TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Port Preparing For Stricter Access Rules

ADVERTISEMENT

By RUSSELL RAY, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 19, 2008

TAMPA - Meeting Friday with tenants of the Port of Tampa, Steve Fidler, the port's senior director of operations, had a message for anyone who does business at the port: "Get a TWIC" by Sept. 25.
TWIC is short for Transportation Worker Identification Credential card, a federal requirement for personnel who need unescorted access to federally-regulated vessels and facilities.
Port officials will start issuing the security identification cards to eligible personnel in mid-February.

The new credentials cost $132.50 each and expire in five years. The cards are issued to people who have passed a background check by the federal government.

"Tell everybody you know who works with you to get a TWIC," Fidler told about 80 people at the port's quarterly security meeting.

"It's like your driver's license. It is going to be that credential that makes it a lot easier."

Port tenants, however, may be forced to buy a second security credential from the state.

The state credential, known as the Florida Uniform Port Access Card, grants eligible employees access to Florida ports, but it is not yet required.

Some people say that requiring two identification cards would waste of time and money.

"Having to carry two cards will not be efficient and, logistically, would create a lot of problems," said John Thorington, the port's senior director of communications.

That's why state and federal officials are working to develop a single-card system.

"We are trying to get one card that satisfies both sets of regulations," said Jeffrey Smith, the port's compliance manager.

Establishing a single-card system shouldn't be too difficult, Fidler said, because the state's requirements can be met with the federally mandated TWIC card.

"This meets the requirements that are contained in the state statute," he said.

Reporter Russell Ray can be reached at (813) 259-7870 or rray@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT