DHS sets rules for port ID cards

The Homeland Security Department on Wednesday issued a rule for credentials for seaport and maritime workers to undergo background checks and be credentialed before they are granted unescorted access to secure areas of vessels and facilities.

The much-anticipated rule defines the enrollment process, disqualifying crimes, usage procedures, fees and other requirements for workers, port owners and port operators. More than 750,000 employees, union workers, mariners and truckers will have to get credentialed, paying up to $159 each.

The credential will be a "smart card" containing a photograph and name of each worker, expiration date and serial number. An integrated circuit chip will store the holder's fingerprint template, a personal identification number and a unique identifier.

Enrollment will begin in March at a small number of ports and gradually be phased in at other ports.