AVIATION SECURITY

The Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) is the body duly assigned by the Ministry of Transport and Works to provide oversight responsibility for Aviation Security in Jamaica. The role of the JCAA in Aviation Secuirty is fairly new as the Security Regulations have only been promulgated since December 2004. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) oversees and develops security guidelines for all of its member states. ICAO produces what are called Annexes and these deal with various aviation matters. Annex 17 contains the Standards and Recommended Practices for security and signatories to ICAO are obligated to follow the requirements of Annex 17 in as far as is possible.

Since September 11, 2001 (9/11) aviation security has taken a dramatic turn as this new paradigm in hijacking of aircraft has forced many changes in Aviation Security. The JCAA has responded to these changes by implementing local security regulations and strenghtening the security unit of the Authority. The Unit now has a Chief Inspector and two (2) AVSEC Inspectors. .

Role of JCAA AVSEC Unit The AVSEC inspectorate division of the JCAA is responsible for ensuring compliance with and implementation of the security regulations by the Aviation Industry players such as Air Operators, Airport Operators and Security Companies. The methods used by the JCAA to achieve its mandate include: Publishing of Aviation Security Regulations and the National Civil Aviation Security Programme; Conducting seminars to update aviation industry on security requirements; Conducting Audits, inspections, surveys and tests at Aviation interests to ensure compliance with regulations; Preparing inspection reports and where necessary, commence enforcement action against violators of Aviation Regulations; Updating regulations with changes and issuing Security Directives and Notices where appropriate; Review and approval of Aviation Industry manuals, including Air Operator, Airport Operators, Security Companies, Catering Companies etc.