Security Management System Manual (SeMS)

Although security challenges and threats might look different during and post the pandemic, the conventional threats remain and the importance of incident management, collaboration and security assurance should not be compromised. In addition, the industry needs to continually adapt to ever changing regulations and challenges that the global security environment presents as they look to expand and evolve their operations.

Strengthened security is always an asset, however amidst this; it can also improve operational efficiencies within your organization, improve the relationship between airports, airlines and aviation authorities as well as enhance customer satisfaction.

​By applying the principles from the IATA Security Management System (SeMS) manual, it can enhance your company’s security culture, regulatory collaboration and resource utilization as well as improve overall performance and communication within your organization. It contains security management guidelines on building effective aviation security measures and also covers a range of additional topics including accountabilities and responsibilities assignment, risk assessment, security reporting and improved communication processes.

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What's inside the SeMS?

• Management (Corporate Commitment, Security Objectives, Security Communication, Change Management, Provision of Resources)
• Documentation (Aircraft Operator Security Program, Security Reporting)
• Aviation Security Quality (Quality Assurance Audits, Quality Control, Security Surveys, Security Tests)
• Security Risk Management (Security Risk Assessment, Threat Identification and Assessment, Risk Management Process)
• Additional Guidance (Role of Regulations, Landside Security, Insider Threats, In-flight Theft, Aviation Cyber Security)

Stay up-to-date

The 8th edition of the SeMS is the latest version of the manual. By implementing the latest SeMS guidance, you can shape a proactive, strategic and risk-based approach to the protective security. The SeMS is updated every year to ensure that the information provided stays relevant and reliable so that the users can develop and continuously improve their security management practices. 

• Significant changes have been made to evolve the notions of proactive, strategic, and risk-based approach to security in the aviation industry. Additionally, substantial guidance has been updated in terms of the supply chain with a focus on supporting External Service Provider concept.
• The Documentation chapter has been significantly restructured to provide additional guidance for maintaining clear and consistent documentation through a centrally controlled system. This includes advice on tailoring documentation to meet your entity’s performance needs and regulatory requirements, as well as standardizing documents for organization-wide consistency.
• Section 3.2 has been extensively updated to describe the interdependencies of Security occurrence Reporting among three generic entities: the External Service Provider, the Airline, and the Appropriate Authority.
• Section 5 now includes an additional subsection on risk assessment use and methodologies. This provides guidance to help your organization measure security risks more accurately through better integration with other areas of the operation such as safety and cyber.
• Section 6 now includes significant material, such as the SeMS Dashboard Toolkit for External Service Providers and the SeMS Implementation Plan. This allows organizations to self-monitor their progress towards IATA’s overall SeMS approach for External Service Providers.
• External Service Providers can use this guidance to conduct SeMS maturity assessments or self-assessments for internal Quality Control and Quality Assurance purposes. This also helps ensure compliance with external stakeholders, such as clients and authorities.
• The digital edition will include a resource of over 150 questions that can be used to develop deeper professional SeMS Maturity assessments.