Air Niugini is the only organization in the country offering Dangerous Goods (DG) training to external clients. And for the first time, the training was conducted using the Competency-based Training and Assessments (CBTA) methods, as is the requirement by the International Civil Aviation Organization and International Air Transport Association.
Sixteen participants from Puma Energy, Exxon Mobil, DHL, Pentagon Freight Services, Hi-Lift and OK Tedi Mining Ltd were the first batch to use CBTA procedures, which is a new, mandated method of conducting and assessing DG training by ICAO and IATA.
Air Niugini’s Non-Technical Training Instructor, Martin Tugano said since the training was conducted using CBTA method, the participants will receive certificates with IATA co-branding.
“Receiving IATA co-branding certificate means that the training is internationally recognised and adds more value to their current skills and performance at work.”
Mr. Tugano said transporting dangerous goods by air is more restricted due to its change in pressure, temperature and vibration during transport and therefore, personnel shipping dangerous goods by air must know the international and national government regulations for safe transport.
“Training is key in transporting dangerous goods. When shippers competently perform the functions of packing, marking, labelling, documenting, identifying and classifying DG, makes air transport safer.”
The next CBTA training scheduled for 10th to 14th April involving participants from Hevi-lift Aviation, Porgera Joint Venture, Manolos Aviation and ExxonMobil.