WASHINGTON -- Anyone entering the secure area of a maritime port in the U.S. as of today (April 15) must now possess a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) or equal ID or be escorted by someone who does.

The TWIC is a biometric security credential required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. The card is issued by the Transportation Security Administration and enforced in the ports by the Coast Guard.

Drivers can pre-enroll for a TWIC online and schedule an appointment at an enrollment center to submit their fingerprints for the background check tied to the card. Cards take four to six weeks to process.

Canadian drivers with FAST cards do not have to undergo another security-background check, but must still obtain a TWIC card at a cost of $105.

The American Trucking Associations reports that at the association's urging, the Coast Guard has extended its Policy Advisory Council Decision 04-09, which allows a driver who holds a Hazardous Materials Endorsement or FAST card to enter secure port areas for 30 days after applying for a TWIC.

To take advantage of this alternate compliance, a driver must present his/her HME or FAST card, as well as proof of application for a TWIC.

Proof of application can be either the driver's TWIC application number (the number used to check the status of the TWIC card online) or a receipt from the enrollment center where the driver applied for a TWIC. This alternate compliance is available through May 29.