Guidelines in the Accreditation of Civil Aviation Security Training Centers, Schools and Institutions

July 24, 2015

OTS MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 007-15

 

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 311 dated 26 April 2004; The National Civil Aviation Security Program (NCASP); OTS Transport Security Regulation No. 001-2006 dated October 23, 2006; and OTS Transport Security Regulation No. 012-2010 dated Jan 10, 2011 in compliance with the ICAO standard set forth on Chapter 3, paragraph 3.4.2 of Annex 17 — Safeguarding International Civil Aviation Against Unlawful Interference, requiring the appropriate authority in each Contracting State to ensure that persons implementing security controls possess all competencies required to perform their duties and are appropriately trained according to the requirements of the national civil aviation security program, the OTS adopts the following guidelines governing the accreditation of civil aviation security training centers, schools and institutions.

I. Purpose

To ensure that aviation security training centers, schools and institutions meet and maintain the minimum standards of quality and integrity of training in aviation security related courses based on the OTS National Prescribed Standards.

II. Scope

This Memorandum Circular (MC) applies to all aviation security training centers, schools and institutions which shall offer and conduct civil aviation security training for both security and non-security staff.

III. Definitions

Accreditation — a systematic process of officially approving/recognizing an aviation training center, school or institution to offer and conduct civil aviation security training courses, based on OTS prescribed standards.

Accreditation Board — the final evaluation panel, responsible for the review of all submitted accreditation requirements which undergone initial evaluation by the Transport Security Training Management Bureau (TSTMB).It shall be chaired by the Administrator, OTS or his duly appointed representative, with the Assistant Administrators of the Transport Security Oversight and Compliance Bureau (TSOCB),and Transport Security Policy & Program Bureau (TSPPB) as members.

Application — a formal request to the Office for Transportation Security from an applicant aviation training center, school or institution to undergo the accreditation process, supported with relevant documentary requirements. CAIHTE

Aviation Security (Avsec) Instructor — a person who has obtained a written confirmation or certificate from the OTS that he/she possesses the required competencies to conduct civil aviation security training.

Aviation Security Training Center/School/Institution — a designated and appropriate place where learning process, either theoretical or practical aspects of civil aviation security related courses are being offered and conducted.

Course — a series of instruction periods dealing with a particular aviation security training specialization.

Curriculum — the set of courses constituting specialization in civil aviation security.

Evaluation — an appraisal of the eligibility of the applicant aviation security training, center, school or institution for the issuance of an accreditation certificate to offer and conduct civil aviation security training courses, based on OTS prescribed standards.

Faculty Room — a part of an aviation security training center, school or institution enclosed by walls, floor and ceiling which is designed for use by the teaching and training staff.

Final Assessment and Evaluation — the analysis of trainings conducted by the accredited aviation security training centers, schools and institutions which aims to determine the quality of the civil aviation security training implementation based on the average passing percentage of the trainees for three (3) consecutive implementation of a specific aviation security training course.

Handouts — are training notes which serve as teaching aids in supporting classroom instruction.

Initial grant of accreditation — the first time an aviation security training center, school or institution is accredited by the OTS, which is valid for two (2) years.

Inspection — an official visit to the applicant aviation security training center, school or institution to examine carefully the veracity of the submitted documents and other information for the purpose of accreditation.

Module — an instructive unit which covers a single subject under the aviation security training course.

New grant of accreditation — a continuing status with the OTS after the aviation security training center, school or institution is reapplied, evaluated and, in effect, reaccredited with validity for another two (2) years.

Non-security staff — any staff granted access to security restricted areas, and any staff (i.e.,ground staff) employed by an airport entity, aircraft operator, handling agent, cargo agent, postal authority or air traffic control (ATC) provider having duties related to civil aviation operations and who could as such be involved in the implementation of security measures.

OTS Training Packages — the standard learning materials for aviation security training courses consisting of Program of Instruction (POI),lesson plan or Instructor's Guide (IG),and handouts.

Program of Instruction (POI) — a standardized syllabus prescribing the minimum curricular contents of a specific aviation security training course.

Reports — formal records of the results from the final assessment and evaluation on the implementation of aviation security training courses conducted by the accredited aviation security training centers, schools and institutions.

Review — a critical assessment on the recommendation of the Transport Security Training Management Bureau relative to its initial evaluation of the eligibility of the applicant aviation security training center, school and institution, as basis for final accreditation action or approval by the Accreditation Board.

Security staff — those persons responsible for the implementation of security measures on access control; surveillance and patrolling; aircraft security; in-flight security; screening of passengers and cabin baggage; screening of hold baggage, cargo and mail; screening of vehicles; procedures for catering and aircraft operator and airport supplies; conducting aviation security training; conducting quality control measures; and aviation security management.

Subject — an area of knowledge that is studied under an aviation security training module.

Survey — a formal visit to the applicant aviation security training center, school or institution to initially validate the submitted documents and other information for the purpose of accreditation.

System Testing — the monitoring and evaluation of the quality of the civil aviation security training implementation that is conducted by accredited aviation security training centers, schools and institutions in order to ensure that all persons who are directly or indirectly involved with aviation operations and the security of air transport are properly trained based on standardized curricular contents.

Training Assessor — a personnel assigned in the Transport Security Training Management Bureau, who is responsible for the final assessment and evaluation of trainings conducted by the accredited aviation security training centers, schools and institutions.

Training Center Organization — the minimum personnel complement of an aviation security training center, school or institution composed of the Training Director, Training Officer, Training Instructors and Training Staff. DETACa

Training Director — a holder of a postgraduate degree with at least two (2) years experience in civil aviation, and who has successfully completed an aviation security awareness course, with certificate issued by the OTS.

Training Equipment — the set of tools, articles, apparatus or implements needed by an aviation security training center, school or institution to ensure the attainment of the specified objectives of the aviation security training course.

Training Facilities — consist of the classroom, faculty room, library and administrative office which are necessary requirements for the conduct of aviation security training courses by an aviation security training center, school or institution.

Training Officer — a baccalaureate degree holder, with two (2) years experience in civil aviation, and who has successfully completed an aviation security awareness course, with certificate issued by the OTS.

Validity — the two (2) year period granted to an aviation security training center, school or institution that has been officially recognized and accredited to offer and conduct civil aviation security training courses, based on OTS prescribed standards.

IV. Policies

A. Each Contracting State shall ensure that the persons implementing security controls possess all competencies required to perform their duties and are appropriately trained according to the requirements of the national civil aviation security programme and that appropriate records are maintained up to date. Relevant standards of performance shall be established and initial and periodic assessments shall be introduced to maintain those standards.

B. OTS shall examine and audit the performance of transportation security personnel, equipment and facilities, and thereafter, establish on a continuing basis, performance standards for such personnel, equipment and facilities, including for the training of personnel.

C. OTS shall develop and implement a national aviation security training program and coordinate the development of and granting approval to aviation security training programs of individual agencies and organizations, consistent with the NCASP and its Appendix A entitled "National Training Program for Civil Aviation Security".

D. The OTS shall monitor training conducted by ICAO and other organizations to ensure that AVSEC training standards are maintained at the highest attainable level. All AVSEC training must be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the National Training Program for Civil Aviation Security.

E. Aviation Security Training Center (ASTC) and civil aviation security training institutions shall be accredited by OTS before offering and undertaking civil aviation security training.

V. Responsibilities

A. OTS

1. Responsible for the development, maintenance and implementation of the guidelines of the National Civil Aviation Security Training Program (NCASTP).

2. Collaborate with corresponding services and agencies of foreign states to exchange information and develop effective aviation security training programs.

3. Communicate regularly with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to be apprised of aviation security training needs, to determine the availability of ICAO training courses and materials, and to request technical assistance when necessary.

4. Establish training requirements for OTS staff, airports security staff, air carrier ground and flight personnel of private operators providing security services to civilian airports as well as the staff of other agencies engaged in security activities at civilian airports.

5. Standardize Training Packages for aviation security courses to meet the requirements of the National Civil Aviation Security Program. The standard training curriculum shall focus on the specific needs of persons directly or indirectly involved in the security of civil aviation.

6. Undertake the accreditation of aviation security training centers, schools or institutions as requirement prior to their offering and conduct of civil aviation security training.

7. Maintain records for each aviation security training center, school or institution granted with accreditation, including, but not limited, to the following:

a) individuals responsible for training by training center, school and institution;

b) individuals certified as aviation security instructors by training center, school and institution;

c) approved training courses by training center, school and institution; and

d) copies of approved curriculum materials.

8. Monitor and evaluate the training conducted by aviation security training centers, schools or institutions granted with accreditation to ensure that aviation security training standards are maintained at the highest attainable level. aDSIHc

B. Aviation Security Training Centers, Schools and Institutions

1. Those directly or indirectly involved with aviation operations and the security of air transport which intend to offer and conduct civil aviation security training must secure accreditation from the OTS in order to ensure that the training of both security and non-security staff shall produce suitably trained personnel who can apply a standardized level of security that will safeguard persons, aircraft, airport and air navigation facilities against acts of unlawful interference perpetrated on the ground or in flight.

2. Those granted with accreditation shall be responsible for the conduct of the aviation security training course to be handled by an aviation security instructor who is duly certified by the OTS. These aviation security training centers, schools and institutions must keep training records for all staff trained, with copies of the training records to be submitted to the OTS within one (1) month after the last day of the aviation security training course.

VI. Guidelines

A. Accreditation of Aviation Security Training Centers, Schools and Institutions

All aviation security training centers, schools and institutions applying for accreditation must undergo the following steps and comply with the documentary requirements:

1. Application requirements:

a) Formal application for accreditation addressed to the Administrator, OTS, and supported by the following relevant information:

i. name of aviation security training center, school or institution and profile, including mission, goals, organizational structure;

ii. list of personnel, and sketch of training center location as well as proof of building ownership or memorandum of agreement/lease contract for at least five (5) years;

iii. legally organized or with license to operate, in compliance with applicable national laws and regulations;

iv. list of OTS-certified aviation security instructors and training personnel with proof of qualifications;

v. list of training facilities and equipment;

vi. list of aviation security books and other aviation security reference materials; and

vii. Fire Safety certificate.

2. Training Center Organization

The Training Center shall be composed of the following personnel:

a) Training Director with the following qualifications:

i. holder of a postgraduate degree;

ii. must have at least successfully completed an aviation security awareness course, with certificate issued by the OTS; and

iii. must have at least two (2) years experience in civil aviation.

b) Training Officer with the following qualifications:

i. baccalaureate degree;

ii. must have successfully completed an aviation security awareness course, with certificate issued by the OTS; and

iii. must have two (2) years experience in civil aviation.

c) Training Instructor must be a certified Aviation Security Instructor, with certificate issued by the OTS.

i. An aviation security training center, school or institution must have at least three (3) full time instructors to be qualified for accreditation

d) Training Staff with the following qualifications:

i. with at least seventy-two (72) units in college; and

ii. must have successfully completed an aviation security awareness course, with certificate issued by the OTS.

3. Training Facilities and Equipment

The applicant training center, school and institution to be eligible for accreditation shall comply with the following requirements for training facilities and equipment: ETHIDa

a) classroom area of at least 7 meters wide and 9 meters long for 1:30 room-trainee ratio;

b) faculty room with sufficient space to accommodate the number of instructors;

c) library with relevant/updated reference materials;

d) administrative office;

e) audio-visual equipment; and

f) other necessary training tools such as handheld metal detectors, which will ensure the attainment of the specified objectives of the aviation security training course.

4. Program of Instruction (POI)

The POIs of the civil aviation training courses must be included in the request for accreditation of aviation security training centers, schools or institutions.

The POI summarizes the curricular contents of an aviation security training course which contains the course title and reference material; course description and duration; target participants and prerequisites; course objectives; and the organization and outline of module/subjects/topics. It shall include the lesson plans/Instructor's Guide (IG),handouts and sample test papers as described below:

a) A lesson plan or Instructor's Guide (IG) sets out the content and objectives of a single unit of instruction, and presents the title, subject and topic; learning unit objectives; reference material; introduction; subject material; teaching strategy; teaching aids; summary; tests; review and preview; study assignments, if any; and scheduling.

b) Handouts, commonly referred as training notes are indispensable teaching aids in supporting classroom instruction by supplying diagrams or pictures; setting out the main points of a lesson; abbreviating information to the most precise form; facilitating note-taking; properly balancing and sequencing subject matter; facilitating private study in the form of prescribed reading; and providing a permanent record for future reference and study.

The applicant training center, school and institution shall be considered eligible for the initial grant of accreditation if the aviation security training curriculum, instructional materials and references are in conformance with the OTS-prescribed standard materials for aviation security training courses.

5. Survey and Inspection

A formal survey visit or inspection to the applicant aviation security training center, school and institution shall be undertaken by the Transport Security Training Management Bureau (TSTMB) to validate the submitted documents and other information in consonance with the accreditation evaluation instrument.

6. Review and Evaluation

The TSTMB, after intensive evaluation of the eligibility of the applicant aviation security training center, school and institution shall make a recommendation to the Accreditation Board for possible accreditation action. The Board shall review all materials initially evaluated, as basis for the final accreditation action or approval.

The Accreditation Board is chaired by the Administrator, OTS or his duly appointed representative with the Assistant Administrators of the Transport Security Oversight & Compliance Bureau (TSOCB),Transport Security Policy & Program Bureau (TSPPB) and Transport Security Training Management Bureau (TSTMB) as members.

7. Issuance of Accreditation

The Administrator, OTS shall approve and issue the accreditation certificate to an aviation security training center, school or institution which has successfully passed the requirements, as recommended by the Accreditation Board.

8. Validity of Accreditation

a) Initial Accreditation

The initial grant of accreditation to an aviation security training center, school, and institution shall be valid for two (2) years, and must be renewed one-month prior to the expiry date.

b) Renewal of Accreditation

The renewal or application for a new grant of accreditation shall similarly adhere to the steps of the initial accreditation process, and shall be valid for two (2) years. This is to ensure that the aviation security training center, school and institution meets the required accreditation standards.

B. Monitoring and Evaluation of Accredited Aviation Security Training Centers, Schools and Institutions

1. Training System Testing

a) Monitoring and evaluation aims to promote and guarantee the quality of the civil aviation security training implementation that is conducted by accredited aviation security training centers, schools and institutions. This training system testing is necessary in order to ensure that all persons who are directly or indirectly involved with aviation operations and the security of air transport are properly trained based on standardized curricular contents. cSEDTC

b) The Transport Security Training Management Bureau (TSTMB) of the Office for Transportation Security shall undertake the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the civil aviation security training courses by accredited aviation security training centers, schools and institutions.

c) Monitoring of the implementation of the aviation security training courses shall be done through twice-yearly planned or random visits to the training facility in order to assess the effectiveness of training and identify training related deficiencies.

2. Final Assessment and Evaluation of Trainings

The final assessment and evaluation of trainings conducted by the accredited aviation security training centers, schools and institutions shall be undertaken by Training Assessors/Evaluators from the Transport Security Training Management Bureau, at the end of every training course.

a) The standards of evaluation shall consider the average passing percentage of the trainees for three (3) consecutive implementation of a specific aviation security training course, as described below:

i. The average passing percentage of trainees shall be computed based on the results of the final validation tests to be administered by the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) through the Transport Security Training Management Bureau (TSTMB).These final validation tests consist of the written, practical and/or oral examinations.

ii. Computation of the passing percentage in the final validation tests shall only involve the ratings of the examinees who took the tests for the first time.

iii. The reference for the computation of the average passing percentage of trainees shall be the minimum rating that is required to pass the pertinent aviation security training course.

iv. An accredited aviation security training center, school and institution with trainee passing percentage rate of seventy percent (70%) and above for three (3) consecutive trainings shall mean continuous authorization for the concerned institution to offer and conduct the aviation security training course.

v. For three (3) consecutive conduct of trainings, the accredited aviation security training center, school and institution that is found to have an average of below seventy percent (70%) passing percentage of trainees shall be issued cancellation or revocation of the official authorization for the concerned institution to offer and conduct the specified civil aviation security training course.

3. Reports

Reports on the implementation of aviation security training courses shall serve as bases for the retention and revocation of the official authorization for a training center, school and institution to offer and conduct civil aviation security training courses.

VII. Miscellaneous Provisions

A. Construction — The provisions herein shall be liberally construed in order to promote its aviation security objectives.

B. Reservation — Nothing herein shall be construed as precluding OTS, through its Administrator, from implementing/enforcing the provisions enunciated herein; and from prescribing other requirements to meet the constantly evolving challenges in civil aviation security.

C. Amendments — Nothing in this circular shall restrict the authority of OTS, through its Administrator, to modify, amend or repeal any provision of the circular through subsequent issuances.

D. Repeal — All orders, rules, regulations and issuances, or parts hereof, which are inconsistent with this Memorandum Circular are hereby accordingly repealed or modified. SDAaTC

E. Separability — If any provision or section of these rules is declared null and void by competent authority, the remaining provisions shall not be affected and shall remain in full force and effect.

F. Effectivity — This circular shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or newspaper of general circulation. A copy of this Circular shall be deposited with the University of the Philippines Law Center in compliance with Revised Administrative Code.

(SGD.) COMMO ROLAND S. RECOMONO AFP (Ret)Administrator