Section Two: Training and Qualifications

INTRODUCTION
2.1 A high standard of training is essential to maintain good management, sound operational procedures and safety.

SCOPE
2.2 This document addresses the international and national training standards and qualifications required for personnel involved in all aspects of humanitarian mine and EOD clearance operations and support.

PURPOSE
2.3 To establish training and qualification standards required for personnel involved in all aspects of humanitarian mine and EOD clearance and support.

TRAINING CONCEPT
2.4 Prior to undertaking demining training each organisation must have a statement which addresses policy, responsibilities, resources and a quality assurance system designed to evaluate the suitability and effectiveness of the training.

2.5 Frequent refresher training and updating is necessary.  The type of training to be undertaken, course content and subject matter should be assessed during the programme and quality assurance monitoring phase.


 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE UNITED NATIONS
2.6 International staff employed under UN auspices on mine and UXO clearance operations must have qualifications and experience recognised by the United Nations.  A draft document for the qualifications and experience required for mine and EOD clearance activities is presently being developed.

MINE CLEARANCE, DEMOLITIONS AND EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL (EOD)
2.7 Personnel involved in mine clearance, demolitions and EOD work must have the necessary recognised qualifications and experience.  Detection and destruction tasks, and the relevant qualifications to conduct them, have been defined below.



a) The detection and destruction of single mines or items of ordnance in situ such as mortars or shells up to 160 mm may be conducted by personnel with the relevant UN approved or nationally recognised qualifications and experience.  All personnel must attend an in-country familiarisation course.

b) Bulk ordnance disposal tasks which may consist of one or more types of munitions must be conducted by specialists who hold the appropriate UN approved or nationally recognised qualifications and experience.

c) The detection and disposal of specialist items such as booby traps, large size ordnance (over 160 mm), missiles, rockets and bombs may be conducted by specialists who hold the appropriate UN approved or nationally recognised qualifications and have experience in bulk disposal tasks.

d) The detection and disposal of munitions that contain a toxic element must be conducted by personnel who hold the appropriate UN approved or nationally recognised qualifications and have experience in this type of work.



INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
2.8 Where international staff form the core of technical knowledge and experience for the demining, EOD, medical and managerial programme support, it is essential that these specialists are able to conduct the training and support functions to an acceptable standard.  International staff should be able to satisfy the client that they hold qualifications and experience equivalent to or better than those approved by the United Nations.

INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL STAFF
2.9 International medical staff must hold current, internationally recognised qualifications.

 

 

TRAINING COURSES

2.10 The majority of courses necessary for demining at the various practical and management levels are generally similar for most theatres.  The course syllabus can be modified to include special to theatre subjects.  All personnel should be given certificates of achievement or qualification on successfully completing the course.

MINE AWARENESS TRAINING
2.11 Mine Awareness (MA) is an educational process of teaching the population about the threat of mines and munitions, living with the threat that they impose and the changing of behaviour.

SURVEY TRAINING COURSES
2.12 It is recommended that all personnel involved in survey have experience in mine clearance and, where possible, attended EOD and team leader courses.

DEMINING TRAINING COURSES
2.13 There are several types of demining courses: basic demining, team leader, instructor and supervisor.  The basic demining course should be for all personnel involved in demining activities.  The team leader and supervisor’s courses are for personnel who have been selected for managerial positions, having completed a basic course and practical field experience.

EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL TRAINING COURSES
2.14 There are three recommended course levels for EOD which are to be designed around the type and condition of the munitions found in country.  The basic course syllabus should concentrate on basic demolition procedures for the destruction of those mines and munitions which can be disposed of easily and safely.  The second level should develop EOD expertise and skill based on the need to train team leaders and supervisors to undertake this activity without external assistance and to be able to tackle larger and more complex disposal tasks.  The third level is specialist EOD courses, organised either in country or at a specialist facility such as an international EOD establishment, in order to conduct bulk demolitions and EOD tasks.  See paragraph 2.8 on international qualifications and experience.

2.15 Special to Theatre and refresher courses should be arranged to train EOD operators on specialized demolition methods and to teach new techniques based on new material or equipment.

MEDICAL TRAINING COURSES
2.16 Trained medical support is required on-site should a medical emergency occur. Medical personnel should be registered with the local health authority. Where training standards are established they should be utilized.

2.17 Three levels of training are available and the following terms, qualifications and training standards are to be used:



a) First Aid Training

b) Medical Orderlies

c) Paramedics



2.18 First Aid Training is a requirement for all personnel, deminers, drivers and management staff involved in the field operations and is recommended for all staff. A first aid course consists of at least 24 hours of medical training.  Regular refresher courses should form part of routine activities.

2.19 Medical Orderlies, or first level medical technicians, must successfully complete a course of at least four weeks duration.  The length and content of the course will depend on their previous experience.

2.20 Medical Orderlies should receive some basic demining training.

2.21 Paramedics or personnel trained as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT(P)) must have at least one year of training in advanced life support.  Paramedics are also trained to provide trauma treatment, to run a clinic, provide basic medical attention and provide medical advice on sanitation and hygiene and the prevention of diseases.  These courses are only conducted in a few countries and cannot, in most cases, be taught as part of a regular teaching curriculum.  Paramedics are to be tested and given refresher training on invasive procedures each year.

2.22 Paramedics should be given some basic demining training.