PNG stays ahead in accident work

THE PNG Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) is an independent investigation body in the Pacific region, says its chief commissioner Hubert Namani.
Speaking after a workshop for AIC staff, Namani said many synergies through training and liaison opportunities with Pacific neighbours would keep PNG at the forefront of aviation safety in the region.
“I expect that future courses will involve investigators from the Pacific states’ investigation agencies as memorandums of understanding with those states are signed in the near future,” he said.
The two week training from Jan 14-26 focused on accident and serious incident investigation.
“The first 44-hour basic investigation course covered 28 modules, including PNG legislation and international obligations under the Convention on International Civil Aviation, onsite investigations hazard awareness, evidence gathering, preserving and documenting, interaction with families of victims, coroners, police and media. These modules addressed all the basic investigation training recommended by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO),” Namani said.
“The second 44-hour covered accident and serious incident report writing with practical group activities to develop reports from set scenarios and evidence. The course is designed to meet the ICAO investigation report writing guidelines for standardised reporting.
“Participants in both courses included the AIC’s new CEO and new investigators and an investigation support officer, and two investigators from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu.
“There are limited placements on AIC in-house training courses and on this occasion, the AIC accepted participants from safety quality and compliance staff of PNGDF, Air Niugini, Mission Aviation and SIL Aviation. There were 18 participants.”