Omni Helicopters trains Guyana´s first SAR rear crew

Omni Helicopters expects Guyana's first SAR rear crew to become operational in mid 2024.

Omni Helicopters International (OHI) is training six Guyanese nationals to become the nation’s first search and rescue (SAR) rear crew.

The crew will be trained initially to operate as rescue swimmers before undergoing training as winch operators. “Their training will teach them to act as an observer during SAR missions and when needed, support missions to safely rescue persons or casualties from vessels, offshore installations, water, or challenging jungle terrain,” according to OHI. They will also be tasked with additional aviation security roles.

The team, pictured above, includes (L to R): Ishwar Parbhu, Daniel Yorris, Johnelle Ogle, Kevin Sawh, Somant Heeralall and Curt Mendonca.

“We are proud to be able to support national talent and to help develop the aviation sector in Guyana,” said Duncan Moore, CEO, Offshore and Onshore International, OHl, who is responsible for the group’s operation in Guyana. “Supporting our communities is something we take seriously and is part of the Omni Way. We are very confident of these new members’ ability to develop into a world-class SAR rear crew team.”

Initial training is taking place at the company’s base at Ogle Airport, East Coast Demerara, near Guyana’s capital Georgetown. Later this month the team will visit the company’s Offshore Training Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada before returning for on-the-job training.

Guyana’s first SAR rear crew will become fully operational by mid-2024.