ICAO audits
Bahamas results
Comment
The results of the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO's) November 2021 audit of the Bahamas' aviation industry have recently been released. The industry's score illustrates significant progress from its previous audit, reflecting great strides made in recent years.
ICAO audits assess a state's capability to provide safety oversight and the implementation of ICAO's safety-related standards and recommended practices. ICAO audits focus on the following eight key areas:
- primary aviation legislation and civil aviation regulations;
- civil aviation organisation;
- personnel licensing and training;
- aircraft operations;
- airworthiness of aircraft;
- aircraft accident and incident investigation;
- air navigation services; and
- aerodromes and ground aids.
ICAO audits establish an "effective implementation" score (expressed as a percentage) for each of these areas.
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the Bahamas' 2021 and 2017 ICAO audit results, alongside the global average.
Figure 1: the Bahamas' 2021 ICAO audit results
Figure 2: the Bahamas' 2017 ICAO audit results
The most recent results show that the Bahamas' overall performance has nearly doubled since it achieved an average score of just 34% in 2017. Clear progress can be seen in a number of areas, particularly with regard to organisation and accident investigation.
Four areas remain below the global average:
- licensing;
- operations;
- air navigation services; and
- aerodromes.
The latest ICAO results send a message to the rest of the world that the Bahamas' aviation industry is taking steps to improve its overall standing, having come a long way in a short space of time. The results provide an excellent foundation upon which the industry can continue to improve in line with recent government commitments and related legislation. If the government and industry remain committed, the Bahamas should aim to realise a score of approximately 80%, if not greater, in its next audit. It will be a challenge, but it is important to keep the score moving in the right direction.
For further information on this topic please contact Llewellyn V Boyer-Cartwright at HarleyJames by telephone (+1 242 327 7275) or email ([email protected]). The HarleyJames website can be accessed at www.harleyjames.law.