Frequently Asked Questions (Air Cargo Security)

Q - Is training a legal requirement?

A - Yes. Legislation stipulates that anyone involved with the shipment of secure air cargo must receive a level of training appropriate to the job function.

 

Q – How do the new training levels match the old Levels 1 to 4?

A – Information about the correlation between the old Levels 1 to 4 and the new Levels A to G can be found on the Air Cargo Information page of this website.  Click here

 

Q – What is SDoC?

A – The Single Direction on Cargo (SDoC) came into force on the 1st September 2009.  As well as amalgamating previous Directions 17a & 17b into a single document, SDoC also contains some changes and clarifications driven both by industry feedback and findings of Transec's compliance inspectors. It also incorporates certain requirements necessary to align the UK's commitments with those of the EU.

 

Q – Are my security qualifications valid if I change my job?

A – YES.  Your certificate is, in fact, the property of the Department of Transport and as such follows you to any new job until such time as it expires.

 

Q – Is refresher or revalidation training mandatory?

A – YES.  All levels of air cargo training now require refresher training every 2 years.

 

Q – Level B is for Drivers, but some require Level D, Why?

A – Level B is specifically for drivers carrying secure air cargo on their vehicle. But if a driver also handles the goods, at either end, or is involved with the preparation of the air cargo, they now require Level D.

 

Q – Can Training Team help with the training of a Known Consignor’s staff?

A – YES.  Although the training requirement does not fall within the A to G Levels, Training Team can still help with this level of training.

 

Q –Do staff who handle cargo airside require GSAT (General Security Awareness Training)?

A – Possibly. GSAT is a requirement for all staff who have an airside access pass. However, those cargo staff who have received Air Cargo Security training (Level A-G) are exempt as they have already received equivalent training.

 

Q – Why is the DfT now requiring site security representatives?

A – It is an EU requirement that aircraft operators and regulated agents shall, for each of their approved premises, appoint a site security representative who is trained to Level G (or Level 3).