Non-Passenger Screening (NPS)

Transport Canada is the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority's (CATSA's) regulator and is responsible for compiling the list of prohibited items. For more detailed information on prohibited items and dangerous goods, we recommend that you consult Transport Canada's website.

CATSA is responsible for developing and implementing a program for the random screening of non-passengers at Canada's airports. The Non-Passenger Screening (NPS) program is part of the Government of Canada's commitment to enhance air security in Canada.

Screening of non-passengers is the law

The NPS program is meant to enhance the security of your workplace. With your assistance and cooperation, the screening process will be quick and efficient.

Here are the facts:

When and where will NPS take place?
Screening occurs randomly on a 24 hour/7 day basis at restricted area access points including terminal and vehicle access points and/or beyond these access points inside a restricted area.

Who will be affected by NPS?
Subject to certain exceptions, everyone who has access to restricted areas will be subject to screening. Individuals requiring screening include:

• Domestic and Foreign Air Crew (Pilots and Flight Attendants)
• Ramp/Station Attendants (Aircraft Groomers, Baggage Handlers)
• Air Carrier Customer Service Agents (including agents at Check-In Counters, Departure/Arrival Gates and Concierge)
• Aircraft Mechanics
• Airport Authority Staff (including Security Personnel and Maintenance Equipment Operators)
• Trade Workers (Millwrights, Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers, Technicians, etc. working on-site or as contractors)
• Concessionaires at sterile area commercial outlets
• Aircraft Refuelers
• Building Cleaners
• Couriers
• Screening Officers
• CATSA employees

Why these additional checks?
The NPS program creates an additional layer of security to further enhance Canada 's air security system.

What is involved in NPS?
A team of screening officers will, at random, select individuals for non-passenger screening. Screening officers will check your Restricted Area Pass (RAP) and screen your person and items in your possession according to the established list of prohibited items. Tools, goods and materials that are evaluated by highly trained screening officers as appropriate to a trade and work order will be permitted. Screening will be conducted using some or all of the same equipment used for passenger pre-board screening.

Do's

• Build in sufficient time to be screened when reporting to work or returning from a break.
• Be willing to cooperate with screening officers.
• Present your RAP when requested to do so.
• Be familiar with the Prohibited Items List - it will apply to everyone accessing the restricted area (necessary tools of the trade excepted).
• Listen to and follow instructions carefully - the screening process will be efficient and quick!

Don'ts

• Don't ignore the instructions of a screening officer who has selected you for screening.
• Don't leave the screening checkpoint until you have been cleared to do so by a screening officer.
• Don't bring personal pocketknives - they're not permitted.
• Don't make jokes or false declarations involving bombs, threats or weapons. You are subject to the same laws and penalties as passengers.

Qs & As

What happens if I refuse to be screened?

When selected by a screening officer, you must be screened in order to enter or remain in the restricted area. If you refuse screening, you will be required to surrender your RAP and leave the restricted area immediately.

Will I be screened every time I enter a restricted area?

Screening will be conducted on a random basis at all restricted area access points or inside a restricted area. It is unlikely that you will be screened every time you enter a restricted area.

What happens to items that are prohibited?

You are not permitted to bring a prohibited item into a restricted area (necessary tools of the trade excepted). If a prohibited item is intercepted, you may either surrender the item to a screening officer or leave the restricted area immediately. If you choose to leave the restricted area with the prohibited item, the airport authority will be notified.

Thank you!
We understand that these additional security measures will take a little time from your already busy schedules. The NPS program is important and will strengthen and enhance the aviation security system in Canada as well as your workplace. Thank you for your cooperation!