Provision of a Third Party Certifier and Quality Assurer of Free Running Explosive Detection Dogs (FREDDs)

Requirements for the Provision of a Third Party Certifier and Quality Assurer of Free Running Explosive Detection Dogs (FREDDs) - Regulated under the UK National Aviation Security Programme (NASP)

Under the National Aviation Security Programme (NASP), the UK has an Explosive Detection Dog (EDD) capability which requires dog and handler teams to be certified and a commitment to regular Quality Assurance (QA) to maintain standards. It is proposed that in future the certification and QA functions should be carried out by a third party accredited by the CAA on behalf of the Department for Transport (DfT). Under this arrangement, CAA will maintain oversight of the third party certification/QA provider on a continuous basis and will be responsible for ensuring that the process operates effectively. The overall policy on the use of EDD will continue to be owned by DfT.

There will be additional expert input from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) who currently undertake FREDDs certification and QA on behalf of DfT

The certification and quality assurance activity is moving from a proof of concept stage and into the commercial market where, based on levels of interest already indicated by FREDDs teams, are expected to show considerable growth. There are also the potential benefits of anticipated expansion of regulated EDD provision in the UK to be considered.