BTG:
Your post really brings out the ‘best’ in people. (especially company HR) Whether you need a TWIC or not is really up to the facility you are going to. If you are going into your companies facility, and they know you, and you are just going ONTO the vessel to work you don’t need it. BUT, if you are crew changing at some terminals they require it. If you are just coming and going by water ON your tug, then by definition you don’t need the TWIC.
Think about it: if your AC goes out and the Captain calls an AC tech, what are the chances they will have a TWIC? slim to none. But that doesn’t matter, since the AC tech is escorted to and from the vessel.
So a lot if this depends upon your circumstances. We are all required to have TWIC to have ‘unescorted access’ so we can do our jobs in secure facilities. But as we have all seen, most terminals have incorporated the need for a twic for even escorted access. This is NOT what a TWIC was envisioned for, or even truthfully needed. Unfortunately you are familiar with the term ‘shoveling shit against the tide’… well, that is what this is. If your company isn’t willing to help you, maybe you should look around.