Beyond the Close Protection SIA Training Course

Jul 5 • Close Protection Officer, Training • 9111 Views • No Comments on Beyond the Close Protection SIA Training Course

In this article we are going to have a look at what courses are available to you, once you have passed the initial SIA Training course in Close Protection. Simply passing the entry course and obtaining your SIA licence may not be enough in the competitive world of Close Protection; there are many more skills you will need to acquire to really excel in this dynamic sector.

Below are the mandatory elements of close protection you will have learnt in order to successfully apply for your SIA licence.

Mandatory SIA Training Elements

Introduction to the roles and responsibilities of the close protection operative
Threat and risk assessment
Surveillance awareness
Operational planning
Law and legislation
Interpersonal skills
Close protection team work
Reconnaissance

Close protection foot techniques
Route selection
Use of close protection vehicle techniques
Search awareness
Incidents and dilemmas
Venue based security
Communication and conflict management skills

So what’s next? The fantastic aspect of a career in close protection is that you will continue to learn throughout the rest of your working life.

Here is a selection of the courses you can take once you have completed your initial SIA training.

Level 3 Advanced Driver Training including RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents)

Taking the additional Level 3 driving course will significantly improve your driving skills and risk management on the road. All close protection work will involve professional level driving at some point. Moving the principle from one place to the next is often when they are most at risk. In view of this, the course covers driving techniques used by UK Police in Royalty Protection and Pursuit Driving.

Typical course content includes:

System of Car Control Overtaking
Parking & Manoeuvring
Positioning
Cornering
Motorway Driving
Personal Safety & Security
Observation & Hazard Perception
Highway Code and Motoring Matters

This training option is obviously beneficial for anyone wanting to specialise as a Close Protection Driver. The course will give you a qualification proving a high standard of driving and will certainly make you more attractive to potential employers.

ASAA Intermediate Firearms Training

True, firearms training does not play any part in SIA licensing requirements for close protection. Furthermore, if you are working in the UK you will not be allowed to carry firearms as part of your job.

However, the exciting reality about close protection work is that you never know where the job may take you. If you begin working for a client who spends a lot of time abroad, in countries where it is possible to carry a firearm, then this course will definitely reap benefits.

Also, you may actually take a position (such as hostile environment close protection) where you will be permanently based outside the UK. Again, having taken this training course, doors are open to you.

Prospective employers will look at your CV and will see that you have obtained further skills than the next potential candidate. Much like any other industry the more skills you have the more employable you will be.

There is one minor issue associated with a course such as this however. They are an expensive commitment. UK law dictates that firearms training to such a level cannot be carried out within the United Kingdom. Training providers offering this course have to fly you out to countries such as Switzerland. This therefore is reflected in the course price.

However, such training will give you a certification from the ASAA in respect of their Intermediate Handgun Course. As an internationally recognized award it will give you all the benefits of employability we have listed above.

No previous experience of firearms is required in order to take the course, and most training providers will include flights, food and accommodation, all ammunition and equipment hire, with the training being conducted within a licensed firing range. (Check with your chosen provider what exactly is included however)

Typical Training Modules Include:

History & Introduction
First Aid for Gunshot Wounds
Rules of weapon handling
Naming of parts
Weapon familiarization operation and mechanical function
Stance, position and grip technique
Loading & Unloading drills
Sight picture and aiming including target and multiple target engagement
Drawing and re-holstering drills
Tactical reloads, speed reload, and stoppage drills
Stances: standing, kneeling, lying
Close quarter combat drills

Level 3 Maritime Security Operative (MSO)

There is a new City & Guilds qualification that enables individuals to apply for Maritime Security Operative Positions (MSO).

A Maritime Security Operator (MSO) is an interesting area of security with more opportunities becoming available. An MSO is responsible for the protection of commercial shipping vessels that work in high-risk piracy areas.

Although pitched at Level 3, the course is designed for those that have limited experience in the maritime security (Anti-Piracy) sector. It is soon to be fully approved by the MCA (Maritime & Coastguard Agency), and while offering great insight into the role of a maritime security operator, it will become the qualification of choice for those that want to enter this sector.

Course Syllabus

The City & Guilds qualification contains the following modules on what is generally a 4-day course.

Understand the Maritime Security Industry
Understand Maritime Security Pre-Deployment Planning and Procedures
Understand Maritime Security Operating Procedures
Understand Maritime Incident Management and Post Operational Procedures

As always, check details with your course provider as the syllabus is constantly evolving to maintain relevance with current threats and trends from pirate action groups.

If you are a SIA training provider that holds any of the above courses, you get in touch re advertising opportunities on this page, (or elsewhere on the site) by sending us an email at info@sialicencehub.co.uk or head to the contact page.