GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

OFFICE OF DIRECTOR GENERAL OF CIVIL AVIATION

Opp. Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi- 110003

SSP Division Circular No. 2 of 2023

File No: DGCA-15032(03)/5/2022-DAS

Date: 22nd Feb, 2023
Rev 1, Date: 5th Mar, 2024

Subject: Criteria for Safety Manager and SMS trainer

1. Introduction: Civil Aviation Requirement Section 1 Series C Part I requires that the
service provider shall appoint a safety manager who is responsible for the implementation
and maintenance of the Safety Management System (SMS). Appointment of a competent
person or persons to fulfil the role of safety manager is essential for effective
implementation and functioning of SMS. ICAO Doc 9859 provides the guidance in this
regard.

This circular provides guidance on the selection of a competent person to fulfill the role of
safety manager and SMS trainer.

2. Criteria for selection of Safety Manager:

i. Safety manager should have knowledge of work scope and operations of the
organization.
ii. The appointment should also consider potential conflicts of interest with other tasks
and functions wherein the situation of conflict may arise such as QM, CAM, Director
Ops, Director Training, CSO, Head (Maintenance/Airside operation/Planning) etc.
Note: In case of organization such as NSOP/FTO with upto 03 aircraft; aerodrome with
upto 10 schedule movements per day; design/manufacturing organization engaged in
type design/ manufacturing of aeroplane with airworthiness codes FAR/CS 23;
helicopter with airworthiness codes of FAR/CS-27; engines except turbine engines
and propellers, the role of safety manager may be assigned to an existing post
holder/person meeting the requirements of para 2.1 a) & b) keeping in view the conflict
of interest.

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