OK, time to fish or cut bait. 74 days to go and then what happens? Ive been all over the CG and TWIC websites and cant find an official answer in writing.
On April 15th 2009, I guess if you dont have a TWIC card or haven't applied for a TWIC card, your MMD or MM License is invalid. Will the CG be sending the individual a letter, or will you MMD just automatically melt in you wallet?

I imagine after April 15 if applying for a MMD or License, a TWIC card would will also be included in the package before issuance of the MMD?

The way I read it, on April 15, anyone without a TWIC card that has a MMD or License and using that License or MMD for employment, is outta o job, cause there credential is invalid.

If anyone has a link, I'd appreciate it.

I guess we can blame this on on George Bush!!

Thanks.

BillD

From what I've seen...

Maritime Industry = Spoiled Whiners

Nuff said....

Where in dockmaster's post can he be seen as "whining'?

Maybe I was a bit too negative... Sorry... been putting up with Democrats all week.

By the compliance date, April 15, 2009, "all mariners will be required to hold a TWIC in order for their license, MMD, COR, or STCW endorsement to remain valid."

Do a google search for:
"NVIC 03-07" Look at 6e, on page 7.

I'd get that card asap. If you don't, the biggest ramification is that you won't be able to work at any job requiring a valid license, MMD, or STCW.

If you're not actively sailing on your license or MMD, you still won't be able to renew your license or MMD unless you have a valid TWIC. It may also jeapordize the status of your license/MMD. I just wouldn't chance it.

Was recently talking with a couple of east coast mariners about the TWIC in general. They relayed on that the Coast Guard on the east coast is telling their companies that it is OK to sail with just a TWIC card instead of a current Merchant Mariners Document or officers license.

The backlog in license and document renewals is holding up the ability of seamen to go to work or receive higher job positions.

Is the TWIC acceptable in place of a valid license or document ??? What about the CFR & USC requirements to post a license. Getting a bit confusing out here.

Is this mostly b/c of the shift to that centralized location in WV that was "supposed" to make everything faster?

quote:

Originally posted by Mastersmate:
Was recently talking with a couple of east coast mariners about the TWIC in general. They relayed on that the Coast Guard on the east coast is telling their companies that it is OK to sail with just a TWIC card instead of a current Merchant Mariners Document or officers license.

The backlog in license and document renewals is holding up the ability of seamen to go to work or receive higher job positions.

Is the TWIC acceptable in place of a valid license or document ??? What about the CFR & USC requirements to post a license. Getting a bit confusing out here.

The way I've read the rules, that would be big no. I think you're hearing either third party misinterpreted info or someone is passing on bad info.

The only thing that a TWIC card tells someone is that you've gone through the required vetting process to work where TWIC is required. It does indicate what position the individual is authorized to fill.

I emailed the NMC with the same question and got a phone call back. In a nut shell, on April 15th if you dont have a TWIC, your MMD or License is INVALAD. No they wont be sending out letters, but if your involved in a boarding, or casualty or some other way where the CG asks you to provide your MMD and TWIC, and you dont have the TWIC, your operating with and invalid MMD/License.
Kinda like a drivers license. Your responsible fro having it and providing it when needed.
I have a feeling the CG didn't think too long or hard about the employers side of the question and in retrospect, its probably not their problem. I guess if a company want to let there employees operate without the proper credentials, that's there problem.

They also said that if a person would have applied last week they would have there TWIC before April 15th. The longer you wait the longer you wait!!

The Senior Chief also said there would be no extensions of the April 15th deadline.

on a side not, dealing with the NMC for questions seems easier. I do understand theres a back log of medical evaluations for licenses etc, but the rest is pretty painless.

Rockon
BillD

quote:

They also said that if a person would have applied last week they would have there TWIC before April 15th. The longer you wait the longer you wait!!

This is an absolute fact. During the pre-enforcement campaign in my AOR, there was a run on the enrollment center. Turnaround time jumped from two weeks to 6 weeks in 2 days. Plus, even with an appointment, you'll be there all friggin day. This is especially true for those ports that come online at the same time with the Mariner's deadline.

For those that don't have it and need, do it soon. I'd hate to see anyone have to go through that, especially if you won't be able to work after the 15th.

What are the current numbers ?? How many mariners with a MMD and/or license do not have a TWIC.

Could lead to some interesting situations coming up. The ship on a voyage and has crew that do not have TWICs. 0001 on 15 April, do they stop the ship, go off duty, refuse duty or watches, walk away from any operations in progress ???? If their license / document is no longer valid, do they push the barges up on the beach and go ashore ???

Is the CG even contemplating the possibility of large portion maritime operations coming to a screeching halt ??? There is a hard enough time finding crews with all the papers in order now.

Any of the mariners organizations looking to make a statement concerning the imposition of the TWIC could shut down a sizable portion of the US shipping industry. This has been an extremely unpopular imposition. If all those mariners still needing the card don't get one, and those on duty refuse to sail because of invalid documents, it could be very interesting.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mastersmate,

Just my 2cents worth,
I apply for TWIC on Jan 2, 2009 using the Port of Tampa office and the online pre-enrollment. I recieved my TWIC card yesterday Feb 12,2009 and activated it. They did not appear to be too busy either time. One tip, when you get the notification email is is a bit confusing. It said my badge has been received at the enrollment center and i would be notified shortly. I let about two weeks go by, checking the website often, until I called the TWIC helpline. They said it was ready for pick-up so I went there. Bottom line, try to schedule a pick-up appointment when you are notified that the enrollment center has received it. Don't wait for another notification.

John

Hasn't the entire marine industry had over a year and a half to get their TWIC's? Everyone I know that needed to get theirs got them last spring at the latest.

So now the deadline approaches, and every begins scurrying around complaining that it's the governments fault....

What is the total cost to get a TWIC card?

Wray...

$132.50

$105 for licensed mariners. The one draw back is that it will expire with your license if you go that route. So if you're coming due, its worth it just to pay the whole price.

I paid $105.25, and was reimbursed by my employer for all costs including travel. All time was on the clock for pay purposes.

Contrary to what baloo0136 thinks, not every one is scurrying around and complaining and blaming the government.

yes, 132.50 credit card our company check, no cash.

Who is complaining about the gov'mnt, my experience was quite tame, no real wait either time. I just think the website/e-mail notification can be confusing. I didn't need one until my new job required it, and they reimbursed my fee and expenses. Nothing to complain about.

JG

quote:

Originally posted by sanrayo:
I paid $105.25, and was reimbursed by my employer for all costs including travel. All time was on the clock for pay purposes.

Contrary to what baloo0136 thinks, not every one is scurrying around and complaining and blaming the government.

Truth be told, we were closely watching to see if much of the proclaimed gloom and doom which has been discussed over the last year would materialize.

Thankfully, at least for my AOR, TWIC implementation has gone all but seamlessly. In fact, it may spur some job creation. TWIC escort services are beginning to sprout up.

"In fact, it may spur some job creation. TWIC escort services are beginning to sprout up."

Those job opens are being offered under Erotic on Craigs List!!

Rock on

BillD

quote:

Originally posted by dockmaster:
"In fact, it may spur some job creation. TWIC escort services are beginning to sprout up."

Those job opens are being offered under Erotic on Craigs List!!

Rock on

BillD

I so knew that was coming!