TWIC Anyone?

[Sparky1]

Man, what a load of crap! Hyperfishing was kind enough to supply me with a link to the TSA site, and I went ahead and set up an account and pre-enrolled.

Looks like the next step is to schedule an appointment, whatever the heck that means. The closest center for this is in Chattanooga which is over 90 miles away. I guess I'll wait and schedule an appointment to coincide with when I'll be in Chattanooga for the Captain's school.

This should be interesting to say the least. It still appears to me that getting a TWIT card is putting the cart before the horse where my Captain's license is concerned, and to that effect, I had to specify, "other", when asked to choose a category I fit into.

Anybody care to explain what I'm getting into here?

 

[captddis]

You get to go to an office and fill out a couple forms in different ink ,pay the money and get fingerprinted again, get a pic taken, then you have to go back to pick up the card in person and you will wait to have your prints checked again. Then you have TSA credentials like the nice people at the airport, of course you still have to wait in line at the airport. You will have a useless laminated card to carry around and be 132.50 lighter. Do you feel safe now?

 

[Sparky1]

Well hell, now that you've explained it, I feel much better.

Good thing they require this of licensed Captains, otherwise, some non-licensed redneck might fill his one-engined 58 Hatt full of fertilizer and blow up a dam someplace.

 

[hyperfishing]

Probably best to change "other" to Boat owner, marine business owner, mariner or something maritime related. Otherwise, you may find yourself at the end of the processing line. Make sure you have all your documents Passport, etc. when you show up, otherwise they will send you away.

USCG will not issue a license or a MMC, without the person showing that they hold a TWIC card. Simple forms to get a MMC, make sure you do this at the same time as as getting the license.

Hey,it only took me 5 visits to get my TWIC card, and nearly one year to get one that works. Reports on here seem to indicate that the process is much smoother now. Good luck! <gg>

http://gcaptain.com/ is a great source of info from professional mariners.

 

[Sparky1]

"Other" was the only real choice for me as it asked the name of my employer and my position there. The choices were merchant marine, crew, and a couple of truck driving options.

I can always show them my TN boat dealer's certificate to provide a link to something marine-related, but I guess I'll have my Captain's license by the time all that is said and done. It would be silly to schedule an appointment at a time other than when I'll be down in Chattanooga taking that course.

 

[hyperfishing]

Great, from what is out there on the web, I would strongly advise changing your occupation to "Boat Dealer, marine business", when doing your friendly initial visit to the TWIC enrollment center. That may speed things up for your TWIC.

Getting your captains papers (after passing) cannot proceed without the TWIC, and it will likely take several weeks to get passing certificates from the class anyway. That is just the start of a bunch of other things previously mentioned, that takes a while to organize, prior to formally submitting a stack of papers to the USCG for the license.

 

[Deckhand]

If memory serves me correctly
Cash, Cashiers check, Money order.
No Personal Check or Credit Card

 

[Sparky1]

Great, from what is out there on the web, I would strongly advise changing your occupation to "Boat Dealer, marine business", when doing your friendly initial visit to the TWIC enrollment center. That may speed things up for your TWIC.

Getting your captains papers (after passing) cannot proceed without the TWIC, and it will likely take several weeks to get passing certificates from the class anyway. That is just the start of a bunch of other things previously mentioned, that takes a while to organize, prior to formally submitting a stack of papers to the USCG for the license.

Once I get an appointment, I'm sure I can explain what, "other", means and let them know about the dealer's license. That license is under my safe company's name, as per the suggestion of the TN Dept. of Revenue, so it might sound a little goofy to them.

I'll just let them know I'm in the process of getting my captain's license in addition to already having a boat dealer's license. If that doesn't get things going, I don't know what would. I don't suppose I'm in any particular rush to get all this done, but once I've passed the test, it would be nice to see the license.

 

[hyperfishing]

Yep.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Well hell, now that you've explained it, I feel much better.

Good thing they require this of licensed Captains, otherwise, some non-licensed redneck might fill his one-engined 58 Hatt full of fertilizer and blow up a dam someplace.

Be careful even joking about something like that or you may find yourself doing alot of 'splainin' to some guys in uniform while you sit in a locked room.

 

[Sparky1]

Be careful even joking about something like that or you may find yourself doing alot of 'splainin' to some guys in uniform while you sit in a locked room.

I don't think the folks at Homeboy Security are quite that bad. It just seems to me this TWIC thing is to safety what gun control laws are to crime prevention. It sounds good in theory, but in reality it's a joke.

If someone is out to do harm, they're not going to sign up for such things and reveal all their personal information as to become part of some database. It somehow gets lost in DC that only law abiding citizens obey laws and follow the rules.

 

[Sparky1]

Thanks Mark, but it's my understanding you can't get your license without a TWIC card. Sounds backward to me, but that's what I've been told.

 

[Sparky1]

One question I've been meaning to ask regarding the letters of recommendation. Is is better to have those from other licensed captains you've only known for a few years of from those you've known for much longer periods who are not licensed?

Most of my long-time, boater friends are not licensed captains. Is this more to attest the character of the applicant or something that would relate to their boating skills/experience?

 

[Sparky1]

Thanks again Mark.

 

[Sparky1]

That link was very helpful in that it states those who pre-enroll for a TWIC should specify, "merchant mariner", at least until they offer more choices. I guess I should change mine after all since the official site says to do that.

 

[Sparky1]

BTW thanx for posting the many nice pics of BANDIT from the rendezvous!!!

My pleasure. Hopefully I'll see you again next year.

 

[Sparky1]

OK, I went back in and modified my employer information to show, "self", as opposed to the name of my safe company. I'm a sole proprietor, so that should be fine. I then indicated, "Merchant Mariners", as per the previous link. I guess it's now just a matter of setting up an appointment, but I won't do that until everything is confirmed with the course in Chattanooga.

They mention on the site that they are in the process of changing/adding locations, so maybe I'll get lucky and they'll set up an office in Knoxville.

 

[Sparky1]

Sure, why not? Maybe I'll hand deliver my next tax return as well.

 

[nyrussell]

Randy,

I did exactly what Mark said and it went without a hitch (except for a bag lady hitting me when i said something about a bird and tennis racket) LOL they even remembered me because of it. As for process sit, talk, fingerprint, talk, picture, leave.... for the most part, they will even help you make sure the paperwork is correct ( I missed something LOL)

No Worries man, just make the bloody appointment after the class and test etc...

Noel

Oh yes, i wanna drive a 58 but can't drive 55 LOL

 

[hyperfishing]

Captain Mark Giovanniello

Sorry, you must now have a TWIC, or no license will be issued, or renewed for that matter.

Good advice to the bird about people with excellent reputations for references though, local doctor friend etc.