Senior Officers from the Borders and Coastguard Agency have recently qualified as Aviation Security Managers. The course is approved by the UK Department for Transport and is mandatory for UK security managers employed by organisations providing aviation security to airports and airlines who have direct managerial responsibilities for security personnel carrying out aviation security duties.

The course provides both background and specific knowledge of aviation security matters to enable officers to understand the aims and objectives of the aviation security organization and the threats to civil aviation and risks to its security. It also enables officers to be able to implement current security policies and procedures and to implement the National Aviation Security Programme effectively.

It targets the issues raised by the current security climate and heightened threat levels, taking into account the motivations and tactics which have been used recently and those which are possible for future attacks on aviation. Information and guidance is provided to enable students to appreciate and consider the wider security issues in order that they can fulfill their individual security roles.

The course is classroom-based but it also includes the use of group discussions, video footage and case studies as well as practical exercises, some of which incorporate hands-on training with inert explosive devices and their component parts.

 “The agency recognises the importance of training and development and of achieving professional qualifications for its officers. This course is part of an on- going plan to continue raising the professional standards and thus improving the service we provide to Gibraltar,” said Andrew Bonfante, the Chief Executive of the Borders and Coastguard Agency.