Five men undergo aviation rescue training, pass out as firefighters

By BRADLEY MARIORI
FIVE men passed out as firefighters at Nadzab Airport in Lae on Friday after undergoing a five-week aviation rescue fire fighters (ARFF) training.
The five are part of 22 trainees who have been recruited by the National Airports Corporation (NAC) in Madang, Mt Hagen and Lae airports and went through training in aviation rescue firefighting.
Senior firefighters, NAC staff and senior management from Port Moresby, including NAC acting managing director Rex Kiponge witnessed the ceremony.
Kiponge said airport rescue firefighting and emergency was a critical function of NAC.
He said as per civil aviation rules part 139, NAC was obliged to ensure that airports which were designated to provide ARFF service continued to maintain sufficient numbers of ARFF personnel, readily available to operate ARFF vehicles and equipment at maximum capacity.
He said NAC needed to recruit personnel who were medically and physically fit and competent to use rescue firefighting equipment.
“Their recruitment and training is important in boosting the current manpower strength of ARFF teams in those respective airports,” Kiponge said.
“Nadzab Airport has five trainees, and today, we are witnessing the completion of their basic fireman training.
“This is only the beginning of their training.
“They still have to undergo series of other required trainings before they can be assessed and recognised as fully fledged aviation rescue firefighters.”
Kiponge said the training was recognised globally and covered the standard training package of basic fireman in line with international civil aviation organisation requirements and standards.
Kiponge said NAC trainers were recognised by the National Training Council.