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Rescue and Firefighting Personnel

Regulators
  • Civil Aviation Authority
Nations
United Kingdom
Sectors
  • Transport

Regulatory or professional bodies

Primary regulator

Regulatory authority
Civil Aviation Authority
Address

Civil Aviation Authority
Aviation House
South Area
Gatwick Airport RH6

Email address
infoservices@caa.co.uk
Phone number
+44 (0)1293 567711

Regulation

Regulation summary

The principal objective of an airport rescue and fire fighting service is to save lives in the event of an aircraft accident or incident and to provide first aid to the passengers/crews till the arrival of regular medical team.

Aerodrome Operators, whether following the requirements of Commission Regulation (EU) 139/2014 (EASA Rules) or CAP 168 (National Requirements) are required to establish and manage a training programme for RFFS personnel, and a proficiency check programme at adequate intervals to ensure continued competence.

Regulation type

Certification

Reserved activities

N/A

Protected titles

N/A


Qualifications and experience

New professionals

Routes to qualification

This information is set out in CAP 699 Framework for the competence of rescue and fire fighting (RFFS) personnel - https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/modalapplication.aspx?appid=11&mode=detail&id=235
See also CAP 168 Licensing of Aerodromes - https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/modalapplication.aspx?appid=11&mode=detail&id=6114

Commission regulation (EU) no. 139/2014 - https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/document-library/regulations/commission-regulation-eu-no-1392014requires aerodrome operators to have an emergency plan in place. This must:
1. Be proportionate to the aircraft operations and other activities taking place at the aerodrome;
2. Provide for the coordination of appropriate organisations to respond to an emergency at the aerodrome or in its surroundings;
3. Contain procedures for testing the adequacy of the plan, and for reviewing the results in order to improve its effectiveness.
One of the major parts of this plan is the provision of airport rescue and fire fighting services (RFFS) with adequate equipment, fire-extinguishing agents and properly trained personnel to respond to emergencies efficiently.
National aerodromes
Chapter 8 of CAP168 sets out the minimum requirements to be met in the provision of RFFS at UK licensed aerodromes. Guidance is also given on the equipment, extinguishing agents, personnel, training and emergency procedures.
Chapter 9 of CAP168 sets out the requirements for the establishment of an emergency plan. This must:
1. Be proportionate to the aircraft operations and other activities taking place at the aerodrome;
2. Provide for the coordination of appropriate organisations to respond to an emergency at the aerodrome or in its surroundings;
3. Contain procedures for testing th adequacy of the plan, and for reviewing the results in order to improve its effectiveness.
Training
Training and competence of RFFS personnel is a requirement for both EASA and national aerodromes. Guidance set out in CAP699 will help you to ensure all RFFS personnel are properly trained to perform their duties in a safe, effective and efficient manner.

Professionals from outside the UK

Recognition for professionals outside the UK
All - there are routes to recognition for professionals from all countries
Summary of routes

See
CAP 168 - https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/modalapplication.aspx?appid=11&mode=detail&id=6114
and
CAP 699 -

More about recognition for professionals outside the UK
https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/modalapplication.aspx?appid=11&mode=detail&id=235

Registration

Registration requirements

See information in CAP 699 -


Legislation

Title of relevant act or charter

CAP 168 (National Requirements) (EU) 139/2014 (EASA Rules)

Title of relevant act or charter

N/A

Licence Finder

You may need licences and permits to carry out certain activities in the UK. These are called authorisations. Use the licence finder to find what you need.