been removed from the train and would have likely never been heard from again. Human Resources had to send my passport off to the Capitol with a very hefty fine. I never knew how close I’d become to being another statistic until talking to some local friends. Whew!” Polar Opposites What made an impression on Snyder was how often he was in situations diametrically opposed to what he was used to in the United States or what could even occur from one place to another in a very short time. He worked for a while in Fakfak City, Papua, Indonesia, a remote city that has the highest malaria rate in the country and that has “a heat index that makes south Louisiana look like the polar bear club on some days.” His hotel room included “your very own mosquito net with cold water shower.” As he rode to the job site, children ran after him yelling “bule man,” which means “white man or expat.” He would bring them candy, which they treated as if it were gold. Goats roamed the streets, and he heard the calls for Muslim prayer ringing out five times a day. “The area is still somewhat controlled by the tribes,” Snyder recalled. “The established law of the government seems to not totally work in Fakfak due to the ‘hak ulayat,’ which is the tribal law and still dominant in regard to land control and leadership. There were cases of improvised explosive devices planted and found in the warehouse while I was working there as retaliations from the local tribes over land they felt was being taken that was still theirs or because of decisions made by the local law with oil exploration companies.” At an airport in Kaimana, Indonesia, they had to request the children get off the runway so Snyder’s plane could land. He recalled playing “marbles” with the children using dead beetles. “Fakfak was a far different world than that of the five-star lifestyle of Singapore, which offers the best of the best for living, dining, shopping, and world art. No one could have trouble adjusting there,” he said. One day he flew from Fakfak to Singapore, “where I went from a bed with mosquito netting and cold water to fluffy pillows, warm water, and fresh linens.” Additional Advice You need to understand the requirements of the country you plan to work in so you aren’t surprised by the cost and time it takes to get your equipment to the job site, Merrill advised. Merrill’s work usually requires a number of engineering technicians to travel with him. “These technicians have always had multiple certifications including CWI and ASNT Level II/III in UT, MT, PT, and RT, so we have always had the logistical issues of getting equipment in and out of various countries and the issue of dealing with 220 voltage vs. the U.S. 110 voltage most of our equipment is wired for. We have had to purchase a number of pieces of equipment that can only be used overseas in countries with 220 V. “In addition to voltage considerations are the issues of getting equipment through customs. Sometimes there is a required tariff, other times it will sit in customs awaiting inspection, and other times you can get it in the country without any question or problem. I would also add that there are many countries that require a second tariff on the same equipment when you are leaving the country.” He added that people new to working overseas need to understand what medical resources are available and how to get to them if they need medical attention. Snyder also mentioned the need for an international medical plan. “Assuring you understand and realize the tax consequences that may be part of your contract is essential,” Snyder advised. It is best to be ‘tax equalized’ for any long-term assignments to avoid more tax liability than you would encounter if you would stay working in the U.S.A. and making the same salary. The consideration of having to pay local taxes must be worked out in your contract agreement as well, and you should contact your tax advisor accordingly.” “If you like a routine, (working overseas) is not for you,” Snyder said. “The sights and sounds of arriving in a place like Ho Chi Minh City with about 8 million people, of whom likely 5 million are on scooters, is daunting at first. Don’t look nervous. Blend in. Don’t be flashy or stand out.” All four respondents echoed one another in saying that U.S. citizens working abroad must remember their place in the host country. “Be respectful and mindful that you are a guest in their country,” Lambert advised. “All too often I see my fellow Americans carrying an arrogant attitude that won’t win us any friends. Be yourself but also be aware that you are a guest. Try on the local flavors, i.e., eat what the locals eat, not in McDonalds or the local five-star hotel. Keep your wits about you. Many of us who work in construction or heavy industry enjoy alcoholic beverages. Be careful. Although travel overseas is generally safe, one must still be conscious and alert for unexpected situations.” Erickson added, “First and foremost, realize and understand you are not in the U.S. and do not expect things as they are in the U.S. Each country, although different, has a wealth of history, sights, culture, etc., that should be respected and enjoyed. Try to learn some basic words and phrases, smile, and do not let the differences discourage you. Each day incorporate a new sentence or a basic greeting. If you live outside your comfort circle in a positive frame, your days will become much more interesting and enjoyable in a foreign environment.” 18 Inspection Trends / April 2013 MARY RUTH JOHNSEN (mjohnsen@aws.org) is Editor of Inspection Trends. Understand the requirements of the country you plan to work in so you aren’t surprised by the cost and time it takes to get your equipment to the job site
Inspection Trends | April 2013
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