Get a plain-English read of (a) AFC qualifications;

Turn the raw legal text into a practical explanation grounded in Manual of Standards Part 139H - Standards Applicable to the Provision of Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services.

Chapter 18: Competency Levels

CASR References:	Subregulation 139.705 (2), regulations 139.712, 139.765, 139.773, 139.845 and 139.915

Section 18.1: General

18.1.1 Standard: Competency Levels for Fire Fighting Staff

18.1.1.1 All operational fire fighting staff must hold the appropriate competencies, which is commensurate with the functional position to be occupied.

18.1.1.2 This will be detailed and recorded to include, but not restricted to:

(a) AFC qualifications;

(b) local and general ratings;

(c) special skills if required;

(d) drivers licence;

(e) aerodrome licence;

(f) aerodrome security number;

(g) 90 day competency checks.

18.1.1.3 All operational fire fighting staff must be given on-the-job training in accordance with a program to ensure that core competencies applicable to the functional level are maintained and validated regularly with a maximum permissible interval of 90 days. (Refer to Chapter 20 of the MOS.)

18.1.1.4 All ARFFS staff must attend a CASA accredited ARFFS training course at intervals not exceeding four years for instruction on technological changes and to practice revised fire fighting procedures.

18.1.1.5 All operational ARFFS staff must comply with CASA standards that require a current qualification and Certificate of Competency commensurate with the functional role at a specific location. (Refer to paragraph 12.1.2.3.)

18.1.1.6 The following AFC qualifications as prescribed by the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) apply:

(1) AFC Certificate 2	(fire fighting operations)
(2) AFC Certificate 3	(fire fighting operations)
(3) AFC Certificate 4	(fire fighting supervision)
(4) AFC Diploma	(fire fighting management)
(5) AFC Advanced Diploma	(fire fighting management).

Note: AFC qualifications are the CASA recognised standard. However, a new qualification set by the Industry Advisory Training Board is pending and may supersede the recognised CASA qualification on its introduction.

(a) AFC qualifications;(a) AFC qualifications;

Get a plain-English read of (a) AFC qualifications;

Chapter 18: Competency Levels

Section 18.1: General

18.1.1 Standard: Competency Levels for Fire Fighting Staff

18.1.1.1 All operational fire fighting staff must hold the appropriate competencies, which is commensurate with the functional position to be occupied.

18.1.1.2 This will be detailed and recorded to include, but not restricted to:

(a) AFC qualifications;

(b) local and general ratings;

(c) special skills if required;

(d) drivers licence;

(e) aerodrome licence;

(f) aerodrome security number;

(g) 90 day competency checks.

18.1.1.3 All operational fire fighting staff must be given on-the-job training in accordance with a program to ensure that core competencies applicable to the functional level are maintained and validated regularly with a maximum permissible interval of 90 days. (Refer to Chapter 20 of the MOS.)

18.1.1.4 All ARFFS staff must attend a CASA accredited ARFFS training course at intervals not exceeding four years for instruction on technological changes and to practice revised fire fighting procedures.

18.1.1.5 All operational ARFFS staff must comply with CASA standards that require a current qualification and Certificate of Competency commensurate with the functional role at a specific location. (Refer to paragraph 12.1.2.3.)

18.1.1.6 The following AFC qualifications as prescribed by the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) apply:

18.1.1.7 All operational staff must hold a current competency in Aviation Fire Fighting Operations for the skill qualifications required for the operating position in accordance with CASA requirements of the AFC Training Modules.

18.1.1.8 An officer in Charge of ARFFS operations at Level 1 aerodromes must be a person who holds the following qualification:

(a) for aerodromes categorised, category 6 and above, a minimum of an ARFFS AFC Advanced Diploma;

(b) for aerodromes categorised, category 5 and below, a minimum of an ARFFS AFC Diploma.

18.1.1.9 An officer in charge of an ARFFS at a Level 2 aerodrome, which has been established in accordance with CHAPTER 2: CRITERIA FOR ESTABLISHMENT OR DISESTABLISHMENT OF ARFFS, must hold:

(a) if the aerodrome is categorised as category 6 or above — at least an ARFFS AFC Advanced Diploma; or

(b) if the aerodrome is categorised as category 5 or below — at least an ARFFS AFC Diploma.

18.1.1.10 All shift supervisor/s on a staff of operational fire fighters must hold an ARFFS AFC Diploma competency in accordance with CASA requirements of the AFC Training Modules.

18.1.1.11 The CASA ARFFS minimum requirements of the AFC Training Modules for fire fighters, fire officers responsible for any activities of staff and the fire officer in charge of ARFFS are identified in the following schedule.