According to the Transportation Security Administration, the TWIC card is issued to personnel who require unescorted access into a secure area of regulated facilities and vessels, and mariners with Coast Guard-issued credentials.
Identification Recognition
The TSA notes that some transportation security officers at check points do not recognizethe TWIC card as an accepted form of identification. TSA Administrator John S. Pistole ensures that TSA officers will receive the necessary training to recognize the TWIC as proper identification.
Marine Ports Not Air Ports
Under the Maritime Transportation Act of 2002, all individuals requesting unescorted access to enter a secured area must present a TWIC card. This clearance is valid for marine port entry. According to the TSA, Coast Guard-credentialed merchant mariners, port facility employees, longshore workers, truck drivers, and others requiring unescorted access to secure areas of maritime facilities and vessels regulated by MTSA are required to get a TWIC.
Security Clearance
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the TWIC is a congressionally mandated security program through which the DHS will conduct appropriate background investigations and issue biometric enabled and secure identification cards for individuals requiring unescorted access to U.S. port facilities. The TWIC program is designed to be implemented in maritime transportation systems, not airports. Therefore, the TWIC cannot be used as airport security clearance.