Benin’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) held a training course for search and rescue (SAR) mission coordinators from Monday 21 September to Friday 2 October 2026 at ANAC’s training facility.
The two-week course was intended to improve the effectiveness of rescue responses to distress situations in Benin’s airspace. It brought together ANAC SAR inspectors and personnel from the Cotonou Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC).
Training for Search and Rescue Coordination
Organised under the auspices of the École Régionale de la Navigation Aérienne et de Management (ERNAM), the course was delivered by Colonel Amadou Bassirou MBODJ, a SAR instructor and expert.
The training objectives included:
- Improving participants’ general knowledge of search and rescue operations.
- Reviewing and consolidating knowledge of air traffic procedures, with particular emphasis on the alerting service.
- Understanding the roles and responsibilities of a Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC).
- Understanding the operation of distress beacons within the Cospas-Sarsat system, as well as the Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System (GADSS).
- Developing the practical skills required to work within a rescue coordination centre, particularly in coordinating SAR operations.
At the conclusion of the course, participants expressed their appreciation to ANAC management for authorising and organising the training. According to ANAC, the training is expected to improve participants’ performance in their day-to-day responsibilities.
ANAC said that strengthening the mission coordination skills of its SAR personnel would support aviation safety in Benin.
Approximately ten participants received certificates following completion of the training.
