The Coast Guard has put new regulations into effect regarding TWIC credentials and Merchant Mariner licensing.  As previously stated by the Coast Guard, all mariners currently holding an MMC (Merchant Mariner Credential) MUST hold a valid TWIC by April 15 2009.  However, TWIC is now going to be required for any new MMC applicants in order to be issued an MMC.

The Coast Guard will be checking directly with the TSA to verify TWIC status and information, rather than getting information from the applicant. There may be a delay from the time you apply for a TWIC until that information reaches the Coast Guard, so if you are applying for both a TWIC and MMC, make sure to apply for your TWIC well in advance of applying for your MMC, to avoid problems with credentials not checking out.  If, for some reason, you have to apply for both at the same time, you will need to provide a copy of your TWIC application to the Coast Guard so they know you’ve at least started the TWIC process.

If you are a maritime academy cadet who is planning to commercially ship within the next 6-12 months and are still in need of both items, start your TWIC now. There have been numerous reports from cadets that getting started with TWIC is difficult at the moment due to the crush of mariners getting their TWIC in time for the April 15 deadline.  That’s likely to cause backlogs for a few months, so get started as soon as possible to avoid problems.