TSA offers guidance on HMEs and TWICs

From National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC). In response to the COVID-19 emergency, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is finalizing a draft exemption notice and accompanying memo that permits State licensing entities to grant a 120-day extension on a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) security threat assessment for drivers whose HMEs expired on March 1, 2020, or later within…

covid19-update

From National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC).

In response to the COVID-19 emergency, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is finalizing a draft exemption notice and accompanying memo that permits State licensing entities to grant a 120-day extension on a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) security threat assessment for drivers whose HMEs expired on March 1, 2020, or later within 120 days of the notice’s publication in the Federal Register. This proposed extension will allow drivers whose HMEs recently expired or will soon be expiring to continue to transport hazardous materials in light of access constraints to enrollment centers or State licensing entities because of COVID-19.

TSA also offered clarification on the use of expired TWIC cards. Current Federal regulations permit unescorted access to secure areas of maritime facilities or vessels with an expired TWIC under special circumstances.  If an individual cannot present a TWIC because it expired, and the individual previously has been granted unescorted access to secure areas with a TWIC, the individual may be granted unescorted access to secure areas by a facility or vessel for a period of no longer than 30 consecutive calendar days, see 33 CFR § 101.550 (a).  TSA is coordinating with USCG on a regular basis to determine if additional guidance may be needed to support transportation workers.  Updated information regarding USCG operations and procedures, including TWIC, may be found under “Featured Content” on the USCG Deputy Commandant for Operations website  and by monitoring Coast Guard Maritime Commons.

See the original release from NTTC online.

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