ECAC Capacity-Building Programme for Aviation Security
In November 2004, Directors General decided to further develop the ECAC Audit Programme by placing an equal emphasis on capacity-building activities, with the main objective of supporting Member States' efforts to rectify deficiencies identified during audits and further develop their aviation security regime.
The approach taken seeks to establish sustainable, consistent aviation security capacity development within the State, and starts on the basis of the National Civil Aviation Security Programme and extends through specific national requirements, such as screener certification.
ECAC capacity-building activities comprise, but are not limited to:
- multilateral workshops on issues of common interest to all Member States (e.g. unpredictability, security culture, risk management, security equipment and technology, training and certification of security personnel);
- standardised tools and procedures such as model aviation security programmes;
- on-site and online training and coaching; and
- targeted capacity-building missions based on audit findings and specific needs expressed by Member States (e.g. pre-opening surveys of new airports).
As just one example of the activities undertaken, since 2005 ECAC has conducted 63 Best Practices for National Auditors training courses, and trained more than 480 national auditors from about 30 Member States.
The Programme has constantly evolved to meet Member States' needs, particularly in the context of new requirements and threats. Its relevance to the needs of the Member States is evidenced by the ongoing demand for activities and the positive feedback received from participants.
Despite the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions, ECAC adapted its Capacity-Building Programme in aviation security to new circumstances and continued to support Member States’ efforts in mitigating existing and emerging risks to aviation and improving their security regimes.
Several new training courses and webinars were developed and validated by ECAC in 2021 and 2022, focusing on:
- improving the skills and knowledge of national auditors/inspectors in inspecting/auditing cyber security measures;
- developing technical expertise relating to security equipment;
- establishing and improving security culture and addressing the insider threat; and
- applying an effective risk management approach in aviation security.
Catalogue of ECAC security audit and capacity-building activities
The ECAC security audit and capacity-building activities available to Member States to support their implementation of aviation security measures are compiled in a catalogue.
Download here the latest edition (2023) of ECAC's catalogue on security audit and capacity building activities.
The ECAC Capacity-Building Programme benefits from the contribution of experts nominated by ECAC Member States, either in the development of tools (e.g. development of training modules) or in the implementation of activities. In doing so, experienced aviation security experts from ECAC Member States regularly participate in the Capacity-Building Programme as instructors. They contribute to the delivery of training courses, webinars and workshops. The participation of these experts and instructors also contributes to sharing of knowledge, experience and best practices among ECAC Member States, as well as to their own professional development.
