UNIVERSAL SECURITY AUDIT PROGRAMME (USAP)
THE AUDIT PROCESS
All activities relating to a specific audit are conducted in a transparent manner involving the full participation of the State throughout the audit process; starting four to six months prior to the date of the audit when States scheduled for an audit are sent a customized Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), based upon a model bilateral MoU endorsed by the Council, so as to confirm their agreement to its terms. At the same time:
- States are requested to complete and submit a pre-audit questionnaire and a security audit compliance checklist to assist in the planning of the audit; and
- Audit-related documents and other essential information are forwarded to the State to be audited to enable it to appropriately prepare for the forthcoming audit.
An ICAO aviation security audit is typically conducted over a period of five to eight days by a team of three or four auditors following standard auditing procedures and protocols. However, the duration of the audit and the composition of the audit team are adjusted depending upon the size and complexity of operations.
Post-audit action starts with a detailed on-site briefing provided to the State at the conclusion of the audit. A confidential audit report is forwarded to the audited State within 60 calendar days of the completion of the audit and, under the terms of the MoU signed with ICAO, the State is expected to submit a corrective action plan within 60 calendar days after receiving the report. At the same time, States are asked to complete and submit a State Audit Feedback Form commenting on all aspects of the audit process. This feedback is used, as appropriate, to improve the audit process.
The ICAO audit reports, coupled with the State corrective action plan, provide the starting point for initiating corrective actions taken by States. Depending upon the nature of the deficiencies identified in an audited State, immediate and direct assistance may be available through the ICAO Implementation, Support and Development Section, and longer-term assistance projects may be coordinated through the Technical Co-operation Programme.
Audit follow-up missions were initiated in 2005 in order to validate the implementation of State corrective action plans and to provide support to States in remedying identified deficiencies. These missions take place approximately two years after the initial audit and are normally conducted by the applicable Regional Office, in close coordination with Headquarters. The results of the follow-up visits indicate that the majority of States have made significant progress in the implementation of their corrective action plans.
To view an audit cycle chart, click here.