Niël Terblanché
In a substantial effort to improve passenger safety at the various airports across Namibia, 49 newly qualified Airport Rescue and Firefighting trainees graduated on Friday after six months of rigorous training.
The graduates who were trained by the Namibia Airports Company (NAC), will henceforth be stationed at various airports throughout the country, enhancing emergency response capabilities at these key facilities.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management (NIPAM), was a key moment for safety in Namibia’s aviation sector.
Bisey Uirab, the Chief Executive Officer of NAC while addressing the graduates, stressed the importance of the training program.
“This training program is more than just a course. It is a foundational investment in the safety and security of our aviation industry,” Uirab said.
He called on the graduates to remain disciplined, committed, and vigilant in their duties while congratulating them on their achievements.
The comprehensive training took place at Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) and Walvis Bay International Airport.
The training programme is designed to prepare the trainees for the critical role they will play in ensuring the highest levels of safety and emergency preparedness at Namibia’s airports.
Uirab reiterated NAC’s commitment to maintaining relentless standards in all operations related to precision and safety, underscoring the essential nature of highly trained and skilled rescue and firefighting teams.
According to Uirab, the newly graduated trainees will now enter a three-month probationary period before qualifying as Assistant Rescue and Firefighting Officers.
They will be deployed across the eight airports managed by the NAC, including the HKIA, Walvis Bay International Airport, Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo Airport at Ondangwa, Katima Mulilo Airport, Rundu Airport, Lüderitz Airport, Keetmanshoop Airport, and the Eros Airport in Windhoek.
Uirab said the initiative by the NAC reflects a strong commitment to investing in people, considered the most valuable asset in ensuring the safety and efficiency of Namibia’s aviation sector.
He added that the cadets will bring a renewed focus on maintaining and enhancing the safety standards that are critical to viably maintain Namibia’s aviation industry.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Executive Director, Toska Sem addressed the graduates.
She reminded them of the importance of their roles in the broader context of Namibia’s aviation safety standards.
She pointed to Namibia’s recent achievement of a 72.58% pass rate in the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program Continuous Monitoring Approach and Aerodrome and Ground Aids.
“This achievement brings about a myriad of benefits that ripple through the aviation ecosystem,” Sem said.
She encouraged the trainees to be steadfast in their commitment to serving others while also describing them as unsung heroes who inspire through their selflessness and bravery.
