Established in 1984 the Arab Fire Safety & Security Academy (AFSSAC) in Jeddah was the first private sector fire training institute in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the region under the supervision of the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) as the legislature.
On an 18000 m² plot of land in the industrial zone of Jeddah the Academy offers many training programs in the fields of Fire, Safety, and Industrial Security. All these programs are locally accredited by TVTC and are compliant with the highest international standards. Every year up to 800 students are participating in the courses AFSSAC is offering. Until now a total of 10.000 students finished 1100 courses. Many large organizations like Saudi Royal Marine Force or KAUST and industrial corporations as well as airports are sending their employees for beginner and advanced training every year.
Being one of the first academies in the Kingdom also means that there is a need for permanent improvement of the facility. AFSSAC therefore has started a major renovation program in 2018. Not only state of the art training was a key element when we started the renovation, also the environmental aspects need to be taken into account. Therefore we changed our hot fire training area from using diesel fuel to the use of nearly clean burning propane gas (LPG) and installed in phase one already a gas fueled Hi/Lo Flange simulator; a 40m² gas fueled pool fire as well as a multipurpose HAZMAT Tanker. Implementation of those new training simulators was a challenge but with the excellent support of Fireblast we were able to prepare the site well in advance and allow a smooth integration of the new systems.
The amount of hazardous accidents on our roads and within the industrial facilities is giving a clear indicator that this is a topic that need more attention and definitely more education and training. Most of the first responders do have a lack of training experience when it comes to mitigating hazardous materials incidents, performing technical rescues and providing emergency services on tanker leakages, hazardous spills and even medium size spill or valve fires. Safe, effective, and realistic firefighter training is essential in preparing the fire service to achieve its mission of preserving life and property. Therefore we are using our HAZMAT tanker and provide special courses at our academy as well as on the premises of our clients.
Another benefit of using clean burning systems is also the reuse of the extinguishing water. We are now able to water all our plants around the academy and demonstrate our commitment to the environment.
At the moment the new class room building is under construction and will soon allow us on additional 1650 m² to have 20 more class rooms, all equipped with latest technology to provide learning and teaching in a motivating atmosphere.
The purpose of our programs is to enhance the training process, improve performance, and strengthen the professionalism of all Fire and Emergency Services personnel. All programs are intended to measure the competence of Fire and Emergency Services personnel and provide a quality control element for the training process. These measurements and quality control elements are to be accomplished through the administration of standardized written and performance evaluations. Using the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) national consensus of professional qualifications standards.
AFSSAC is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and by the International Accreditation for Fire Service Organizations (The PRO BOARD) to Provide Certification and Fire Science Technology AAS Degree.
The mission of the academy is to provide professionally trained Firefighters, trained and certified to international standards for a safer environment for all of us.
For more information, go to www.AFSSAC.edu.sa
