All persons permanently employed at the port, including ASPA staff, tenants and their employees, surveyors, agents, stevedores, longshoremen, chaplains, contract labor and persons requesting temporary access to the port, including delivery persons, vendors, contractors, and temporary workers must display, above the waist and outside of clothing, an ASPA issued photo ID badge or visitor badge at all times when accessing or working on port property, as required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 and 33 CFR Part 105.

Piers, wharves, warehouses, open cargo storage areas, loading and unloading areas, rail spurs and holding tracks, areas containing critical facility infrastructure and operations and administrative offices have been designated as secure/restricted access areas, and persons requesting access to these areas must present a completed application and submit to an Alabama state background investigation to obtain an ASPA Identification badge granting access as stated on the badge. A non-refundable fee of $25.00, payable in advance to cover the costs of the background check, training and processing, will be required to initiate the process.

In accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulation 33 CFR 101.514, as a precondition to receiving an ASPA credential, applicants must have applied for and received a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). A valid TWIC must be presented to ASPA credentials officers to initiate the application process. ASPA credentials officials will inspect each TWIC to ensure:

1. A match of the photo on the TWIC to the individual presenting the TWIC;
2. Verification that the TWIC has not expired and not on the Cancelled Card List; and
3. A visual check of the various security features present on the card is performed to ensure that the TWIC has not been forged or tampered with.

The following officials are not required to present a TWIC to gain access to ASPA facilities:

1. Federal officials are not required to obtain or possess a TWIC. Except in cases of emergencies or other exigent circumstances, in order to gain unescorted access to ASPA facilities, a federal official must present his/her agency issued official credential.
2. Law enforcement officials at the State or local level, in the normal performance of their duties, are not required to obtain or possess a TWIC to gain unescorted access to ASPA facilities, however such officials must present his/her agency issued credential.
3. Emergency responders at the State or local level are not required to obtain or possess a TWIC to gain unescorted access to ASPA facilities during an emergency situation, however such officials may be required to present his/her agency issued credential.
4. Operators of over-the-road cargo vehicles, who present a valid TWIC and a valid Commercial Driver’s License with a recognizable photograph, and who possess proper cargo documentation, will be granted unescorted access to port facilities, but must remain with their vehicles at all times while on port property..

Security awareness training is required for all persons requesting access to ASPA facilities in accordance with 33 CFR 105.215. To complete the required training, come to our ASPA Police Department Credential’s Office located just inside the main gate at the Port Authority. The training will be held on demand from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

We also have online training that is available for an additional fee paid to an outside vendor. You will need to register for the training at: https://alabama.port.training/. You will then need to register your company. Once you have completed the training and obtained a completion certificate, you can bring that to our badge office to receive your credential. Please contact our credential office if you have any questions at 251.441.7002.

Vehicle decals are $26.50 ($13.25 after July 1) and may also be purchased at the Credential’s Office. Applicants for vehicle decals must present a current driver’s license, current vehicle registration and current proof of insurance (in applicants name). Additionally, the vehicle must meet all mandatory requirements for vehicle equipment including window tinting. Payment for both the credential and vehicle decals may only be made by money order, business check or credit card (Discover, MasterCard or Visa). For additional information, please contact the Port Authority Police Department’s Credential’s Office at 251.441.7002.

Upon presentation of a valid TWIC, successful completion of required background check and security awareness training, appropriate ASPA credentials will be issued to applicants who can demonstrate a need to access secure/restricted areas for authorized operational or commercial purposes; to deliver supplies, bunkers or stores; or to provide necessary maintenance services for authorized cargo handling equipment and vessels at ASD berths. ASPA credentials will not be issued for the sole purpose of soliciting business from ASPA employees, tenants, vessels or members of their crews. Requests to visit with ship’s officers or crew by individuals who do not possess a TWIC and an ASPA ID should be referred to the Port Authority Police Department or designated access control facilities at the Authority’s McDuffie Coal Terminal or Middle Bay Port properties and such persons must be escorted side-by-side from a designated access point to the vessel and from the vessel to a designated access point by an approved TWIC escort.

The Authority reserves the right to deny granting a credential, or suspend, revoke or deny renewal of a credential previously granted, as follows:

1. Submittal by an applicant of false or misleading information to the Authority.
2. Failure to adhere to the policies, rules and regulations of the Authority or other applicable federal, state or local laws and regulations, including:
   • Any attempt to gain entrance to the Authority’s facilities, or secure/restricted areas within its facilities, through fraud or deception,
   • Any attempt to bypass established entry points,
   • Use or attempted use of a credential issued to anyone other than the person requesting access.
3. Submittal by a credential holder of false or misleading information or refusing to cooperate in a security-related investigation.
4. Conviction of a credential holder of any offense for which he or she would have initially been denied a credential in accordance with the policies of the Authority.
5. Failure to present a TWIC upon request or loss of TWIC privileges.

Persons who have been issued an ASPA identification badge must receive permission to enter ASPA facilities at an established access point. Such persons must come to a complete stop at the access point, present their credential to an ASPA gate guard and receive permission to enter ASPA facilities. Such permission may be given verbally or by hand signals, however persons requesting access may not proceed until permission to enter has been clearly granted.

Persons requesting access to port authority property, who have been issued an ASPA ID badge but do not have such badge in their possession, must receive permission to enter port property at the appropriate access point and apply for temporary access at the Port Authority Police Department. Temporary access privileges may be granted to such persons, upon presentation of a valid TWIC, granting access as allowed by the individual’s permanent ASPA credential. Unescorted access will not be granted to persons who do not have a valid TWIC in their possession.

Persons requesting access to port authority property, who have been issued an ASPA ID badge but do not have such badge in their possession, must receive permission to enter port property at the appropriate access point and apply for temporary access at the Port Authority Police Department. Temporary access privileges may be granted to such persons, upon presentation of a valid TWIC, granting access as allowed by the individual’s permanent ASPA credential. Unescorted access will not be granted to persons who do not have a valid TWIC in their possession.

Persons requesting temporary access to ASPA facilities, who do not have permanent ASPA credentials, must receive permission to enter port property at the appropriate access point and make the request in person at the Port Authority Police Department. Temporary access privileges may be granted to such persons, upon presentation of a valid TWIC or photo ID issued by a city, state or federal agency. The purpose of the visit and intended destination must be verified by Port Police and the ID will be retained by Port Police until the visitor signs out and departs, however, persons who do not possess a TWIC must be escorted side-by side for the duration of their visit by an approved TWIC escort.

In order to minimize disruptions to maritime operations and commerce within the ASPA facilities, the ASPA may authorize unescorted access to an individual who has reported their TWIC to TSA as lost, damaged, or stolen for up to thirty (30) calendar days pending receipt of a replacement TWIC provided the following:

1. The individual provides proof that a replacement TWIC has been ordered (a payment receipt (for $60.00) acceptable as proof); and
2. Provide the FSO, or other designated employee with security duties, the individual’s full name, Date of Birth, contact numbers and application I.D. (if known). This information can then be used by the facility to confirm that the individual has previously held a valid TWIC and has ordered a replacement by using the card status check feature on TSA’s website located at: https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/workflows?workflow=service-status.

Each person requesting access to the port is advised that entering the facility is deemed valid consent to screening or search, and that failure to consent to screening or search will result in denial or revocation of authorization to enter the port. Such persons are further advised that the possession of firearms or explosives on their person, or in vehicles, is prohibited, and that written permission must be obtained from the Port Authority Police Department prior to photographing any person, facility, activity or transportation conveyance on port property.

Steamships, their owners or agents, must file berth applications with the Port Authority, and must submit a Passenger/Crew List to the Port Authority Police Department, with a copy to the Operations Manager of the Division with which the berth application was filed (GCI, Bulk or MMBP), 24 hours in advance of the expected arrival of the vessel. Berth assignments will not be confirmed until the Passenger/Crew List has been received.

Crew members who wish to disembark from the vessel, while at berth, must have in their possession, at all times, a valid Crewman’s Landing Permit issued by an officer of the U.S. Immigration Service and either a seaman’s book (or copy), a passport (or copy) or a laminated personal identification credential containing the individual’s full name and recognizable photograph issued by a government authority or maritime employer. Crew members that do not possess a TWIC and an ASPA ID must be escorted side-by-side from the vessel to a designated access point or from a designated access point to the vessel by a Access to the port will be denied to crewmembers who do not have required credentials in their possession, or whose name does not appear on the Passenger/Crew List.

TWIC escort requirements do not apply to mariners working immediately adjacent to the vessels they are employed aboard while in the conduct of normal operations in support of the vessel (e.g. attach shore ties, perform maintenance, read load lines, load stores, etc.). Such mariners will be permitted limited access to the area immediately adjacent to their vessels without escort.

NOTE: Approved TWIC escort means an individual holding a valid TWIC who has been sponsored by their authorized employer and approved by ASPA to escort non-TWIC holders on ASPA premises. The person providing the escort must meet the training requirements of 33 CFR 105.215 and the sponsoring employer must agree to accept all responsibilities for meeting the requirements of TWIC related to secure/restricted access areas and agree to accept any liability imposed for failure to fulfill those responsibilities.

Escorting means ensuring that the escorted individual is continuously accompanied while within ASPA facilities in a manner sufficient to observe whether the escorted individual is engaged in activities other than those for which escorted access was granted.

PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING CREDENTIALS:

All persons seeking unescorted access to ASPA port facilities must obtain an ASPA issued photo ID badge to gain such access. Applicants for ASPA credentials must have a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) in their possession in order to apply for an ASPA ID or renew an existing ID. Information about the Transportation Workers Identification Credential is available online at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic or by calling 1-855-347-8371. There are two TWIC enrollment centers in Mobile: IdentoGO at 2054 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36606-1929 and the other is located at 3761 Government Blvd, Suite E1, Mobile, AL 36693-4313.

Employers who wish to request ASPA credentials for their employees must submit the following information on a company letterhead: 1) The purpose for entering the port and the locations for which access is requested, 2) The name, social security number, date of birth, driver’s license number and race of persons applying for credentials. Fax this information to ASPA CREDENTIALS REQUEST at (251) 4417662 or email to policebadge@alports.com.

Persons who have been convicted of, pled guilty to (including ‘no contest’), or found not guilty by reason of insanity to a felony involving violence, theft or drug related crimes within one (1) year of the date of the application; OR were released from prison after conviction within one (1) years of the date of the application will not be eligible to receive an ASPA identification badge or vehicle decal.

Security awareness training is required for all persons requesting access to ASPA facilities in accordance with 33 CFR 105.215. To complete the required training, come to our ASPA Police Department Credential’s Office located just inside the main gate at the Port Authority. The training will be held on demand from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Spanish language classes can also be held at the Port Credential’s office.

We also have online training that is available for an additional fee paid to an outside vendor. You will need to register for the training at: https://alabama.port.training/. You will then need to register your company. Once you have completed the training and obtained a completion certificate, you can bring that to our badge office to receive your credential. Please contact our credential office if you have any questions at (251) 441-7002.

The cost of the ASPA ID badge, background check and security class is $25.00. All fees must be paid at the Credential’s Office before a credential will be issued. Vehicle decals are $25.00 ($12.50 after July 1) and may also be purchased at the Credential’s Office. Applicants for vehicle decals must present a current driver’s license, current vehicle registration and current proof of insurance (in applicants name). Additionally, the vehicle must meet all mandatory requirements for vehicle equipment including window tinting. Payment may only be made by money order, business check or credit card (Discover, MasterCard or Visa). For additional information, please contact the Port Authority Police Department’s Credential’s Office at (251) 441-7002.

REVISED:  JAN 2022

All trucks accessing the Port of Mobile must do so at Truck Control.

At the initial point of entry trucks must present paperwork for entry, where it is then confirmed and processed. Once processed and approved the truck and driver are then given clearance to access the main docks.

If you have any questions please email truckcontrol@alports.com or call 251-441-7267

All truck drivers entering the ASPA restricted facilities must possess a valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC). Any truck, whose driver does not have a TWIC, that truck and driver must be escorted by a licensed Truck Escort Company to enter the port’s restricted facilities. ASPA does not provide escorts for cargo trucks. Your receiving stevedore is authorized to provide truck escort services. Also, the following Truck Escort Companies have been authorized by ASPA to provide Truck Escort Services at such rates as they may impose for their service:

• Barton Consulting, LLC: 251.378.5540
• McCarron Services, LLC: 251.406.2335
• MO-Bay Shipping Services, Inc.: 251.433.1621
• Performance Personnel: 251.405.0067
• US Maritime Security: 251.459.1578
• I Cover U Logistics:  251.508.6807
• Home20, LLC: 251.533.1234
• Spirit Lead Escorts: 251.644.4372
• Mobile Site Collections: 251.513.4149

A Truck Escort Pass is issued at ASPA Truck Control for all arriving cargo trucks that do not have TWICs. General cargo trucks will proceed directly to the Main Gate with their escort and continue on to the destination designated by the receiving stevedore.

Freezer trucks will proceed without an escort to the holding area at the south side of the Hope Overpass, where they will be met by an escort and continue to the Main Gate and on to the freezer facility.

At the completion of loading/unloading, the escort will escort the cargo truck back to the Main Gate and complete the releasing paperwork.

U.S. Coast Guard regulations require that escorting must be accomplished by side-by-side accompaniment and requires continuous visual contact by the escorting individual for the duration of your visit.

You will receive a copy of the Truck Escort Pass when you depart the ASPA Main Gate and you should check to be sure information shown on the Truck Escort Pass is accurate.

Operators of over-the-road cargo vehicles, who present a valid TWIC and a valid Commercial Driver’s License with a recognizable photograph, and who posses proper cargo documentation, will be granted unescorted access to Port facilities, but must remain with their vehicles at all times while on Port property.

You may obtain information about the Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) online at www.tsa.gov/twic or by calling 1-855-347-8371.

If you experience a problem with the ASPA escort procedures you may contact ASPA Port Police at 251.441.7777 or at 251.441.7200 for general information.

In accordance with 33 CFR 101.514, all persons requiring unescorted access to restricted access areas of Alabama State Port Authority (ASPA or “the Authority”) facilities must possess a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). A TWIC must be obtained via the procedures established by TSA in 49 CFR Part 1572. 

Persons seeking access to ASPA facilities who do not possess a TWIC may only enter ASPA facilities with an ASPA approved TWIC escort as a side-by-side companion. Each approved TWIC escort will be allowed to escort a maximum of five (5) individuals at any one time. 

Persons who are granted escort privileges must possess a valid TWIC and a valid ASPA escorting credential and must be sponsored by their employers to serve as TWIC escorts within ASPA restricted access areas. Such persons must be direct full-time employees of the employer submitting the nomination and may not be nominated by more than one employer. 

The employer must submit the application for escort privileges on electronic forms supplied by the Authority and the sponsoring employer must agree to accept all responsibilities for sponsored employees meeting the requirements of TWIC related to restricted access areas and agree to accept any fine or liability imposed upon ASPA by the U.S. Coast Guard, or other federal entities, for failure of such employees to fulfill those responsibilities. 

TWIC escorting privileges are granted at the sole discretion of the Authority, for a period determined by and at the sole discretion of the Authority, and the Authority reserves the right to deny granting escorting privileges or to suspend, revoke or deny renewal of escorting privileges previously granted, as follows: 

1. Submittal by an employer or nominated applicant of false or misleading information 

2. Failure to adhere to the policies, rules and regulations of the Authority or other applicable federal, state or local laws and regulations, including, but not limited to

•  Any attempt to gain entrance to the Authority’s facilities, or restricted areas within its facilities, through fraud or deception 
• Any attempt to bypass established entry points 
• Use or attempted use of a credential issued to anyone other than the approved TWIC escort, or loaning of an approved TWIC escort credential to another person 
• Failure to perform escorting duties in the manner prescribed in this policy 

3. Submittal by an approved TWIC escort of false or misleading information or refusing to cooperate in a security-related investigation 

4. Conviction of an approved TWIC escort of any offense for which he or she would have initially been denied approval in accordance with the policies of the Authority 

5. Failure to present a TWIC upon request or loss of TWIC privileges, or 

6. An employer no longer meets the criteria under which its eligibility was initially established or an approved TWIC escort leaves the employment of the company for which escorting privileges were approved. 

The following employers are eligible to sponsor their direct full-time employees and apply for TWIC escorting privileges for such employees: 

• Tenants leasing land, buildings or office space within ASPA restricted access areas; 
• Steamship agents who are licensed by ASPA; 
• Companies who are licensed by ASPA to provide transportation services for such ASPA licensed steamship agents or tenants; 
• Class I railroads who provide direct service to ASPA facilities; 
• Companies who have been licensed by ASPA to provide guard services; 
• Regulated public utilities providing services to the Authority or tenants leasing land or buildings within the boundaries of ASPA restricted access areas; 
• ASPA employees designated by the Authority, and 
• ASPA police officers as described in ASPA GCI tariff item number 203. 
• Other companies as determined by the Facility Security Officer 

No person may act as an escort until such person has been approved by ASPA and has met the training requirements listed in 33 CFR 105.215, (Security training for all other facility personnel). Specifically, escorts must have knowledge of ASPA escorting procedures, and the procedures and contingency plans determined by the Authority if an escorted individual is engaged in activities other than those for which escorted access was granted. 

Approved TWIC escorts may escort a maximum of five (5) persons who do not possess required ASPA credentials and must receive permission to enter port property at the appropriate access point and apply for visitor’s access credentials for escorted persons at the Port Authority Police Department or at designated access control facilities at the Authority’s McDuffie Coal Terminal or Middle Bay Port property. Such escorted persons must be logged into the custody of the approved TWIC escort by port security officers upon arrival and logged out by port security officers upon departure from restricted access areas. 

Approved TWIC escorts must possess a working cellular telephone while engaged in escorting duties in restricted access areas and must immediately report loss of side-by-side contact with escorted individuals, or any suspicious activity engaged in by such escorted individuals, to ASPA port police officers at 251-441-7777. Hand-off of escorted persons to a second TWIC escort is not permitted. The approved TWIC escort will not be relieved of custody and responsibility for escorted persons until such persons have been properly released from his or her custody by port police officers. 

Vehicles used to escort non-TWIC holder driven vehicles must have appropriate TWIC Escort magnetic placards affixed to the driver and passenger side doors of the vehicle. Placards must be 12” X 24” with 

the company name and “TWIC Escort Vehicle” in red letters on a white background. Vehicles that do not have the required signage may not be used for escorting. 

Written requests for exceptions to the size and placement of placards may be granted on a case-by-case basis for vehicles that cannot meet the standard requirements. Those requests should be addressed to the Facility Security Officer. 

Vessels that have an Approved Security Plan – The TWIC escort must transfer responsibility for the escorted person to the custody of the ship’s Vessel Security Officer (VSO) or his/her alternate using the Transfer of Visitor Custody Form, which must be signed by the VSO and returned to ASPA security officers at the access point through which entrance was gained by the visitor and TWIC escort. 

Persons who have been transferred into the custody of a VSO may only depart the vessel and transit ASPA facilities in the custody of an ASPA approved TWIC escort who must log the visitor out at a designated ASPA access point. 

Barges and Vessels that do not have a Coast Guard Approved Security Plan – The TWIC escort must remain with the escorted person as a side-by-side companion for the duration of the visit. Hand-off of escorted persons to crew members of such vessels or a second TWIC escort is not permitted except as noted below: 

• If the visitor remains on such vessel more than eight (8) hours, the TWIC Escort may transfer custody of the visitor to another ASPA approved TWIC escort by returning to the access point through which entrance was gained by the visitor and the TWIC escort and logging the visitor into the custody of another ASPA approved TWIC escort 

Crew members that do not possess a TWIC and an ASPA ID, who wish to disembark from the vessel while at berth, must be escorted side-by-side from the vessel to a designated access point or from a designated access point to the vessel by an approved TWIC escort. 

The TWIC escort requirements do not apply to mariners working immediately adjacent to the vessels they are employed aboard while in the conduct of normal operations in support of the vessel (e.g. attach shore ties, perform maintenance, read load lines, load stores, etc.). Such mariners will be permitted limited access to the area immediately adjacent to their vessels without escort. 

The following definitions explain terms used in this policy: Possess means to have physical custody of a credential and to present the credential for inspection when seeking access to restricted access areas. Restricted access area means any area located within the boundaries of ASPA regulated facilities which the Authority has designated as a restricted area and has posted signage identifying such areas as restricted areas. Authorized access point or designated access control facility means a designated entrance/exit location, manned by ASPA police officers or contract guards, through which access to ASPA facilities is normally gained. 

Approved TWIC escort means an individual holding a valid TWIC and a valid ASPA escorting credential who has been approved by ASPA to escort non-TWIC holders on ASPA premises. Escorting means ensuring that the escorted individual is continuously accompanied while within ASPA facilities in a manner sufficient to observe whether the escorted individual is engaged in activities other than those for which escorted access was granted. 

Revised: 20220202 

In accordance with 33 CFR 101.514, all persons requiring unescorted access to restricted Alabama State Port Authority (ASPA or “the Authority”) facilities must possess a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) before such access is granted. Persons seeking access to ASPA facilities who do not physically possess a TWIC may only enter ASPA facilities with an ASPA approved TWIC escort as a side-by-side companion. Each designated TWIC escort will be allowed to escort a maximum of five (5) individuals at any one time.

The sponsoring employer making the nomination for TWIC escorts shall submit the application at least (7) days prior to assignment as a TWIC escort. Application shall include a full-size color copy of the TWIC of the nominated employee and certification of training as per 33 CFR 105.215. In addition, the sponsoring employer must certify that the nominated TWIC escort is a full time employee of the company.

In requesting application for TWIC escorts, the sponsoring company assumes all responsibility for each nominated employee to meet the mandated TWIC escorting requirements relating to restricted area access and agrees to assume any liability imposed by competent Federal authorities for failure of such nominated employee to discharge all responsibilities in accordance with all federal law and policy.