have, and it relates to whether or not it is really necessary. Now, of course, if the Admin says that it is required, then it is. That said, my understanding about having a TWIC is to allow unescorted personnel to have access in a secure area. That much I know, and I have one. I also know that there are provisions to profide escorts in secure areas for those that do not have a TWIC. I have done some work offshore where others going out on the same project did not have their TWIC cards. The security at the shoreside facility had me escort them to the crew boat that took us all offshore, and then again escort them back to the gate.

Could the escort system also work for seamen joining vessels? I am sure that there are many foreign seamen that don't have a TWIC card, and I have seen them escorted to and from their vessels when I am out on the waterfront doing my thing.

I am just stirring the pot a bit here. I also know that Congressional mandates are just about always poorly instituted and enforced. It is also easier for companies and other institutions to take the easy way and just demand that personnel get their TWIC cards. In the long run, I am seeing more access to port areas now with the TWIC than there was before the program; especially in the offshore sector. Before getting TWIC cards, many of the offshore facilities were hard to get in and out of, even for folks that had to. Now, show the TWIC and that is all they need.

At least now, the domestic airports that I use recognize the TWIC card.
 
Made the trip

So my DS flew out to Long Beach, CA last week to start his TWIC enrollment process. He will have to fly out again to pick it up after they notify him the card is ready. :thumb:
 
we too are in CO thought about flying to Kansas City for the day. Also asked if we could pick up TWIC in New York July 6th. Some told me probably. Is this true? Anyone from CO need TWIC? maybe kids could carpool? Please send PM
 
Not worth the risk....

We researched many options. None of the enrollment centers would commit to a turn around time. However right after I posted my last comment my DS received an e-mail stating his card was ready. :bang: That was less than a week. We chose Long Beach because there are direct flights from Colorado Springs to Long Beach for less than $200.
 
Dear RckyMtnKP,

I just looked for flights to Long Beach and San Diego. Looks closer; cheaper; and earier than I though KC or Ok City is. Did you spend night or do it in one day? Thanks Will go for this route.
 
KP2015MOM,

My DS spent a few days there as a mini spring break. He stayed in Buena Park which is about ten miles from the enrollment center in Signal Hill.
 
cmakin said:
...Could the escort system also work for seamen joining vessels? I am sure that there are many foreign seamen that don't have a TWIC card, and I have seen them escorted to and from their vessels when I am out on the waterfront doing my thing.
Click to expand...


You are required to have a TWIC in order to get a Coast Guard issued merchant mariner credential (MMC), see 46 CFR 10.203. Without the MMC, you can't serve on a vessel. So even if you were given an escort, you're still going to need a TWIC.
 
jdcavo said:


You are required to have a TWIC in order to get a Coast Guard issued merchant mariner credential (MMC), see 46 CFR 10.203. Without the MMC, you can't serve on a vessel. So even if you were given an escort, you're still going to need a TWIC.
Click to expand...


That makes sense, at least for US flag vessels. Of course most ships that come into US ports are foreign flag and those seamen and officers do not have TWICs. Shipping agents are making a ton of money setting up escort services.

I know it is a legal issue; just one of those bodged laws to try and cover a hole that is as big as the Grand Canyon.
 
The deal with TWIC Cards for 2015 Class..........

If candidates do not report to indoc with TWIC card, they will lose part of both thanksgiving and winter break. They will be sent to apply for the card the Monday of Thanksgiving break, and sent to pick up the card the Monday of Winter Break. This is straight from the office Shipboard training. So unless you want your student not getting their full breaks it is highly recommended you get it done now :bang:
 
i just applied for my TWIC today and it was quite the haul to the enrollment center and i dont wanna do it again. my father is an airline pilot and when he travels, he is right near the enrollment center that i went to today to enroll, so is he allowed to pick up the card for me so that i dont have to go back, or do i physically have to be there?
 
Ryno23 said:
i just applied for my TWIC today and it was quite the haul to the enrollment center and i dont wanna do it again. my father is an airline pilot and when he travels, he is right near the enrollment center that i went to today to enroll, so is he allowed to pick up the card for me so that i dont have to go back, or do i physically have to be there?
Click to expand...

I am pretty sure that you have to pick it up yourself. When you pick it up, you have to give them a password.
 
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