A Guide to Ongoing Training and Certification in Dangerous Goods Awareness and Shipping

A Guide to Ongoing Training and Certification in Dangerous Goods Awareness and Shipping

In the ever-evolving landscape of air transport regulations, staying abreast of training requirements is paramount for those involved in the shipping and transport of dangerous goods. Let us shed some light on the intricacies of training, certification, and record-keeping, ensuring that you are well-equipped to navigate the required compliance.

Training requirements

Continued training and staying current with changes in applicable regulations are not just encouraged but mandated. Completing this training is your responsibility, and your organisation must provide CASA approved training as part of your employment.

Training course syllabus requirements and assessments

CASA (CASR 92.135) mandates that dangerous goods training includes an assessment of understanding. The training content, derived from compulsory competencies outlined in CASR 92, culminates in the issuance of a certificate upon successful completion.

Record keeping

Record-keeping, as outlined in CASR 92.145 and IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGRs) 1.5.1.4.3, is a crucial aspect for employers. Comprehensive records of training must be maintained, documenting individual names, training providers, dates, and references to training material.

Certificates issued must be retained and, if requested, provided to CASA.

These records, whether in hard copy or electronic form, are to be retained for a minimum of 36 months and made available to CASA upon request.

Frequency of training

As per CASR 92.090 and IATA DGRs 1.5.1.3 and 9.7, recurrent training is mandatory within two years after initial training. Undertaking this within the last three months of your current certification ensures a seamless transition to the new certification period.

For example, if your initial course was undertaken on 20th May 2022, your training validity expires on 31st May 2024 (always taken to the end of the month). You can therefore undertake recurrent training anytime in March–May 2024 to extend your validity to 31st May 2026.

It is crucial to maintain currency when dealing with dangerous goods. It is your responsibility to renew every two years; failure to do so requires ceasing duties associated with your approval (for example shipping, flying, loading baggage and conducting check-in) until current.

Ensuring ongoing approval and effectiveness is vital. Stay current with a required renewal every two years.

Renewal notifications will be sent by the Civil Aviation Academy, keep your details updated with andy@caaa.com.au.

Adherence to training requirements, comprehensive record-keeping, and timely renewals are integral to the safe and compliant shipping of dangerous goods.

Stay informed, stay compliant, and stay safe.