In January 1999 ICAO launched its Universal Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) with the objective of promoting global aviation safety through the auditing of ICAO Member States. The programme specifically determines the status of States’ establishment of safety oversight measures and resources, as well as relevant ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), associated procedures, guidance material, and safety-related practices.
Core areas audited by the USOAP include:
- Primary aviation legislation and civil aviation regulations;
- Civil aviation organization;
- Personnel licensing and training;
- Aircraft operations;
- Airworthiness of aircraft;
- Aircraft accident and incident investigation;
- Air navigation services; and
- Aerodromes and ground aids
In 2011, the USOAP evolved from a programme that performs periodic audits to a new Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA). This systematic and more proactive risk-based approach to the conduct of monitoring activities provides ICAO with the ability to continue to perform additional activities such as ICAO Coordinated Validation Missions (ICVMs). ICVMs help to validate progress made by States in resolving safety deficiencies identified during USOAP audits.
An interactive display of ICAO’s States and Regions and their respective USOAP results, an example of which is shown in the graph below, may be reviewed interactively on ICAO’s website.