Policies and Guidelines in the Application for Interim Certification of Persons Carrying out Screening Operations

January 9, 2019

DOTr-OTS MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2019-01

 

Pursuant to E.O. No. 277; E.O. No. 311; Standards 3.4.2 and 3.4.3 in ICAO Annex 17; and in compliance with the National Civil Aviation Security Program (NCASP) hereby promulgated are policies and guidelines for application for interim certification of persons carrying out screening operations.

I. RATIONALE

To ensure that persons carrying out screening operations possess all competencies, and are certified according to the requirements of the NCASP.

II. SCOPE AND APPLICATION

This circular covers all persons, entities or organizations carrying out screening operations for cabin, hold baggage, goods and cargo.

III. SUPPLEMENTAL DEFINITIONS

Agent — any person, company or organization engaged either directly or indirectly, whether by contractual agreement or otherwise, to carry out the duties on behalf of an airport and aircraft operator.

Aircraft Operator — a person, organization or enterprise engaged in or offering to engage in regular public transport or charter aircraft operations. Within the context of this circular "aircraft operator" shall mean the operator of any aircraft engaged in commercial air transport operations and any entity conducting general aviation operations, including corporate aviation operations, using aircraft with a maximum take-off mass greater than 5.700 kgs. CAIHTE

Airport Operator — is an airport organizational entity responsible for the operational management and coordination of airport operations, including management of airport security. Also referred to as airport management.

Background Check — check of a person's identity and criminal history through examination of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) records every time employees are required to renew their airport security identification permits and shall be conducted once a year. In addition, persons implementing security controls shall undergo neighborhood check and verification every 5 years to ensure that they are not member of terrorist organization.

Certification — a formal evaluation and confirmation by the OTS of a person's competency to perform assigned functions to an acceptable level, as defined by the OTS.

Interim Certification — a certification issued by OTS to experienced aviation security screeners who did not undergo regular process of certification but possess the competencies and qualifications.

Persons Carrying out Screening Operations (Security Screeners) — those that are responsible for screening of persons, cabin, goods, hold baggage and cargo.

Practical Exam — a test conducted to determine competencies on the following:

A. the ability of security screeners to operate the security equipment used on site and their understanding of related safety issues;

B. the features of X-ray systems in operation and the meaning of the use of colors, where applicable;

C. the screening and manual search of persons and baggage and the ability to use the correct procedures; and

D. the rules of conduct for dealing with passengers and critical situations.

IV. POLICIES

A. Each organization employing security screeners is responsible for ensuring that said screeners are duly certified according to the provisions of this circular. DETACa

B. Experienced aviation security screeners do not need to comply with and undergo regular certification requirements and processes; but shall be issued interim certification valid for one (1) year upon compliance with the requirements set forth in this MC. Thereafter, said screeners shall comply with regular re-certification process in accordance with the NCASTP.

C. Training courses leading to interim certification shall include all aspects of screening, and applicant should be specifically trained for each and every function they will perform, such as screening and searching of persons and goods; cabin baggage screening; hold baggage screening; and cargo screening.

V. RESPONSIBILITIES

A. OTS shall:

1. Conduct practical examination as a prerequisite to the issuance of interim certification.

2. Issue interim certification to qualified aviation security screeners in accordance with the procedure of this MC.

3. Exercise oversight function over all training and certification-related matters.

B. Airport Operator, Aircraft Operators and Agents Employing Security Screeners shall:

1. Ensure that the security screeners deployed to conduct screening operation at the airport are duly certified by OTS.

2. Ensure that security guards who are performing screening operations have fully complied with the licensure requirements of the Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agency (SOSIA).

3. Ensure that personnel conducting screening operations have been subjected to enhanced background check such as neighborhood check and NICA check.

VI. PROCEDURES/GUIDELINES

A. Organizations deploying aviation security screeners must endorse to OTS their personnel who are qualified for interim certification.

B. All aviation security screeners applying for interim certification shall adhere to the following requirements:

1. Must complete at least two (2) years in college or with a minimum of 72 academic units;

2. Must be duly vouched for by their company/organization that they have received appropriate on-the-job training and subjected to background check;

3. Must have undergone an aviation security course;

4. Must have minimum one (1)-year experience in aviation security or relevant field;

5. Must pass the practical examination conducted by OTS with a mark of seventy-five percent (75%). aDSIHc

C. In case of failure to pass the practical exam, the applicant is allowed to repeat the same within one (1) month from the date of examination.

D. On successful completion of certification, the screener shall be given an official certificate containing a statement of competence.

E. The one (1) year validity of the interim certificate shall provide the screener ample time to comply with the regular process of certification.

VII. CANCELLATION OR REVOCATION OF INTERIM CERTIFICATION

Interim certification issued to a security screener shall be cancelled or revoked if the holder becomes physically and mentally unfit to perform his/her task as screener; exhibits blatant negligence of duties or serious misconduct and/or be found guilty of an administrative, civil, or criminal offense; resigns or be separated from service.

VIII. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

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

B. Reservation — Nothing herein shall be construed as precluding OTS, through its Administrator, from enforcing the provisions enunciated herein and in 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 OTS orders, rules, regulations and issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this circular are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

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 memorandum circular shall take effect immediately. A copy of this circular shall be deposited with the University of the Philippines Law Center in compliance with Revised Administrative Code. TIADCc

(SGD.) USEC. ARTURO M. EVANGELISTAAdministrator