Maldives Regional Airports Company has launched the first fire training simulator in the Maldives with a special institute to train firefighters in the field of aviation.
The Training Institute for Aviation Fire Fighters was developed at the Hoarafushi Airport in Haa Alifu Atoll. The simulator is developed encompassing a spectrum of firefighting tactics to develop competent individuals to serve as first responders in emergency incidents.
The first fire training simulator was named after Ahmed Fayaz, who has rendered valuable services to the emergency service and fire and rescue sector of the Maldives. He served the field for 31 years and passed away last September during an inspection at Hoarafushi Airport.
Managing Director of Maldives Regional Airports Company Mohamed Rizvi said the institute is the largest initiative in the Maldives to train firefighters for airports. He said 40 courses accepted by the Institute of Civil Aviation Authority have been approved to be conducted in the institution, adding that 20 instructors have been trained to conduct the programmes.
Furthermore, Rizvi said the firefighters currently working in the Maldives are receiving training from abroad and it costs more than USD12,000 to train one individual. He noted it is important to provide aviation-related training in the Maldives as the number of airports is increasing in the country.