IS-BAO has restructured its training curriculum to a new initial and recurrent format for operators, auditors and programme support affiliates.

The IS-BAO operator safety programme is a globally recognised voluntary safety standard and was first launched in 2002. It has been adopted by operators worldwide and the fundamentals and auditing workshops have always been an essential step to achieving this safety accreditation through its three stages.

“This new format is an evolution of our traditional workshops and aligns with other initial and recurrent training programmes that operators are accustomed to,” says IS-BAO programme director Andrew Karas. “We listened to these operators and auditors, and restructured the syllabus to save them time, minimise repetitiveness and offer a more tailored and richer recurrent course that includes current hot topic safety issues and protocols that affect us all.”

The initial workshop is required for at least one operator company representative when initiating a new IS-BAO registration or for anyone seeking to receive new IS-BAO auditor or programme support affiliate (PSA) accreditation. It is also recommended that new safety officers attend the initial course. In addition to the 12-hour virtual curriculum, initial workshop attendees will have access to the new IS-BAO Protocol Standardisation (IPS) online course for one year. IPS was launched last year in partnership with Aviation Safety Solutions and uses a step-by-step intuitive approach to review each IS-BAO section, accompanied by explanations for every protocol requirement. The IPS course is an optional resource for operators, whereas new auditors and PSA accreditations require IPS course completion.

The new IS-BAO recurrent is a six-hour virtual instructor-led course that will review of updates to the Audit Procedures Manual (APM) and IS-BAO protocols, as well as hot topics and audit processes.

Katherine Hilst, IS-BAO operations manager and workshop lead, comments: "I am excited about the new format and know that the attendees will appreciate the fresh approach we've taken to delivering the material in a timely manner. In addition, keep in mind we can bring these courses to your operation as a live and in-person option with adequate notice."

The new IS-BAO initial and recurrent workshops begin Q1 2024.