Introduction

This course is an ICAO Training Package (M-ITP), developed by ICAO and JAA Training Organisation (JAA TO), using the competency-based training methodology (Doc 9941).

The oversight of civilian air operator Search and Rescue (SAR) air operations is a complex task. As an area that is not specifically covered by existing ICAO standards, the onus is on the member state to develop a methodology to allow it to initially certify and thereafter continuously monitor the safety performance and compliance of the civilian SAR air operator. For example, in the European Union, the EU Basic Regulation (2018/1139) and its implementing rules do not apply to Search and Rescue operations, the aircraft, personnel and equipment involved therein. The goal of this course is to provice the knowledge, skills and attitudes to CAA Inspectors and staff responsible for oversight of state Search and Rescue (SAR) civilian air operations, to allow them to conduct effective oversight of SAR activities in their respective member states in response to their oversight obligations in accordance with ICAO Annexes 12 and 19 and ICAO Doc 9734, 9859, 9731, 9735.

Course Content

Five (5) modules distributed over five (5) consecutive days, including a group exercise and learning confirmation at the end of each module.

Module 1:

• Identify specific regulations and SARPS for an Air Operator SAR Approval 
• Apply ICAO terminology on Search and Rescue, in addition to international best practices currently used to regulate Search and Rescue Air Operations. 
• Determine a method to consider and generate safety requirements for civilian Search and Rescue Air Operations and options for effective risk mitigation for the conduct of such operations. 
• Choose an effective system against which to evaluate an applicant’s suitability. 
• Inform the applicant about the necessary requirements and certification process. 

Module 2:

• Develop a document review checklist.
• Assess the applicant’s documentation.
• Inform the applicant of the results of the assessment.
• Request corrective actions from the applicant.
• Accept the applicant’s documentation.

Module 3:

• Coordinate with relevant departments in the CAA to prepare inspection tasks
• Coordinate an inspection visit schedule with the applicant.
• Develop checklists for onsite inspections.
• Perform on-site inspection of the applicant’s capabilities and compliance
• Inform the applicant of the results of the on-site inspection.

Module 4:

• Verify the corrective action implementation by the applicant
• Determine any limitations or restrictions on the certificate
• Submit a recommendation to the Director General of the CAA
• Issue the certificate to the applicant on effectiveness in response to audit findings

Module 5:

• Develop an annual surveillance audit program and checklists
• Coordinate inspection activities with all applicable departments within the CAA
• Conduct on-site visits to verify the levels of compliance of the SAR AIR Operator
• Assess the effectiveness of the operator’s compliance monitoring and safety management systems
• Notify the DG of the CAA as applicable
• Renew the certificate and provide input into the following surveillance audit program based on risks revealed

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify the relevant requirements to establish a regulatory framework for the effective oversight of civilianSAR air operations.
• Apply the concepts and principles of Compliance Monitoring, Auditing Techniques and Oversight specific to a civil air operator in a SAR environment.
• Design an effective compliance monitoring or quality system specific to Search and Rescue at State and/or Organisational level.
• Identify the Management System elements required by a civilian SAR Air Operator to ensure they are managing risk to a level as low as reasonably practical.
• Conduct effective initial and continuous oversight of civilian Search and Rescue air operations.

Who should take this course

Primary Target Population

• CAA Search and Rescue Inspectors.
• Staff responsible for SAR Oversight of civil air operations.

Secondary Target Population

• Staff from SAR tasking agencies.
• Staff from Rescue Co-ordination Centres.
• Staff from Coastguards.
• Staff from ANSPs.
• Staff from Military Aviation Authorities.
• Staff from voluntary SAR organisations.
• Staff from commercial SAR organisations.

Pre-requisites

Potential participants to take this course must:

• have English Language Proficiency Level 4 or above.
• be educated to Secondary (High) school level. 
• be working as an aviation regulatory inspector of a National Civil Aviation Authority

Duration

5 Days: 09:00 – 17:00 hrs.