November 28, 2008, is the federally-mandated enforcement deadline for anyone who needs unescorted access to N.C. State Ports Authority facilities to present a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). 

“For the past four months we have aggressively promoted TWIC enrollment and we have seen great success,” said Doug Campen, Ports Authority Director of Safety and Security. “We are ready to ensure compliance with the TWIC program on November 28 – on schedule.”

The federal mandate covers all Ports employees, longshoremen, tenants and their employees, truck drivers, delivery drivers, shipping agents and other customer representatives. Anyone who needs to drive through the gate at either Port must have both a Ports Authority ID/Access Card to swipe on the card readers and a TWIC card to show to the gate officers.

“The Ports Authority will be closed on November 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday so traffic at the Ports of Wilmington and Morehead City will be minimal,” Campen added.

The TSA has centers in Wilmington and Morehead City to process TWIC enrollments. Processing time is 60 to 90 days, and requires two visits to a TWIC center. The TWIC program was established in the Maritime Transportation Security Act and the Security and Accountability for Every Port Act to serve as an identification program for all U.S. mariners and other personnel requiring unescorted access on a port. The program operates enrollment centers nationwide.