CAAi Delivers ICAO Audit Preparation Training to CAA Bahamas

Earlier this month, CAA International (CAAi) delivered a specialised ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) familiarisation training course for the Civil Aviation Authority of the Bahamas. Hosted by CAA Bahamas in Nassau, the programme included presentations and interactive workshops aimed at preparing Bahamian aviation regulators for future ICAO audits.

The five-day course provided an in-depth understanding of the ICAO USOAP framework and best practices for audit preparation. Twenty-one delegates from CAA Bahamas and the Air Accident Investigation Authority participated, engaging in sessions on audit response preparation, evidence collection, and hands-on exercises to build confidence in audit scenarios.

Clair Borrelli and David Stoplar from CAAi led the training, beginning with an overview of ICAO USOAP requirements and state obligations. The programme then progressed to interactive workshops, enabling participants to apply their knowledge in simulated audit situations and gain practical insights on demonstrating compliance with ICAO standards.

^{Image: Clair and David from CAAi alongside course participants from Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas.}

Speaking after the visit, Clair Borrelli, Head of International Operations and Development at CAAi, commented:

“We were delighted to deliver the course to such an engaged group of safety experts. The fantastic interaction and participation during the practical sessions ensured that the delegates were able to increase their confidence in how to deal with an audit situation. The delegates are now better prepared to ensure that the hard work undertaken by the authority in overseeing a safe aviation system are reflected in any audit.”

Ms. Dana Knowles, National Continuous Monitoring Coordinator at CAA Bahamas, added:

“Clair and David from CAAi were exceptional in their delivery of training to guide the Bahamas in the right direction for achieving higher levels of effective implementation in the next ICAO audit. The interactive elements and practical insights provided were incredibly invaluable, and as a State we feel more equipped to apply what we’ve learned. We look forward to implementing the skills and knowledge learned and hope to collaborate again in the future!”

This visit builds on the strong partnership between CAAi and CAA Bahamas, following the successful launch of electronic examination services for flight crew earlier in 2024.