BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

UNITY among government agencies is vital in handling a crisis, said an expert yesterday, who also urged relevant authorities to review their crisis management strategies with the hope of integrating their various Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

“At the end of the day, the success of crisis management process is when all the different agencies are able to work as one unit,” said Chris Bala during the closing ceremony of the Crisis Management Course attended by 37 officers from various government agencies.

Bala, an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and International Air Transport Association global certified instructor, suggested the need for Brunei to review its crisis management plan and further train people on managing a crisis.

He told The Brunei Times that there is also a need for government agencies to look at their internal processes for improvement and possible integration with regards to crisis management.

“[We must] participate as one unified team to handle a crisis whether it is in the airport or (wherever) in the country,” he said.

Bala noted that Brunei has already met the baseline standards of the ICAO. However, he said that it is important to continously focus on the human factor in airport operations.

“It is basically making sure that the people who are working in the airport - whether it’s the security, police or from other agencies - are well-trained and motivated to execute the required measures and standards so they will be able to handle any situation that might arise,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, 409 Lieutenant Colonel Mohd Zulkarnain Hj Abd Wahab, Staff Officer Grade 1, J5 (Planning) Joint Force of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), said that they learnt new dimensions or things about aviation crisis management.

“As highlighted by the Acting Director of the Department of Civil Aviation during his speech at the opening ceremony, he puts emphasis on the importance of a contingency plan or “ConPlan” as well as an emergency plan in dealing with a (crisis) situation,” he said.

During the course, Lieutenant Colonel Mohd Zulkarnain said they were exposed to several key features of crisis management, such ascontainment, isolation, preparation and strategy; concepts of crisis management; and crisis communication, among others. They had the opportunity to visit the Air Traffic Control Centre, the Emergency Preparedness and Response Area, the Radar Room and the Control Command Centre at the Airport Fire and Rescue Service.

A total of 37 officers from various government agencies finished the four-day course held at the Amar Pahlawan Hall, Ministry of Communications. The guest of honour, Acting Director of Civil Aviation Mohammad Nazri Mohammad Yusof, also presented the participants their certificates.

The Brunei Times