There is a complex set of checks and calls and procedures so everyone is on the same page, and to minimize the risk to all involved. Having never hoisted before, and still not having much time on this new type, I was not behind the controls while we hoisted a SARtech down to the deck of a large support vessel not far from the rig we've been flying to. My job as First Officer was to back the Commander up.
I did get to hoist drums in the open sea. The drill was to hit a series of "gates", or airspeed and altitude targets, to come to a predetermined hover point at a certain height above the sea, then to retain that hover, with no reference to anything other than the waves, while the hoist operator, hanging out the rear door and looking down the hoist cable, trying to "hook" the drum we dropped off earlier, would call "forward one, left two, straight ahead, hold, back one, hold, maintain height, you're descending, good height, come left two.....etc". Because the downwash of the helicopter was pushing the drum around, we had to chase it a good deal. Newer version of the helicopter we were flying, the Italian AW139, have auto-hover capability, designed with SAR in mind, but we didn't have that kit. I was suprised that it wasn't as difficult as I had thought. Then again, the other pilot was hoisting a live guy to a deck that was bouncing around in rough seas, lots of obstructions, with gusty wind coming through the structure of the boat, but he handled it like someone who had done it extensively before. Being Ex-U.S. Coast Guard, it was old hat to him. But it was my first time out.
Life in Mtwara and shifting priorities. Some people get a little irate at the different rates charged to mazungas (ex-pats) for most anything, but can you blame the locals? There appears to be a completely different mindset to most everything here, brought about by living in a completely different environment than we are accustomed to. There is a sense of community here that is very refreshing. For a Tanzanian, when one comes into money, even a small amount, there is an unquestionable obligation to share with one’s family, or with those in need. Sharing is an integral part of everyday life here. The Western concept of ownership, or “I earned it, it’s mine”, is quite foreign to the locals here. Mazungas are seen as being rich and whether we are or not, by the standard here in Mtwara, we most definitely are. A 1000 shilling tuk-tuk ride becomes a 5000 shilling tuk-tuk ride for a mazunga, and you can often negotiate down to 2000 to 3000, but should we even try? 5000 shillings is a tad over $3 US. Can you wonder why the drivers shake their heads in confusion when we refuse to pay more than the locals? They find it hard to understand why we won't share our wealth. I am trying to relate. I want to make of the most of this experience of working far from home, far out of my comfort zone, broaden my horizons, views and outlook. I’d prefer to look beyond my Western sensibilities and to do my best to see things through the local's eyes, beyond the tourist experience, and utilize this unbelievable opportunity I have to get a little understanding of life and priorities so very different than my own. As long as I get to fly helicopters with some regularity!
And you can forego most of our western modern amenities with a little ingenuity, considering the climate of course. Electrical power is not as reliable in Mtwara as someone from North America might be used to, so instead of having a water pump provide the pressure for all your water needs, a large tank is placed on the roof, and the tank is topped up when power is available. With the tanks sitting in the sun, the showers are the optimum temperature, and the gravity fed pressure is acceptable on the third floor, and just keeps getting better the lower your room is. Everything is just fine; you just have to shift your expectations slightly. The lack of reliable internet though? I find it very sad that it drives me as crazy as it does.
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