What measures are in place to protect small businesses, such as small passenger vessels?
• TSA and the Coast Guard worked with the Small Business Administration to minimize adverse financial and operational impacts on small businesses wherever possible. The rule includes provisions that allow MTSA -regulated passenger vessels (excluding cruise ships) to establish employee access areas for crewmembers that do not require unescorted access to secure areas such as the pilot house and engine room. Employee access areas are typically include locations where waiters, entertainers and galley staff work and live. This provision reduces the impact on employees who rarely need to use spaces beyond those designated for support of passengers, while maintaining the integrity of a vessel’s secure areas. (homeport.uscg.mil) The Small Entity Guide for Owners and Operators and a Small Entity Guide for Applicants provides useful information to small businesses and their personnel on the TWIC program.
