Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service – Firefighter Recertification

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to notify this Honourable House that firefighters of the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service’s Airport Operations Division are undertaking overseas recertification courses. The aim of this training is to maintain competency and keep the BFRS in compliance with the regulatory mandates of the Civil Aviation Authority.

Mr. Speaker, all 48 of the firefighters attached to the Airport Operations Division must be re-certified annually. The requisite training grounds are not available in Bermuda, requiring our firefighters to travel overseas to receive this critical training and recertification. Firefighters travel on a rotational basis according to their annual certification expiration date. There is no effect on operations or manning of the airport, as sufficient numbers of firefighters remain on island to provide the appropriate level of coverage. The BFRS currently utilizes three training centres depending on the time of year and course availability. The locations are Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute (FESTI) in Toronto, Canada; Newcastle International Training Academy in the United Kingdom (UK); and Fire International Fire Training Centre (IFTC) also in the UK.

Mr. Speaker, the course is a three-day Aviation Firefighter Revalidation course which aims to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to comply with the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The course is structured for BFRS personnel who have already successfully completed an Aviation Firefighter Initial course or equivalent. The course includes training modules in the following:

1. Understanding and utilizing the principles of Dynamic Risk Assessment (DRA) and Safe Person concept;
2. Understanding the appropriate actions to take, and the tactics and techniques that should be employed, in response to an aircraft accident or incident;
3. Utilizing a range of Primary and Secondary firefighting media currently in use for aviation firefighting; and
4. Developing and proving competency in the use of Fire Service Major Foam Vehicle Appliances and equipment during a range of simulated aircraft accidents or incidents.

Mr. Speaker, the course also covers the practices and policies of several international airport firefighting standards including:

1. the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s CAP 168 - Certificates of Competency, and CAP 699 - Standards for the Competence of Rescue and Firefighting Service (RFFS);
2. the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Document Annex 14; and
3. the Airport Services Manual Part 1, Rescue and Firefighting.

Mr. Speaker, teamwork is an important skill for firefighters as many of their firefighting operations require the involvement of the entire team to ensure safety. As such, teamwork is reinforced throughout the course, with firefighters encouraged to work together to successfully achieve defined aims and objectives. The structured learning programme is formally assessed through oral and practical assessments. On successful completion, the firefighters will be issued with a certificate of competence highlighting the units achieved.

Mr. Speaker, having firefighters recertified is integral to the continued safe operations of the BFRS Airport Operations Division, and by extension, we remain in compliance with international airport requirements which enables Bermuda to operate the L F Wade International Airport. These recertification courses provide our firefighters with the training necessary to maintain their specialized skill set.