FOSS MARITIME ENCOURAGES EARLY ADOPTION OF TWIC CARD
Transportation Worker Identification Credentials Not Required Until September, 2008
SEATTLE, November 27, 2007—Many Foss marine and shoreside employees—along with mariners across the country—will soon be required by the federal government to carry tamper resistant “Smart Cards” containing their biometric information (i.e., their fingerprints). To help defray the cost of these cards for its employees and encourage speedy, 100% compliance, Foss has agreed to pick up the tab.
Under a new federal mandate, by September 25, 2008, all merchant mariners (marine employees) and shore side personnel who need unescorted access to secure areas of ports, facilities or vessels regulated by the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) must have a government issued Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
These new regulations are part of the Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to enhance port security by controlling access to secure areas.
In order to ease the financial burden to Foss employees required to carry the card, Foss Maritime has decided to reimburse employees for the initial card. “Strengthening the security of our national ports is an important priority for our entire country. We want to make it as easy and painless as possible for our employees to quickly comply with these new regulations to keep U.S. citizens safe,” said Gary C. Faber, COO and President of Foss Maritime.
Founded in 1889, Seattle-based Foss Maritime offers a complete range of maritime services and project management to customers across the Pacific Rim, Europe, South America and around the globe. The company has harbor services and transportation operations in all major U.S. West Coast ports, including the Columbia and Snake River system. With one of the largest fleets of tugs and barges on the American West Coast, Foss operates two shipyards and offers worldwide marine transportation, emphasizing safety, environmental responsibility and high-quality service. See www.foss.com for more information.
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