More Success!
I’ve received both my duplicates of Identification credentials!
Via emails, I’ve been in touch with both the Coast Guard and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) who oversee the background checks and issuance for both the Merchant Mariner Document (MMD or Z-Card as we Merchant Mariners refer to) and Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC Card). In one instance, I received an email from TSA recently asking for proof of citizenship before they could finalize the processing. Confused by the inquiry, I offered my passport in response and quickly the application was approved.
I am amazed as to the government’s inability to track standard information such as citizenship through a routine background check as they surely know my Social Security number, I’m certain. Isn’t this critical information provided with every file that the Social Security Administration’s has on us?
Regardless, I had to drive back to the place where I applied in order to pick up the credit card sized identification credential. The two hour drive wasn’t at all bad, as the roads led me around the picturesque sights of the Saint Clair River with distant freighters steaming past towards Marine City, Michigan, a quaint river town in between Saint Clair and Algonac.
I made a call into Crowley on Friday and left a voice message with Jackie, the coordinator there. She’s really been helpful, not only by helping place me with this ship back in March, but assisting with steps required to establish continued employment on board the Chemical Explorer!
The next step is for a Physical by my doctor as this is a yearly requirement and then one more document I am waiting patiently..my Benzene Card stating I am free of this nasty toxicity in my blood stream. After these next few tasks, I should be given the green light to work!
By the way,we had a vicious storm roll through last night over this Eastern Michigan region. You could feel the winds shift from the West to the Northwestand increase in velocity and the skies darkened and was accompanied by bolts of lightning and rumbles of thunder just as our group of fellow cottage residents gathered at the family cottage. Within an hour,we were all chased inside by the closeness of the electrical storm and deluge as each group hurried back into the safety of their homes, but had a enjoyable time, nonetheless with folks. The rain was welcomed as the lawns were turning to shades of browns and grays from lack of precipitation. The rain lasted for almost three hours but now the skies are partly cloudy and the sun peeking through.
Have a great end to a wonderful weekend, and also enjoy the Finale of the Summer Olympics as I will hopefully be watching the closing ceremonies tonight.
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