Fire officers upgrade aviation fire fighting skills |03 December 2013

Mr Cooke conducting the course after its official launch yesterday

Eight officers from the Airport Fire and Rescue Services (AFRS) are following a two- week local crew commander and watch commander course to upgrade their aviation fire fighting skills.

The training is being led by Peter Cooke, an instructor from Aviation training services in the United Kingdom.

Mr Cooke specialises in the delivery of aviation fire fighters and rescue trainings.

Those chosen to attend the sessions are officers who have demonstrated abilities to follow the course at a higher level and who have had preparatory training beforehand.

In a press release, the AFRS chief fire service officer Marc Brutus said the benefits of such a professional exercise is to have trained and skilled officers who meet the international standards and can respond to aircraft emergencies.

He added that it will also ensure that there is enough qualified officers to ensure continuity of the service and fulfil the long term plan of the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) in regards to succession planning.

During the training, the officers will increase their knowledge of command and control, categorisation of the airfield, fire fighter tactics and techniques, dangerous goods, leadership qualities and ICAO requirements and recommendations.

After successfully completing the course, six trainees with outstanding performance will attend a seven-day practical course in the UK, where they will have access to training simulators to stimulate various aircraft scenarios.

Speaking to Seychelles Nation Mr Cooke said the trainees will be taught how to command control of a team of people up to a complete watch of fire fighters so that in an event of an emergency, the officers know how to control and manage it.

“They will also know how to deploy fire fighters and equipment to basically make sure the emergency is dealt with successfully and that the fire is extinguished and any casualties are recovered,” he said.

In his short opening address, the chief executive of the SCAA Gilbert Faure said the authority believes in its people and in creating chances for these young men to further enhance their skills in the field of fire and rescue services. 

“The officers who have been chosen to undergo the training are those who have demonstrated the right attitude and aptitude in their workplace,” he added.