“The security of passengers is our top priority. Canadians recognize the importance of enhanced air security measures and the requirement to make certain modifications. We are very appreciative of the support, understanding and cooperation of passengers, airlines and airports as we work together to enhance air security in Canada”, said Jacques Duchesneau, President and Chief Executive Officer of CATSA.

CATSA representatives have been informing travellers they can request a hand search of their film equipment at PBS points. Screening officers are encouraged to comply with the request providing that it does not compromise or jeopardize CATSA's air security policy and procedures.

This new screening equipment is consistent with the types of equipment being deployed across the United States and around the world.

CATSA's Certification Advisors Attend Workshop in Ottawa

On January 6th, CATSA's Certification Advisors met in Ottawa for a 12-day workshop where they were introduced to CATSA's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the legislative framework of civil aviation security as well as certification procedures for Level 1, 2, and 3 of pre-board screening training. CATSA's Certification Advisors are responsible for certifying future pre-board screening officers. The certification process includes a written test followed by an on-site examination.

Speakers at the 12-day workshop included CATSA's Vice-President of Operations Mark Duncan, General Manager of Operations Dave Smith, and CATSA's Director of Certification and Training Tom Hodge.

The Secret of their success - Three Former Pre-Board Screening Officers become CATSA Training and Certification Advisors

When Glen Pettinger received a call from CATSA's Director of Certification and Training, Tom Hodge, last October asking him to join CATSA's team as a Training Advisor, he had the same gut feeling he felt when his coach asked him to play for his college football team over twenty years ago.

“After getting off the phone with Tom, I knew that a dream I had for so long was about to come true. I knew that my hard work was finally paying off,” says Pettinger.

CATSA's Training Advisor Glen Pettinger and Certification Advisors Grace Watson and Sido Ourad

Two months later and three provinces away from his hometown of Kelowna, B.C., Pettinger is sitting in his Ottawa office surrounded by piles of binders and folders. A little frazzled by the changes, he smiles and says he still can't believe he's here.

“It's such an honour to be here. It was a long road but definitely worth it. When I first started in pre-board screening, I never thought that one day I would be giving advice on how to make the system better. I'm glad to be in a position to assist CATSA in enhancing
Canada's pre-board screening system.”

Glen's responsibilities as Training Advisor include sharing his expertise and advice on all levels of PBS training with CATSA service providers. But according to Glen, his advice is of no value if pre-board screening officers do not take pride in their work.

“I want pre-board screening officers to love what they do. My goal is to motivate them. If I can contribute one new thing to the team, I'm helping enhance pre-board screening in Canada.”

Having worked in the pre-board screening field for almost two decades, from pre-board screening officer to security trainer to Regional Operational Manager, Glen emphasizes that screening officers are people who are working in the field because they love it. He says his role now is to relay this message to the service providers.

And who better to help him do so than Grace Watson, one of CATSA's new Certification Advisors. Having worked in the pre-board screening field for almost 10 years as PBS officer, supervisor and trainer, Grace is the perfect example of someone who has great respect and integrity for the pre-board screening field. She believes her hard work and respect for her job are what got her where she is today.

“You have to prove yourself in this industry; and I believe I did. That's why I'm here. I heard so much about CATSA, the people, the changes and I'm looking forward to all of it,” she says.

Grace says travellers are already noticing the changes since CATSA took over pre-board screening and she is proud to be part of this process.

“Customers are very impressed with the change in equipment. Many say they really feel safe flying. I believe CATSA will make a difference. We need more training, more supervision, more consistency. And I'll try my best to help make these changes,” she says.

When asked how she envisions her new job, she says it's simple: She wants to give back what was once given to her by great supervisors, supervisors like Sido Ourad, another CATSA Certification Advisor and Grace's former boss.

Sitting beside her, Sido is watching his former employee, nodding in agreement. Prior to joining CATSA, Sido was a pre-board screening supervisor and trainer at Pearson International Airport. A little sad to have left his team at Pearson, he says he hopes he'll be of help to future teams across the country.

“Every person hired by CATSA has something to offer, whether it's in pre-board screening or another field pertinent to aviation security. In my case, it's pre-board screening and I'm going to make sure that our new pre-board screening officers offer their best and in return get the best training available,” he says.

Certification Advisors' responsibilities include monitoring, certifying, and recertifying pre-board screening officers and supervisors at airports across the country.

Tom Hodge, CATSA's Director of Certification and Training, is confident CATSA has the best team and training program to help enhance pre-board screening and therefore air security at Canada's airports.

“There's nothing better than having people who have lived the experience. When we are developing policies and procedures, it's helpful to have input from people with the background. There's merit in consulting stakeholders but there's even more merit in having stakeholders be part of our team,” says Tom.

Glen Pettinger is fixing his tie for his CATSA NEWS photo. While practicing his smile, he mentions how glad he is that CATSA is recognizing pre-board screening officers and their extensive knowledge in this profession.

“CATSA is focusing on the team work, customer service and increasing the standards that are already in place. And that's what counts.”

FROM CATSA'S HEADQUARTERS,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!