SIW Blogs
Blogs about security from the editors and contributors of Security Dealer & Integrator, Security Technology Executive and SecurityInfoWatch on security trends, technology, loss prevention, new products and more.
Industry SurveillanceAuthor: Joel Griffin - (about)Date: Feb 27 2009 - 4:57pmIn another case of government regulation run amok, a story published on CNN.com this week discusses the case of mule skinners in a historic Pennsylvania park, who are being required to apply for Transportation Worker Identification Credentials.
Though the name sounds like a taxidermy term, mule skinners are people who drive mules. In this case, the mule skinners work at Hugh Moore Historical Park and guide a pair of mules that pull a boat down a two-mile long canal.
Despite the fact that the canal doesn't pass through any areas considered to be high-value targets for terrorists, the TSA, as is typical with most government agencies, has thus far failed to use common sense and grant the workers an exemption.
According to the story, when Rep. Charles Dent (R-Pennsylvania) tried to get the skinners a waiver, the TSA responded by saying, "We encourage the crew members... who possess Coast Guard mariner credentials to obtain a TWIC at their earliest convenience to comply with these requirements and not risk suspension or revocation of their other credentials."  Â
Dent is currently working with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to see if they can find a solution to the dilemma.
 -Joel
 Â
Post Comments
Commander, thanks for
Submitted by Geoff Kohl (not verified) on Sun, 03/01/2009 - 7:18pm.
Commander, thanks for clearing that up, and thanks for checking to make sure the mules haven't been participating in any un-American activities.
I seem to remember Francis -
Submitted by Curtis Baillie (not verified) on Tue, 03/03/2009 - 12:23pm.
I seem to remember Francis - The Talking Mule was very instrumental in stopping saboteurs at a nuclear plant. (Francis Goes to West Point - 1952). Proof that mules are very patriotic and not a threat to national security.
T.W.I.C.Cards
Submitted by Willism L.Crawford (not verified) on Sun, 03/22/2009 - 12:44pm.
Here in Honokohau Harbor Kailua,Kona Hawaii theres 220 Slips and 110 are Private and the other 110 are Commericial,Sportfishing Boats,Dive Boats,Whale Watch ect.The only People needing the TWIC Cards are the Licensed Captains with Million Dollar Insurance on "Documented Vessels"??Theres Sundry Stores,Gas Stations,Resuarants and Launch Ramps (5000 trailer boats use)with Flow Through Traffic and a Bare Boat Rental where anyone with $300.oo or a Credit Card can take a 20ft Boat anywhere they want(no questions asked).In Honokohau Harbor theres NO U.S.C.G.Presence and ALL the Rescues are done by the Charter Boats and have Saved Lives in the Past.200 Charter Boat Captains have there TWIC Cards but Don't know where to keep them?On the Boat or in there Truck?TWIC is just another TAX on an Industry already going Broke because of a Goverment Out of Control.Thank You Captain Bill Crawford "Chiripa Sportfishing"Kailua,Kona Hawaii 96740..........
Archives by date:
- 2010 (2)
- 2009 (10)
- 2008 (3)
Hi Joel, Readers of the CNN
Hi Joel,
Readers of the CNN story might incorrectly believe that the federal government believes mule drivers in the park are a threat to maritime security. Despite the humorous headline, Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC ) rules do not apply to the mule drivers, but do apply to licensed mariners .
The vessel, which operates along a navigable waterway, can carry up to 149 people and is required to be inspected by the Coast Guard and operated by a licensed mariner. Federal law and regulation (46 USC §70105) require that all mariners licensed or credentialed by the Coast Guard obtain a TWIC. Therefore, just like every other licensed mariner in the country (over 200,000), the single licensed mariner entrusted with the safety of these passengers is required to have a TWIC. Licensed mariners are required on vessels taking passengers for hire to ensure the safety of those passengers. A licensed mariner has been trained in vessel operation and emergency procedures and is deemed competent to keep passengers safe.
The number of mariners the park hires and how they manage the operation of the barge is their decision not a federal requirement. However, anyone who fills the position of the licensed mariner on the vessel must have a TWIC as a condition of maintaining the mariner's license.
Since they do not hold a license issued by the Coast Guard, Hank and George (the mules) are not required to obtain a TWIC and although their lack of a last name precludes us from checking various watch lists, we do not believe they are involved in terrorist activity.
Take care,
Cmdr. Ron LaBrec
Chief of Coast Guard Public Affairs
Disclaimer
This is an official United States Coast Guard posting for the public's information. Our posting does not endorse this site or anything on it, including links to other sites, and we disclaim responsibility and liability for the site and its content.