1) Why ID Cards?

Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited (HPUK) has introduced the RHIDES ID cards to meet the requirements of the International Ship & Port Facility Security Code, whereby all personnel entering a 'Restricted Area' should carry and display ID that can be checked by security staff.

2) Why biometric cards?

Cards with biometrics stored on the chip are already in use in ports outside the UK. They are unique to the individual, quick to use, allow automated checks at Self Service and can withstand bad weather and exposure to diesel fumes. At Felixstowe, it has been decided to use a handscan as the biometric data.

3) How does the system work?

On arrival at the Port, the driver places the card into a reader and their hand on a biometric scanner. If a valid card is presented, the Port's gate control system records the number against the container/s and allows the driver to enter the 'Restricted Area' of the Terminal.

4) When is the system being introduced to London Thamesport?

All drivers visiting London Thamesport must have a RHIDES card from 1st. June 2009.

More inofmration can be found on the home page of the RHIDES website at http://www.rhides.com/

5) How much will cards cost?

The Port of Felixstowe will not charge haulage companies or their drivers for the cards (although there will be a charge of £20 for lost/replacement cards).

6) Where can I obtain more information from?

User Manuals etc can be found on http://www.rhides.com/frmInformation.aspx

7) I'm sending drivers to Felixstowe or London Thamesport, what do I need to do?

If you own or run trucks you will need to 'Register' via the RHIDES website. This is different from subscribing for alerts.

Before you can apply for cards for your drivers, you will need to become a recognised company within the RHIDES system. To do this, you will need to complete a form, which can be downloaded at http://www.rhides.com/register

When we receive your registration, we will send you a letter confirming the 'Card Management System' website address, your 'User Name' and 'Password', a copy of the 'Terms and Conditions' and a 'User Guide'. This will allow you to log on to RHIDES itself and start registering drivers.

As soon as you have registered drivers you can send them down to the port to collect their Pass.

8) How will the cards be issued?

• Companies will need to register their details via the website at http://www.rhides.com/register.
• Logon details and User guides will be posted to the company
• The company can then log on and request cards for their drivers.
• The drivers will be able to go to the Pass Office at the Port where their ID will be checked and their biometric data (handscan) taken. A card will then be issued on the spot.
• This will take less than 5 minutes.

9) What are the Pass Office opening hours?

The Pass Office will be open between 07:00 and 18:00. Outside of these hours the Police Station, which is open 24 hrs and is in the same building, can issue cards.

10) How long will it take at the gates?

The whole ID check at the gates takes less than 5 seconds.

11) Is on-line access available?

Yes, haulage companies have access to a Card Management System which holds a list of their drivers issued with ID cards.

The website will assist with :

• Lost cards - haulage companies will be able to log on and report lost cards, which will be 'locked' and so cannot be used. If a card is locked, the haulage company will be informed by e-mail.
• Drivers joining and leaving - if a driver leaves the employment of a haulage company, the company must use the online facility to remove the driver from their list. Similarly, when a driver joins a haulage company, the company will need to add the driver's name to their list.

Remember:

• A driver can only be on one haulage company's list at a time.
• When a driver is removed, they become an "orphan" and will not be allowed onto the Port until another company "adopts" them.

12) How do I stop a driver using his card?

Drivers cards can be blocked by their haulage company or the Pass Office. This will prevent their use at the gates, and may be done if the driver loses a card or is banned from the Port for some reason. If the Pass Office puts a block on the driver, the haulage company will receive an e-mail confirming the details.

13) What if a driver loses or forgets his/her card?

Drivers can apply for a new card if they lose or damage their normal card. The driver will be charged £20 for the replacement card.

14) What about cards for "one off" drivers?

"One off" drivers will be able to get a One Trip Card. The first one will be free, any further One Trip cards will be charged at £20 (permanent cards are free).

15) Will cards need replacing?

Cards have a fixed lifespan of four years, after which they expire. When the expiry date approaches, the haulage company will be sent a reminder a few weeks beforehand.

16) Will different cards be needed for different ports?

The Port of Felixstowe is keen to avoid this situation, and as such has made contact with a number of other ports in the UK to share knowledge and discuss solutions to any possible compatibility issues. The card will not carry the HPUK branding and is therefore available for use at other ports if they decide to join.

17) How secure is the card?

The card is extremely secure, as it utilises a handscan unique to the individual. The card number is recorded against every container, making the individual driver directly accountable, thereby providing a powerful deterrent against theft.