IMAS IEDD Level 1 & 2 Course (Combined)
The mine action sector is increasingly being called upon to help to address the humanitarian impact of the widespread use of IEDs in recent conflicts. Taught by instructors with decades of operational experience in the location, identification and rendering safe of IEDs in some of the world’s most perilous conflict zones, the combined IMAS IEDD L1 (Search) and L2 (IEDD Assistant) course is for those who are already IMAS EOD Level 3 qualified or hold equivalent, recognised military or law enforcement EOD and IEDD qualifications. This course – developed in order to meet the criteria laid down in the recent IMAS 09.31 (IEDD) standard, is particularly suited to those wanting to step up to a higher level of ability to enhance both their skill set and their employability on both national-security and humanitarian IEDD contracts. It is also one of the pre-requisite qualifications for those wishing to achieve the IMAS IEDD L3 (Operator) qualification.
Included in the syllabus
Mine action organisations may be called upon to conduct IEDD activities within any context and therefore need to be mindful of the requirements associated with the specific task or operation being conducted. The layout and complexity of the operating context has a significant bearing on the skillsets required to safely carry out IEDD as part of a larger mine action intervention.
Traditionally the guidance provided in International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) has reflected the fact that mine action activities have focused mainly on mitigating the risks posed by explosive ordnance (EO) produced and assembled to a formally specified set of manufacturing standards. This course – comprising the following core competencies – has been developed in order to meet the criteria laid down in the recent IMAS 09.31 (IEDD), which complements the existing EOD guidance for mine action operations.
The following (IMAS 09:31) IEDD specialist competency standards are covered at the elementary level in the core syllabus:
- Theory & Knowledge: Electrical theory; standard operating procedure (SOP) framework and referring up; IEDD principles and philosophy; threat assessment; IED makeup & types (including time; command; victim operated and hybrid IEDs); explosives theory; demolition procedures; IED disruption techniques (including conventional and improvised water disruptors); search techniques and safe access; secondary and tertiary devices; transportation of explosive ordnance (EO); survey techniques; task conduct.
- Equipment Skills: Demolition explosives & accessories; hook & line; semi-remote disruptors and cutters; use of detectors; preparation of metal detectors and GPR; weapon preparation; cameras & GPS; personal protective equipment (PPE); maintenance; mechanical techniques (including Banksman).
- Reporting & Data: IMSMA terminology; reporting requirements; reporting; mobile apps; technical analysis; global IED threats and theatre-specific device history.
- Practical IEDD Skills: Danger areas & task geography; question technique; application of SOPs; explosive ordnance reconnaissance (EOR); search skills; vehicles; final demolition; awareness of the threat environment.
- Management & Leadership: Equipment management; managing operational pressure; continuation training; legal framework; task management & planning.
- Deployment & Post Task: Pre-task actions; en-route actions; post-task actions.
Confirmatory Exercises, Assessments & Formal Tests
- Threat Assessment and Threat Analysis
- Preparation of IEDD equipment
- IED Search (as part of a clearance team, under supervision)
- Application of remote or semi-remote actions designed to locate IEDs (under supervision)