Aviation Security and Facilitation

About The Aviation Security & Facilitation Department

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority through the Aviation Security Department regulates security of Guyana’s Aviation Sector through the regulatory framework established in the Civil Aviation Act and the Civil Aviation (Security) Regulations (2004). This is done in accordance with International Standards and practices set out in Annex 17 – Security and Annex 9 – Facilitation of the Chicago Convention administered by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The Department is responsible for regulating security arrangements at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the Eugene F. Correia International Airport and for aircraft operators, airlines, cargo operators, security service providers, catering operators, and handling companies to ensure that these relevant entities comply with security requirements as stated in the following National Security Programmes:

Guyana National Civil Aviation Security Programme (GNCASP)

This Technical Publication (TP) provides information and guidance concerning an acceptable means of compliance with the standards and recommended practices of ICAO’s Annex 17, and the Guyana Aviation (Security) Regulation of 2004. The National Civil Aviation Security Programmes (NCASP) objective is to highlight policies and procedures required to prevent acts of unlawful interference affecting the international and domestic commercial civil aviation industry that operates in and out of the Republic of Guyana. All aviation stakeholders – Aircraft Operators, airport/aerodromes operators, caters, cargo companies, handling agents, security service providers and regulated agents among others are required to comply with this document.

Guyana National Civil Aviation Security Training Programme (GNCASTP)

This Technical Publication (TP) provides information on aviation security training and guides stakeholders on the standards and requirements for training all categories of aviation security personnel, operational and administrative staff and management personnel. The training programme will aid aviation stakeholders in complying with the National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) and the standards and recommended practices of ICAO’s Annex 17 – Safeguarding Civil Aviation Against Acts of Unlawful Interference. This document is considered an extension of the NCASP and has been given such force in Section XI of NCASP. Some of the objectives of this document are to specifically outline the key training areas, duration of training, content of the training, and to identify the various categories of personnel that are required to be trained.

Guyana National Civil Aviation Security Quality Control Programme (GNCASQCP)

This Technical Publication (TP) provides information and guidance on the development and implementation of an aviation security quality control process to allow for the thorough evaluation of aviation stakeholders’ compliance with the Aviation (Security) Regulation of 2004 and the National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP). This document is considered an extension of the NCASP and has been given such force in Section XI of NCASP. One objective of this Document is to identify the causes and patterns of non-compliance and verifying that corrective actions have been implemented and sustained.

Guyana National Civil Aviation Screeners Certification Programme (GNCASSCP)

This Technical Publication (TP) provides information and guidance on the development and implementation of a Screener’s certification programme for which all personnel employed as Screeners at airports in Guyana must be subjected to. This programme will allow for the recruitment, training and evaluation of security personnel prior to being assigned screening functions. This document is considered an extension of the NCASP and has been given such force in Section XI of NCASP. The objective of the National Aviation Security Screeners Certification Programme (NASSCP) is to outline the process for conducting formal evaluations and confirmation, by or on behalf of the GCAA, to ensure that a person possesses the necessary competencies to perform assigned functions to an acceptable level as defined by the GCAA.

Guyana National Air Transport Facilitation Programme (GNATFP)

This Technical Publication (TP) provides information and guidance concerning an acceptable means of compliance with the standards and recommended practices of ICAO’s Annex 9. This programme will to provide a framework to guide the improvement and optimization of processes related to aircraft operations and passenger, baggage and cargo movement through the airports. Facilitation generally seeks to improve customer service, while maintaining appropriate security requirements.

Department Personnel

The Department is staffed with a Head of the Department, three (3) trained and delegated Aviation Security Inspectors and one (1) Clerical Assistant.

Role & Function

An overview of our responsibilities is listed below (but not limited to):

National Programme and Policy Development

Developing, implementing and maintaining the National Civil Aviation Security Programmes of Guyana in compliance with the standards and recommended practices of Annex 17.

Issuance of Security Directives

Issuance of security directives and informational circulars mandated by the Director General of GCAA.

Aviation Security Programme Approval

Reviewing and approving aviation security programmes of aircraft operators, airports, and cargo operators, air navigation services, catering companies, handling services, security service providers, and other aviation security stakeholders deemed appropriate.

Aviation Security Internal Quality Control Programme Approval

Reviewing and approving aviation security internal quality control programmes or procedures of aircraft operators, airports, and cargo operators, air navigation services, catering companies, handling services, security service providers, and other aviation security stakeholders deemed appropriate.

Aviation Security Training Programme and Course Slides Approval

Reviewing and approving the aviation security training programmes and course slides developed and utilized by individuals, or entities providing aviation security training to or on behalf of aircraft operators, airports, and cargo operators, air navigation services, catering companies, handling services, security service providers, and other aviation security stakeholders.

Aviation Security Course Instructor Approval

Reviewing Instructors Profile for approval to deliver aviation security courses in Guyana.

Certification and Recertification of Screeners

Developing, implementing and constantly reviewing the National Aviation Security Screeners Certification Programme, and coordinating screeners’ evaluation and certification with airport administrations.

Conduct of Aviation Security Quality Control Activities

Ensuring that all stakeholders/security companies/service providers/handling companies complies with security requirements of all National Civil Aviation Security Programmes, the airport security programmes, and airline security programmes through the conduct of:

Audits
Aviation Security Inspections
Surveys
Aviation Tests
Assessments
Investigations
Evaluation of table top and full-scale emergency exercises

Evaluate Start-up Operations Requirements

Evaluate compliance with aviation security start-up requirements for air operations in Guyana.

Coordination of the National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC) Meeting

Coordinate a forum through the NCASC for consultation between Government and the civil aviation industry regarding security measures to meet threats to civil aviation and its facilities and review proposals to change those measures.

International Obligations

Facilitate visits by the following international bodies for verification of compliance with international standards, recommended practices and best practices:

International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO)
United States Transport Security Administration (US-TSA)

Conduct of Risk Assessments

Conduct risk assessments in collaboration with other key security agencies and aviation stakeholders to keep aviation security risk and threat under constant review.

Management of Facilitation

This Department is also responsible for the management of Annex 9 – Facilitation Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). Facilitation is the efficient management of border control processes to expedite clearance (of aircraft, passengers/crew, baggage, cargo) and prevent unnecessary delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to become an approved AVSEC Instructor?

The Instructor delivering aviation security training must submit an Instructor’s Profile consisting of the following to the GCAA for review and approval before delivering the training course: (NCASP (2008) Appendix 2 Section IX – Part 9.3)

General academic qualifications attained
Successfully completed courses in aviation security
Training on Instructing methodologies
Experience as an Instructor
Training Instructor Certificate of Approval by other Civil Aviation Authorities (if any)
Any other relevant experience and qualification

A Letter of Approval (or Provisional Approval) of the AVSEC Instructor will be granted should the Instructor meet the requirements.

An Instructor can only conduct the AVSEC Training Course once approval is granted by the GCAA.

What are the aviation security requirements for start-up operations in Guyana?

The GCAA issued Advisory Circulars (AC) which provides information and guidance to new Aircraft Operators, Cargo Operators and General Aviation Operators on the process to be followed to comply with aviation security requirements for operations in Guyana.

See link for Advisory Circular on Start-up operations requirements for new:

How to report a security related incident?

If you are aware of any security related threats to Civil Aviation operation in Guyana or the region which may involve or include airport operation, aircraft or airline operation, cargo and mail or catering operation, etc., please contact the Aviation Security Department of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority urgently on (592)-225-0728 or send urgent emails/correspondences to avsecintel@gcaa-gy.org.

Alternatively, you may complete and submit this Threat Reporting Form.

NB. All information received will be treated with strictest confidentiality.

What items are prohibited?

There are items and substances which passengers are prohibited from taking on board an aircraft engaged in commercial civil aviation operations. See Prohibited items list.

Guyana Civil Aviation Authority