OSCE Centre supports strengthening aviation security in Turkmenistan

ASHGABAT, 4 September 2009 - Ten officers from the State National Service Turkmenistan Airlines and the transport police took part in a "train the trainer" course on x-ray checkpoint security that ended in Ashgabat today.

Organized by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat in co-operation with the Foreign Ministry and Turkmenistan Airlines, the course comprised one week of x-ray interpretation and security training and a second week on teaching future trainees and adapting training materials for local use.

"The training course was designed to follow the guidelines set down by internationally recognized bodies. The course provides knowledge and skills to allow instructors to produce and deliver the highest quality instruction to security personnel using the latest information, techniques and materials," said Stewart Hanson, a UK security instructor who conducted the course.

The course focused on best practices for detecting drugs, small arms and light weapons and other prohibited items, as well as teaching methodologies, including using audio-visual presentation, practical exercises, training aids and computer-based training.

A computer classroom was set up with the Centre's support at the Aviation Training School for the personnel of Turkmenistan Airlines, and airport security personnel will continue to have use of it after the project is completed.

A study trip to an airport in one of the OSCE participating States will be organized as a follow-up to the course.