The Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS) was established on the signing by the Governments of Barbados, Guyana, Saint Lucia, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago of the Agreement Establishing the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System, and designated an Institution of the Community by the Conference pursuant to Article 21 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

CASSOS succeeds the Regional Aviation Safety Oversight System (RASOS) with expanded functions. It formalises arrangements for: coordinating in a cost effective manner the sharing of the limited technical aviation expertise of the region; the harmonisation of training, licensing, certification and inspection procedures; and providing technical support to the participating States to enable them to achieve and maintain full compliance with international safety and security standards in keeping with their obligations as contracting States to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention, 1944).

The regional approach is consistent with the global strategy promoted by ICAO and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address safety and security oversight issues in contracting states, and CARICOM joins other regions in establishing its own entity membership of which is open to non-CARICOM Caribbean States and territories.

Related link:

Agreement establishing the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System