FACT SHEET

HABC LEVEL 4 CERTIFICATE FOR A

HOSTILE Environment – EXPLOSIVE DETECTION DOG HANDLER

Introduction

The HABC Level 4 Certificate for a Hostile Environment Explosive Detection Dog Handler aims to provide the learner with the basic skills knowledge and understanding required to ensure the provision of a professional level of service as an EDD Handler deployed in hostile environment on joint military and private security operations.

Training (and or dogs) will only be supplied to countries that do not have sanctions imposed on them by the UK, UN or the EU and after gaining guidance from the United Kingdom Foreign Commonwealth Office.

For Whom Suitable

This program meets the requirements of those learners who have formal training and operational experience as Explosive Detection Dog Handlers. It would also be suitable for members of HM Armed Forces, Police or Prison Service who wish to take on an Explosive Detection Dog Handler role in a Hostile Environment. It's also suitable for none UK nationals of the Armed Forces, Police, Emergency Services or Private Security.

Due to health considerations this program is not suitable for women who at the time of training are pregnant.

Awarding Body

HABC – An awarding organisation approved by the Regulatory Authority OFQUAL and recognised by the SIA

Level

Level 4 Certificate

Course Duration

Training would be delivered over a minimum of sixteen days ensuring a minimum of 150 guided learning hours (GLH’s).

GLH’s are recorded hours of direct training given to an individual learner to ensure competency and not the duration of the course.

Program Structure

The program is a mixture of theory and practical tuition and is made up of 5 Units all of which are compulsory (see content).

This is not an attendance course you will be continually assessed throughout with many topics intended to improve the mental and physical ability of learners as they learn to deal with conflict situations, violence and terrorism with realistic scenario based training.

Prior Learning

All learners should hold an appropriate S.I.A. license (unless exempt) and should be trained and competent in a Security Officer or Close Protection role.

All learners shall have received the HABC Level 4 Certificate for EDD Handlers having completed a minimum of 150 Guided Learning Hours (GLH’s).

All learners should have proven EDD handling experience within the last 3 years.

It is strongly recommended that learners and their dogs have a skills assessment prior to commencement of training by a NASDU Approved Instructor/Trainer for which additional GLH’s may be identified.

Learners holding the HABC Level 4 Certificate for an EDD Handler that have not completed a module on Route Search will be required to achieve such competency prior to commencement of the Hostile Environment training.

Assessment

Assessment shall be carried out continuously throughout the course program. The mode of assessment shall be by practical assessment, by question and answer sessions and by a written examination. Learners whose final assessments are with a dog who successfully indicates the presence of a number of given substances that are real explosives and not pseudo may apply for additional certification as a HOSTILE ENVIROMENT Explosives Detection Team.

Verification

Course assessment and ongoing verification shall be carried out by an Approved NASDU Instructor/Trainer; internal moderation/verification shall be carried out by NASDU Head Office Assessors; external moderation shall be carried out by HABC.

Instructors

All dog handling instructors are Approved NASDU Instructors/Trainers and are either former or serving Police (ACPO) Instructors or military instructors with operational experience as EDD Handlers in a hostile environment.

All specialist instructors such as First Aid, Driving, Fire Arms training etc have the necessary experience, knowledge and understanding of the sector in which they are providing training, many of whom are former UKSF.

Progression

The successful learner can proceed onto a variety of dog detection work including drug detection or dog training.

Content

Unit 01 (10 GLH)

  • Roles and Responsibilities of an Hostile Environment Explosive Detection Dog Handler

•Hostile Environment Dog Handler Qualities

•IED Awareness

•Safe Systematic Search

•Protocols

•Communication & Conflict Management

•Search Awareness

Unit 02 (80 GLH)

  • Deployment an Explosive Detection Dog under Hostile Environment Conditions

•Control

•Assessment

•Safe Actions

•Building Search

•Vehicle Search

•Open Terrain/Compound Search

•Route Search

•Equipment

•Navigation / GPS

•Driving Skills

•Kidnap and Survival

Unit 03 (20 GLH)

  • Safe Weapon Handling

•Theory

•Handling

•Shooting Static & Moving

•Drawing and Holstering Pistol

•Stoppage Drills

•Self-Loading Pistols & Carbines

Unit 04 (30 GLH)

  • First Aid

(First Person on Scene Intermediate Award )

•Pre Hospital Environment

•Patient Assessment

•Respiration and Airway Management

•Basic life Support

•Defibrillation

•Circulation and Shock

•Medical Related Emergencies

Unit 05 (10 GLH)

  • Maintain the Health, Well Being and Safety of an Explosive Detection Dog and Handler in a Hostile Environment

•Health & Well Being

•Health and Safety Requirements

•Emergency Procedures

SEPTEMBER 2014