Part 108 Air Cargo Security Course

Lesson 1 • Roles and Responsibilities in Cargo Security

Defines accountability across carriers, freight forwarders, and ground handlers. Clarifies the security officer's specific duties within this network.

Lesson 2 • Global Aviation Security Framework

Covers the international bodies and standards that govern aviation security worldwide. Connects regulatory hierarchy to daily cargo security duties.

Lesson 3 • Air Cargo Threat Landscape

Identifies current and historical threats targeting air cargo supply chains. Grounds risk awareness in documented incident patterns.

Lesson 1 • Cargo Movement from Shipper to Aircraft

Traces the physical and documentary flow of cargo through the supply chain. Establishes the baseline for understanding where security controls apply.

Lesson 2 • Chain of Custody Principles

Defines custody transfer requirements that maintain cargo integrity. Establishes accountability standards applied throughout the screening process.

Lesson 3 • Types of Air Cargo and Packaging

Categorises cargo by commodity type, packaging format, and associated risk profile. Informs screening method selection in later chapters.

Lesson 4 • Secure Facility Layout and Access Control

Describes how cargo terminal design supports security segregation. Connects physical layout to the access control principles introduced in Chapter 1.

Lesson 1 • Screening Method Selection

Matches cargo type and risk level to the appropriate screening technology or technique. Builds decision-making skills for real-world acceptance scenarios.

Lesson 2 • Cargo Acceptance Criteria

Establishes the conditions under which cargo may be accepted for air transport. Prevents non-compliant shipments from entering the secure supply chain.

Lesson 3 • Explosive Trace Detection Procedures

Trains correct swabbing technique, equipment operation, and result interpretation for ETD. Complements X-ray by addressing concealed explosive residues.

Lesson 4 • X-Ray Screening Operations

Covers X-ray equipment operation, image interpretation, and alarm resolution. Directly supports the screening method selection skills developed earlier.

Lesson 1 • Dangerous Goods Classification System

Explains the nine hazard classes and their subdivisions as defined by international air transport standards. Provides the classification foundation for all subsequent dangerous goods tasks.

Lesson 2 • Dangerous Goods Documentation Review

Trains verification of shipper declarations, packing certificates, and quantity limits. Connects document accuracy to safe aircraft loading decisions.

Lesson 3 • Segregation and Storage of Dangerous Goods

Applies compatibility rules to prevent dangerous reactions during storage and transport. Reinforces secure facility layout concepts from Chapter 2.

Lesson 4 • Packaging, Labelling, and Marking Standards

Covers UN specification packaging requirements, hazard labels, and marking rules. Enables officers to identify non-compliant packaging before acceptance.

Lesson 1 • Profiling Techniques for Cargo Shipments

Applies behavioural and documentary indicators to identify high-risk shipments. Builds on acceptance criteria and documentation skills from Chapter 3.

Lesson 2 • Risk Assessment Fundamentals

Introduces threat, vulnerability, and consequence analysis as the basis for risk scoring. Provides the analytical framework applied throughout this chapter.

Lesson 3 • Risk Management Documentation and Audit

Establishes record-keeping standards that support internal audits and regulatory inspections. Reinforces documentation habits introduced in earlier chapters.

Lesson 4 • Applying Proportionate Security Measures

Guides selection of enhanced measures when risk scores exceed standard thresholds. Ensures responses are defensible, documented, and operationally feasible.

Lesson 1 • Recognising Suspicious Indicators

Catalogues physical, documentary, and behavioural indicators that flag a shipment as suspicious. Builds on profiling techniques from Chapter 5.

Lesson 2 • Internal Notification and Escalation Chains

Maps the internal communication pathway from first responder to senior management. Ensures timely, accurate information flow during a security event.

Lesson 3 • Isolation and Containment Protocols

Defines safe distances, containment zones, and personnel evacuation procedures for suspect cargo. Prevents secondary contamination and preserves evidence integrity.

Lesson 4 • Law Enforcement and Authority Handover

Prepares officers for professional interaction with law enforcement and regulatory authorities. Covers evidence preservation and formal handover documentation.

Lesson 1 • Audit Planning and Scope Definition

Covers audit objective setting, scope boundaries, and resource allocation. Provides the planning foundation for all audit activities in this chapter.

Lesson 2 • Regulatory Inspection Readiness

Prepares officers and facilities for unannounced regulatory inspections. Reinforces documentation and compliance habits developed throughout the chapter.

Lesson 3 • Non-Conformance Identification and Grading

Defines criteria for classifying findings by severity and urgency. Connects grading to the corrective action prioritisation process.

Lesson 4 • Corrective Action and Follow-Up

Guides development, implementation, and verification of corrective actions. Closes the compliance loop established in the audit planning phase.

Lesson 1 • Continuous Improvement in Security Operations

Applies performance data and lessons learned to drive ongoing security enhancements. Closes the strategic loop from programme design to measurable improvement.

Lesson 2 • Security Training Programme Management

Trains officers to design, deliver, and evaluate security training for their teams. Ensures training remains current with evolving threats and regulatory changes.

Lesson 3 • Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

Develops skills for communicating security requirements to internal and external stakeholders. Supports programme buy-in and cross-functional cooperation.

Lesson 4 • Leading and Managing Security Teams

Covers team structure, performance management, and motivational techniques for security personnel. Builds the leadership skills needed to sustain a security culture.