| 2024 | Quarter 1 | Issue Eleven |
the voyager Newsletter
Welcome to Dupre Marine’s Quarterly Newsletter!
IN THIS ISSUE
Employee Spotlights
Cookin’ in the Galley
Just for Fun for Everyone
Calvin’s Corner
Safety Topic
Crew Safety Quiz
DMT Anniversaries for this Quarter
Company News & Updates
dmt’s Wheelhouse spotlight: CAptain derrick “bama” Jarman
Captain Derrick “Bama” Jarman, is not only the leader of the M/V Parker James, but a father figure to his Crew. A family man off and on the boat. Bama has been with Dupre Marine for 3 years, a great talented wheelman who is so dedicated to his crew, his vessel, Rory and the Dupre Marine family. He epitomizes great culture on his boat.
His crew family is so important to Bama, they look up to him and he is well respected and respects his guys in return. He is the leader, the teacher, the dad, the preacher, the Captain. And we must mention his wisdom he brings from his time on deck to a Captain. Every week we look forward to his insight and of course his “Roll Tide” at the end of a meeting for his love of his Alabama team and with funny groans and eye rolls from the LSU fans! All of us on Shoreside always enjoy talking with Bama, he always comes in with a smile, a great attitude and plenty of stories!
Bama works a lot of time, but all for his family home in Alabama. This is all for them and he loves his wife Angel and their whole family, enjoying the precious time he has with them when he is home. And we can’t forget his hobby at home, his Mustang. He never stops always keeping busy and enjoying life!
Thank you, Captain Bama, for all you do for Dupre Marine and the M/V Parker James! Your dedication and talent shine through
dmt spotlight: Tankerman Bryce Larousse
Tankerman Bryce Larousse started his towboat career with Dupre Marine over three years ago, with a commitment to his job aboard the M/V Wells Porche. He worked hard to move from deckhand to Tankerman, known for his dedication to doing great work for Captain Chad Verdin and the rest of the crew. Bryce's awesome work ethic not only shines during his hitches on the boat, but also extends into his off-time, where he willingly and often helps out Lynsie and Michael.
His kind nature and strong work ethic has earned him to be a favorite to everyone on Shoreside; nothing but great things to be said about Bryce!
Outside of work, Bryce is a devoted family man, tirelessly working for his loved ones, Kamryn and his daughter, Londyn, here in Houma. They fuel his career goals and inspire him to succeed in everything he does. Other than family, Captain Chad and crew said Bryce’s favorite thing is eating and we know they eat well on the Wells!
Bryce, your dedication sets a high standard for the guys who work alongside you, and your contributions are truly valued by everyone here. We look forward to your continued growth as Tankerman and eventually as a wheelman with much success as part of our Dupre Marine family!
Our Dupre Marine Transportation family mourns the loss of David Moore, a valued crew member who passed away on February 2nd this year, while working aboard the M/V Alva Dupre. David served as a wheelman with us for two years, contributing his skills and dedication to his crew and Dupre Marine.
Beyond his role on board, David was known as a devoted family man who resided in Georgia. Much of his family also resides here in Houma, who he was excited to always visit before and after his hitches. David will be remembered for his kindness and the positive impact he made on those around him. He was a deep thinker, thoughtful and caring to everyone he encountered. He was well thought of by all of us at Dupre Marine, from the crew to shoreside, he was always such a nice guy when he came by the office to chat with us.
Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time. Please keep them in your prayers. David will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
cookin’ in the galley
Main Ingredients (all ingredient amounts can be adjusted for taste):
For the crew use approx 2lbs (or more) of chicken chopped in chunks or shred. Use cooked chicken breast or thighs, or rotisserie chickens or even canned (use less salt if using canned)
Bacon cooked crisp and chopped, approx 2 pieces per person
2 cups Celery, chopped
bunch of green onions chopped
1/2 cup red onion, chopped (optional)
or 1/2 radishes, chopped (optional)
1 to 1.5 cups red or green grapes (I like red it adds more color), cut them halved or quartered. You can also use chopped apples, strawberries, or dried cranberries.
1/2 cup pecans (or walnuts or almonds), toast for a few minutes in a pan or toaster oven and lightly chop
for extra protein add a few hard boiled eggs (optional)
Salt and Pepper to taste (adjust after you add the dressing) or use Tony’s for a little heat which is great with the fruit. Tarragon is also a good herb to use
Dressing Ingredients (also can be adjusted for the amount you like):
3/4 cup of mayo (can combine or use plain Greek yogurt or sour cream)
a couple good squeezes of mustard
a squeeze of lemon or lime juice
1 or 2 ripe avocados mashed or chopped (optional)
Directions:
Once the chicken and bacon is cooked this just takes minutes to throw together. Mix together all the main ingredients. Then mix the dressing ingredients then fold in and mix with the main ingredients. Make a salad, sandwich or poboy and enjoy!
louisiana Fun quiz!
Many of our employees are from Louisiana, but many are not. All our crew members travel the waters, eat the food and learn the culture, so how well do you know some of these fun facts about Louisiana?!
(as always No Googling!)
#PRIDEINYOURRIDE #PRIDEINYOURWORK #ISPYADUPREMARINEBOAT
by Denise Morencie
#Hashtags. They are not just a search tool used to drive views of our posts, but most importantly what I believe creates Dupre Marine culture. When you send me a pic of your boat or the work you’ve been doing it might be #prideinyourride or #prideinyourwork. A passion for your work, a positive attitude and taking pride in your work and vessel. I see it in the photos I am sent: a beautiful sunrise, polished shiny stacks or horns, a photo of one of your fellow Dupre vessels or crew pics of the guys working hard. Many of these come to me with a quick note of “good morning” or “looking great” or “I thought you would like this”. They are simple photos of positivity, passion and pride. A small part of the big picture. We also get a lot of photos sent by other towboaters or workers that admire our boats and want to share them with me. This I call #ispyadupremarineboat after the old game “I Spy”. People know our boats when they see them and with the photos comes a lot of compliments on how you guys take care of your boats, it’s not just your work place, it’s your home-away-from-home, and we can tell!
This is not just about taking photos and sharing them with me (although please do!), but encouragement to step back and look at how you approach your day and the work you do.
Positivity will lead to passion for your work, approaching each task you do as an accomplishment, not just a job. Passion leads to pride in your boat and the work you put into it, a feeling of putting your best work in to have the best-looking, best performing boat on the water!
Stop Work Responsibility at Dupre Marine
By Calvin Self
Stop Work Responsibility (SWR)
A responsibility to stop work when a perceived unsafe conditions or behavior may result in an unwanted event.
Of all the tools used on the vessels we operate and the industry we operate in none are more important to your personal safety than the “safety tools.” No, I’m not talking about a wrench or a cheater pipe. I am talking about the tools used to identify, report, and mitigate hazards. Of all of these tools, the most important one is probably the least used one, Stop Work Responsibility.
Stop Work Responsibility is important because it empowers employees at all levels immediately. It doesn’t matter what your position is, how long you have been employed at the company, or even your overall experience level in the industry. Everyone has the tool, and it is everyone’s responsibility to use it when circumstances dictate. Stop Work removes the red tape and forces everyone to take a look at the hazards.
Through the years, many employees have displayed the ability to identify hazards that require the use of Stop Work and the courage to do so. These employees understand they will not be reprimanded or ignored when they use this tool, they know that not only will management work with them to find a safe alternative or the job will not get done, but they will be thanked and acknowledged for their actions.
On May 30th, I will be attending a No Harm dinner to honor people that work for or with Kirby Inland Marine that used Stop Work Responsibility with the Relief Captain on the MV AMBRIE DUPRE, Matt Gisclair and his wife, Veronica. Matt was chosen to attend the dinner by Kirby for utilizing Stop Work and preventing harm to people and equipment, and it fills me with pride to have the opportunity to watch him receive this award. But I would be remised if I didn’t acknowledge all of the others that recognized a hazard and said, “not on my watch”. You, along with Matt, are the reason so many go home safe to their families after each hitch. You opened up your toolbox and used the tool that the circumstances required. You all know who you are and if you didn’t have the opportunity to use the Stop Work tool, keep it handy and your eyes open, you will need it one day.
A few examples of Stop Work by our Dupre Marine Crew Members:
Relief Captain Matt Gisclair on the M/V Ambrie Dupre: We were sent to pick up a load at Vopak Dock 6. When we arrived the tide was low and was we were kicking up a little mud off of the bottom. The barge was trapped by an empty barge on dock 7. I did a quick risk assessment and determined that if I attempted to pull out the barge the stern of the vessel would be very close to the bank and could possibly damage the underwater gear. Kirby dispatch was notified and after a brief discussion a smaller vessel was dispatched to get the barge off dock safely.
Captain Robert “Woody” Stracner on the M/V Kleberg: We were docking a loaded barge at West Lake Styrene and when we turned into the slip and came alongside the dock I noticed that there were no fenders below a certain level on the dock. If we would have continued docking operations, it would have caused damage to the barge. I used SWR and notified everyone that we will have to wait until the tide level returns before resuming.
Captain James “Tub” Davis and his whole Crew on the M/V Everard Dupre: Upon arriving at the Kinder Morgan Galena Park my guys and myself immediately noticed the lack of bits for securing the barge. my guys where instructed by the dock man to wrap lines around a handrailing system for the dock. I felt like this wasn't capable of securely holding the barge while it is being loaded. I shutdown the operation using SWR procedures that have been put in place for situations such as this. I was then able to leave the wheelhouse and properly evaluate the situation and relocate some lines. after doing this the barge was properly secured and the operation could continue.
Joe Grizzard on the M/V Orange: We arrived alongside a ship piling at Alabama Bulk Terminal and noticed the bit was too far to throw the line to. The dock man told us to climb on the piling to tie off. I told him that was not safe and he apparently believed it was. I used SWR and got with my Captain. We assessed the situation and concluded that using spike pole and buddy system was the safest alternative. Barge was moored safely.
safety topic:
THINK 72
Prepare for the Heat 72 hours before crew change and 72 hours after
“THINK 72” hours before and after your crew change, relates to heat related illness prevention. I know you are thinking Spring is just starting, we don’t want to think about our hot summers already! But as you know, that South Louisiana and Texas HEAT will be here by early May, which is right around the corner. But our springtime can have some hot days also; a nice cooler morning turning to a hot sunny afternoon which can get to you quick if you are not prepared and properly hydrated.
As the temperature rises, heat related illnesses and injuries become a huge threat to the health and safety of our crew members. No matter how often we discuss heat illness prevention, offer several items to our crew to prevent heat illness and stay safe, inevitably a crew member will experience a heat rash or cramps or even heat exhaustion. It happens quick if you don’t prepare. And it usually happens soon after starting a new hitch. Acclimating from home to working on the boat takes that 72 hours to prepare yourself then take 72 hours after you are on the boat to get use to the change of the added extended periods of heat.
Know the signs, don’t ignore signs and heed the warnings for yourself and others. Think about your water intake and increase it and drink water with electrolytes for heat illness prevention. Remember that sodas dehydrate, therefore more water with electrolytes are needed.
Think about your fellow crew members. If two people are working at the same time, the experienced deckhand should frequently ask a new deckhand how they are feeling, since working out on a barge in these heat conditions are new to this deckhand also. With a new deckhand, even more frequent breaks should be taken until they are acclimated to the heat conditions. The new deckhand should be aware and comfortable to say he has a headache and cramps and needs a longer break as soon as possible. Use STOP WORK and continue the job after a sufficient break inside the boat. Wheelmen, signs of heat illness should be discussed with all crew members, especially the new deckhands. THINK 72 should be discussed and implemented by all crew members.
BEAT THE HEAT BEFORE YOUr WATCH:
🔥Monitor the weather and heat index.
💦Drink water with electrolytes at least 30 min before your watch and keep plenty on site with you.
🆒Be prepared before you head outside on a hot sunny day with appropriate clothing, your DMT boonie hat to give your head some shade, cooling rag, and plenty of water. Tankermen have additional tools such as coolers, water jugs and umbrellas for long periods of time on barges.
🍔Limit sugary foods and drinks that dehydrate, however do take adequate meal breaks.
👀Make sure fellow crew members have what they need and watch out for heat related illness!
STAY HYDRATED!
The first line of Heat Exhaustion defense is being prepared. Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, light-headedness, irritability, change in blood pressure, numbness, tired, weakness, excessive sweating, less urine (or darker urine – see your chart onboard), muscle cramps, thirst and headaches.
Towboaters will experience all the risk factors of heat exhaustion, especially in our area beginning of May through October: Climate (heat & humidity), activity level, individual sweat volume, clothing, age, medications and of course hydration status. Fortunately, the result is good if addressed quickly before you enter the heat stroke territory. Most will recover after getting out of the heat to cool down, getting rest and replacing fluids and electrolytes.
Having enough water is key, but equally important are the electrolytes that need to be replaced as you work during the day, especially out in the heat.
Hydration means fluids as well as the correct balance of electrolytes. They are composed of sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate. Sodium, aka salt, being the primary component. Start your watch with a sufficient amount of electrolytes, especially before you head outside in the heat. Stay ahead of hydration, if you have electrolytes with your water and it feels like an energy drink or like watering a dead plant, you are probably dehydrated or in need of hydration.
Make sure your fellow crew members stay hydrated too!
Heat Index app
The HEAT INDEX APP was downloaded to each vessel phone last year, but please download this free app to your personal phone for quick reference. It will instantly give the temperature, humidity and the “feels like” temperature so you will know what you are up against before your watch. It also gives hourly heat index reading. The Wheelman on watch can set up reminders in the app to alert the Tankermen and Deckhands for hydration and breaks.
Before you start your watch, find out not only the temperature, but what the Real Feel or Feels Like temperature is and the weather conditions.
WHEELHOUSE:
CASA Pre-fleeting and docking assessment
An Assist Vessel is required when one or more of the following exist:
The Wheelman on watch deems it necessary.
The prior Wheelman on watch deems it necessary and discusses at watch change.
During all fleeting and docking operations including fleeting or removing a barge from a fleet.
Weather, tidal or any other prevailing conditions that present a possible or probable hazard to safe docking or during transit.
The approach cannot be made without taking a significant angle of approach towards the dock, fleet, lock or landing area and the tow cannot land flat without assistance.
Anytime assistance is readily available and would minimize the risk.
Captain Zane Naquin on the M/V Miss Genevieve using an assist vessel in Houston
~No Harm is the Goal~
ASSIST VESSEL REQUIREMENT
REMINDER: ALWAYS USE AN ASSIST VESSEL at a fleet or dock and any other questionable time. If there is not an assist vessel available, call your Port Captain, Frank Bumgarden ASAP. At that time, you (officer on watch) and Frank can determine if STOP WORK should be used or wait until an assist vessel is available. Most of our past incidents were due to not utilizing an assist vessel and deeming the situation “ok to proceed”. Do not second guess or assume, use an assist vessel.
Left: The M/V Chris Miller assisting the M/V Kathleen Dupre (pic cred to Captain Sidney Verdin)
Right: The M/V Cove Point assisting the M/V Brendan K (pic cred to Captain Jeff Verdin)
SAFETY QUIZ:
THIS IS A REQUIREMENT FOR ALL VESSEL EMPLOYEES WORKING DURING THE First QUARTER OF 2024
ALL crew members must answer these questions. This quiz refers to the main safety topic for this Quarter. When you are complete and hit “Submit Answers” you will get a response with your the answers and learning information. This will be a part of your safety compliance.
⚠️
It is the goal of Dupre Marine that all employees work safe hitches and go home to their families after their hitch is completed
DUPRE MARINE’S ANNIVERSARIES for 2024 first Quarter
AS OF JANUARY 2024:
Jared Belanger: 1 Year
Jason Arceneaux: 2 Years
AS OF FEBRUARY 2024:
Alvin Miller: 2 Years
Bryce Larousse: 3 Years
Zane Naquin: 9 Years
Quinton Johnson: 3 Years
Ben Stewart: 1 Year
AS OF MARCH 2024:
Cleve Vincent: 4 Years
Patrick Gunter: 2 Years
Kote Simmons: 1 Year
Eric Spencer: 3 Years
Jeremy Cavalier: 11 Years
Titus Verdin: 3 Years
Naru Rodrigue: 3 Years
Kaden Armand: 1 Year
Jason Guepet: 1 Year
company news & updates
If you haven’t already, please join or make changes to your Dupre Marine 401 K plan with Edward Jones. If you have any questions, please call Jamie at the office during office hours. Changes can be made to this plan in writing at the beginning of each Quarter.
If you have ANY changes to your personal info, marital/child status, banking info, please let Jamie or Karly know as soon as possible! You can call during office hours or email directly jrobichaux@dupremarine.com or kboudreaux@dupremarine.com. Please also know that any of these changes must come directly from the employee.
We have a new form below for our crew members to order extra uniform items from Karly for payroll deduction.
A reminder ALL deckhands and tankermen who work on any vessel in unit tow service must be clean shaven, regardless if our crew members are tanking or shore tankermen are utilized. Any wheelmen with facial hair must be neat and trimmed as specified by Calvin or Frank for the customer requirements. This is a DMT policy as well as our customers’ policy. It is for your safety.
Stop right now and check the expiration dates on all your credentials (MMC, Medical Card, TWIC, Drivers License, etc). Although we track your info in Helm, lately it is not enough time before expiration. With your time on the boat and the time it takes to get the process done, you could expire and not be able to work. It could take a couple months to several months. Please get with Karly if you need any help with your MMC. And here is the link to renew your TWIC card online https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/programs/twic
This is your livelihood, your career, so keep track of it please!
Do you get stuff shipped to the office for crew change? We are more than happy to get your packages to the vessel, but please help us out and text/call/email to let us know when it is coming so we can look out for it.
Complete all your current and due Moxie online training. This is a compliance requirement, audit requirement and also tied into your Safety Reward Points that will be distributed near the beginning of each quarter
For those who are new or may not know, this website and our social media pages are filled with photos and videos sent in mostly by our crew members or Frank, Jeremy and other towboaters. If you have photos you want to share, please send them to Denise via text, email or dm on our Instagram or Facebook pages. If you haven’t done so, please check out all the amazing contributions on all our socials and this website. And we are on TikTok @dupremarinetowboats for any video contributions!
If any of our crew members would like to contribute content to future newsletters, please email Denise dmorencie@dupremarine.com
Office hours are 0800-1700 Monday to Friday, please note the times you contact shoreside during off hours when it is not urgent. If it can wait until office hours, please call then, and of course if it is urgent call the necessary contact for the problem.
uniform orders
This form is only for vessel employees for Dupre Marine Transportation. Uniform gear listed are for Dupre Marine crew members only. No other orders will be accepted and form will be discarded if not a current employee or outside the company.
submit NEAR MISses OR STOP WORK RESPONSIBILITY
We always track all Near Miss and Stop Work entries submitted by our crew members, but this year focusing on certain subjects and also how many near misses are submitted by each boat per month.
pump up those numbers!
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pump up those numbers! 〰️
Remember to submit your Near Misses and Stop Work Responsibilities in Helm regularly. They are not only strong safety learning tools, but also recognized in the charter group and rewarded from Kirby Inland Marine. An important recognition!
know the correct PPE for any job
⚠️ If you have any questions concerning your PPE, please contact Port Captain Frank Bumgarden
⚠️ Always be ready to work wearing the proper PPE and wearing it correctly! Your PPE will NOT protect you if it is not the correct type, is damaged or worn and if is not on correctly and adjusted properly!
⚠️ Be responsible and know what PPE is required to use in your particular work situation Check yourself and ask yourself if you have on what is needed and required to be safe for that job
⚠️ Steel toe boots are required footwear. All Dupre Marine crew members will get $100 towards new boots: all deck crew every 6 months and wheelhouse every year. Please get with Lynsie or Michael when you need to purchase new steel toe boots. We use Joe’s Boots in Houma, which we will payroll deduct the amount over $100 or you may purchase elsewhere and submit your receipt to Lynsie or Michael for a reimbursement up to $100. We are now tracking boot purchases. Deck crew this is an important part of your PPE, so please make sure your boots are in good shape always. Captains, please inspect the boots of your crew regularly. If you have any questions, please contact Frank.
Rory’s Favorite Quote to our Dupre Marine Team: