Port of Long Beach Tests Key Security Measure

PortWorld
December 3, 2010

John S. Pistole, Administrator of the US Transportation Security Administration, along with other federal officials visited the Port of Long Beach on Thursday, to oversee the testing of a key security measure for shipping facilities.

According to a Port of Long Beach press release, The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) programme is a "national identification system that requires transportation workers, including those in the maritime industry, to pass background checks before accessing port facilities."

All dock workers and drayage truck drivers are required to have these checks prior to performing their duties.

The Port of Long Beach is one of a few facilities selected by the TSA, which administers TWIC, to test a new electronic reader system for TWIC cards, according to the port

Pistole also met with other agencies responsible for the multi-layered protection of the Port including local police, fire, US Coast Guard and customs officials.

During a meeting at the Port’s Command and Control Centre, Pistole commended the partnership and cooperation he had witnessed during his visit.

The Port of Long Beach moves approximately $140 billion in cargo each year.

It is estimated that a shutdown of the complex would cost the US economy approximately $1 billion a day.

http://www.portworld.com/news/i98569/Port_of_Long_Beach_tests_key_security_measure