Civil Protection Volunteer Corps to be set up

Regulations for a Civil Protection Volunteer Corps have been published in the Government Gazette.

They provide that the corps will be established within the Assistance and Rescue Corps of the Civil Protection Department.

Candidates must be over 18, be fit for engagement in the duties incumbent on any member of the corps, and have the minimum medical standards of fitness which the Director of Civil Protection may determine.

A volunteer may not enlist in the corps if he is employed in the Civil Protection Department, a disciplined force, or is a registered member of a non-government organisation.

Candidates would enlist for an initial engagement of three years which may be renewed.

Non-government organisations may be recognised as auxiliary bodies which, if called up by the director in the event of a disaster or public emergency, may provide concerted assistance and cooperation.

A volunteer may be disciplined for disobedience to orders while on duty, neglect of such duties, misconduct or for failing to attend or successfully conclude training sessions.

Only volunteers who successfully complete at least one yearly course of training may be certified as competent and eligible to serve as member of the corps. No remuneration would be given for training sessions.

In the event of a disaster or emergency the director may issue call-out for volunteers. He may also consult leaders of non-government organisations on their issuing a call-out for their members.

It will be the duty and obligation of all members on call-up duty to comply with any directions and guidelines by the director.

A sub-clause on government indemnity says that members of the corps will be considered as being members of the Civil Protection Department in the event of injuries or death sustained during training or active duty.