International Obligations

 

As the Appropriate Authority responsible for aviation security in Malta, AVSEC Malta oversees the correct implementation of obligations stemming out from international treaties, conventions and international organisations and fora which Malta is party to. 

 

 

 

A specialized agency of the United Nations, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) was created in 1944 to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency and regularity, as well as for aviation environmental protection. The Organization serves as the forum for cooperation in all fields of civil aviation among its 190 Member States. Malta is a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), becoming signatory to the Chicago Convention Annex 17 in 1964.

 

 

The Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG Move) within the European Commission provides general and detailed measures on civil aviation security that are subject to Union law covering the following areas of aviation security:

•    Airport Security

•    Aircraft Security

•    Passengers and Cabin Baggage

•    Hold Baggage

•    Cargo and Mail

•    Air Carrier Mail and Air Carrier Materials

•    In-Flight Supplies

•    Airport Supplies

•    In-Flight Security Measures

•    Staff Recruitment and Training

•    Security Equipment

Malta became a member of the European Union in 2004.

The European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) is an organisation of 44 European Member States and an integral part of the ICAO global air transport family. ECAC's mission is promotion of the continued development of a safe, efficient and sustainable European air transport system, including in the aspects of aviation security. In so doing, it seeks to harmonise civil aviation policies and practices amongst its Member States, and to promote understanding on policy matters between its Member States and other regions of the world. Malta became a member of ECAC in 1979.

 

 

The Minister for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms and Equality (MHSR) is the Minister responsible for aviation security in Malta. The Head of Aviation Security is the public officer designated by the Minister to be responsible for the overall management and control of aviation security at specified airports in the Maltese territory.  Aviation Security Malta, led by the Head of Aviation Security, within the Ministry forHome Affairs, Security, Reforms and Equality, has been designated as the Appropriate Authority responsible for safeguarding civil aviation in Malta.