With a TWIC, new employment opportunities arise. A TWIC allows for a worker to access vessels docked in secure port facilities. In addition a TWIC allows an employee to work as a non-licensed member of the crew on vessels less than 100 tons on domestic and international voyages.
This includes:
K-Class passenger boats which carry more than 150 passengers
Tow boats greater than 8 meters
Tow boats towing tank barges filled with dangerous liquids such as petroleum products
Although deckhands on these vessels only require TWIC cards, it is recommended that anyone applying for a TWIC card for maritime work also apply for a merchant mariner credential as well. Every newly issued merchant mariner credential requires the applicant receive a TWIC in order to record the fingerprints and bio-metric data of the applicant. If an applicant is willing to go through the TWIC application process to gain employment, the applying for a merchant mariner credential is the recommended next step.
