| 2023 | Quarter 3 | Issue NINE |
the voyager Newsletter
Welcome to Dupre Marine’s Quarterly Newsletter!
IN THIS ISSUE
Employee Spotlights: Charlie Waters and Laird “Paco” Rodrigue
Social Media Pic of the Quarter
Cookin’ in the Galley: Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie and Caramel Popcorn Brownies
Just for Fun for Everyone! Fall Quiz
Calvin’s Corner
Safety Topic: Fire Safety and Fire Drills
Crew Safety Quiz: Required Fire Safety Quiz
DMT Anniversaries for this Quarter
Company News & Updates
dmt’s Wheelhouse spotlight: CAptain Charlie waters
Today, we shine the wheelhouse spotlight on Captain Charlie Waters, who has been an invaluable member of our Dupre Marine family for the past two years. Not only is Captain Charlie an outstanding wheelman on the M/V Chris Miller, but his dedication to creating a culture of safety on his vessel has made him a true asset to DMT and keeping us successful.
Charlie is not only known for his exceptional skills at the sticks, but he is just genuinely a great guy. Everyone looks forward to talking to him from Shoreside with his dry sense of humor and his no-nonsense attitude! We love us some Charlie! Charlie comes to us from Florida, where he lives with his wife and family. He cherishes his off time doing all the things he loves in that short time, then back at it as the leader of the M/V Chris Miller.
Perhaps one of Captain Charlie’s most notable qualities is his ability to build a strong bond with his crew. Under his guidance, his team has turned into a tight-knit crew family. Charlie’s commitment to teamwork and support among his crew have undoubtedly contributed to the success of not only working well, but working safely.
However, one situation this year truly highlighted Charlie’s exceptional qualities. He was on watch standing by in the fleet and he the first to spot crew members from another company who had been thrown off their skiff and were in the water. A man overboard is serious and all towboaters work together. Responding swiftly, Captain Charlie promptly sounded the alarm and took immediate action to ensure their safety. His decisive and efficient response undoubtedly saved lives during this emergency.
We cannot express enough gratitude for his awesome contributions to DMT. His commitment to the well-being of his crew, environment and his vessel with his tried and true focus on safety are commendable and sets an example to us all
Charlie, we are grateful you are a part of Dupre Marine. You are an invaluable member of our Dupre Marine family and we are excited to have you on board for many more years to come!
dmt spotlight: Tankerman Laird“Paco” Rodrigue
Laird “Paco” Rodrigue is a truly remarkable individual who has dedicated 14 years of his life to Rory and Dupre Marine! As a Tankerman on M/V Wells Porche, Paco has proven time and time again his loyalty and commitment to the company and his fellow crew members, who he considers his second family, especially Captain Chad Verdin, whom he has worked with for many years.
Paco is also one of the best cooks in our fleet, keeping his crew well-fed (those shirt sizes seem to go up all the time! lol). We know growing up and living down the bayou, the cooking genes are in his blood! He manages to win the hearts and stomachs of his crew with good home cooking and his sense of humor that never fails to put a smile on their faces.
Paco is a one of a kind guy! Not just a funny and well-liked crew member, but he is also know for his hard work ethic. Day in and day out, he consistently pushes himself to deliver the best results possible as a Tankerman and crew member on the Wells.
What truly defines Paco as an exceptional individual happened this year. In the face of a life-threatening situation, he demonstrated bravery and acted selflessly to try and save the life of a fellow towboater. Paco went above and beyond, taking great measures, showing his immense compassion and genuine concern for the well-being of his fellow towboater.
Paco's actions represent the core values and principles that Dupre Marine holds strong. His great character makes him an invaluable asset to DMT. We are so proud to have him as part of our DMT Family, and his actions have further established his position as a truly great person.
As we acknowledge Paco's awesome achievements, we are so grateful for his loyalty, dedication, and the positive impact he has on everyone around him. We are honored to have Paco as a member of our Dupre Marine family for 14 years and look forward to many more years to come!
This is what most of you do this work for…your family. The social media pic of the quarter was this adorable photo from the M/V Miss Genevieve of Alex Landry’s sons waving to their daddy.
COOKIN’ IN THE GALLEY
Keep your crew happy with good food! Keep it easy and prepare these home-cooked meals as we look forward to the autumn weather
Cheesy shepherd’s pie
Regardless of if it is warm or cold, when fall approaches we all crave comfort food. Here is a recipe from Mike Serdinsky that the whole crew will love and the cheesier the better! We know everyone on board looks forward to Mike’s meals, so give this one a try.
Ingredients:
4 lbs of lean ground beef
2 bags of mixed frozen vegetables
Packet of mushroom gravy
10 lbs large red potatoes
Butter
Cream Cheese
Velvetta Cheese, large brick
Seasonings: salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, parsley, Worcestershire sauce
Directions:
Brown 4 pounds of lean ground beef in a Dutch oven with salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, parsley and a few shots of Worcestershire sauce.
Drain 2 bags of thawed mixed frozen vegetables and add to the meat. Add one pack of mushroom gravy.
Boil 10 large red potatoes and mash with butter and cream cheese.
Spread the meat and vegetable mixture in the bottom of the casserole dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the meat/vegetables. Top with a half of a large brick of Velveeta cheese.
Bake in the oven at 375 for approximately 45 minutes to an hour
An easy dessert/snack grab the whole crew will love. And you can substitute the flavors of chips, type of nuts or even add pretzels. Go ahead and make 2 trays, they will get eaten quick!
Caramel popcorn brownies
Ingredients:
1 package brownie mix (or make brownies from scratch if you wish)
¼ cup water
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 egg
3 cups popped popcorn
½ cup peanuts
½ cup chocolate chips
½ cup peanut butter chips
½ cup butter
½ cup brown sugar
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or oil spray
Mix together brownie mix, water, oil, and egg in a bowl. Pour brownie batter in a thin layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread popcorn over brownie batter and lightly press into batter. Sprinkle peanuts, chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips over the popcorn.
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk brown sugar into butter; bring to a boil, whisking constantly, and cook until mixture has a thin caramel texture, about 3 minutes. Drizzle caramel over popcorn mixture in the baking dish. Add sea salt for a salty caramel flavor.
Bake in the preheated oven until brownies are set 30 to 35 minutes. Cool before cutting into bars.
Enjoy!
dmt fun fall quiz!
For everyone!
Commitment
In the marine industry and at Dupre Marine Transportation safety is the top priority. We have weaponized phrases and formulated initiatives like stop work responsibility, sterile wheelhouse, building a strong safety culture, identifying and mitigating risks, etc. to use in an ongoing battle against hazards. Safety briefings are held at the beginning of each meeting. Signs hang on every vessel and every dock to remind us of the importance of being safe. Procedures and policies are written as a step-by-step guide in an attempt to keep people, the environment, and equipment out of harm’s way. Every single task that is undertaken has been scrutinized to ensure that it is being done as safely as possible. Collectively all of these phrases and initiatives have a positive impact, but none are a silver bullet. The closest thing we have to a silver bullet is commitment. An employee’s commitment to their own personal safety is the single most important link in the safety chain. Signs and initiatives only work if the person using them believes they are important. Risks only get identified if the person assessing the risks is committed to completing a task safely.
Every employee at DMT has a responsibility to the industry, the company, fellow crew members, their families, and most importantly, to themselves to be committed to safety. There is simply no alternative. If you are an employee committed to safety, thank you and please continue to be a positive influence on others. If you are an employee and do not have this commitment, you should probably move on because this is not the job for you. If you are not an employee but possess a strong commitment to safety, give us a call, we are looking for people like you.
safety topic: fire safety
Dupre Marine takes fire safety, prevention and training very seriously. In the past few years, we’ve had 2 fire emergencies on board, one extinguished small engine room fire on the M/V Jerry Porche and one unfortunate fire of the M/V Mary Dupre, both with full safety of the crew.
Safety drills, such as fire safety drills with various scenarios serve as a testament to the effectiveness when a real life emergency arises. Commitments of the crew members to perform these drills on a regular basis ensure their safety. Dupre Marine takes great pride in its crew's ability to respond proficiently during fire drills. With safety being a top priority, we instill a culture of safety, alertness and preparedness throughout our fleet. By continuously honing their skills and knowledge, the crew ensures that they are fully equipped to handle emergencies, protecting both the vessel and it’s crew.
Fire Drill on the M/V Ambrie Dupre
[See above video: Fire Drill on the M/V Ambrie Dupre]
Video description: A fire drill taking place on the M/V Ambrie Dupre. The crew mobilizes in response to an engine room fire scenario.
Date: 8/31/2023
The M/V Ambrie Dupre recently conducted a fire drill to ensure that the crew remains ready to handle any emergency situation that may arise. In this specific drill, the scenario involved an engine room fire, demanding quick and efficient action from the crew to enact the drill.
As the video begins, the deck crew is alerted to report to the wheelhouse where the emergency situation is communicated with respective duties for each deckhand to conduct to extinguish the fire.
Clear lines of communication and a well-executed strategy are ensured.
The crew’s training and familiarity with the vessel allow them to navigate the fire drill conditions quickly and efficiently, taking on their assigned roles.
They maneuver through the vessel, implementing proper fire suppression techniques at each level ensuring the safety of all personnel involved. The use of appropriate PPE increases their ability to perform their tasks and stay safe from potential fire dangers.
The drill is not only a response to an emergency situation, it reinforces the importance of mutual trust and cooperation in the event of a real life emergency. Clear communication and effective coordination enable the crew to extinguish the fire successfully.
Fire Drill on the M/V cove point
[See above video: Fire Drill on the M/V Cove Point]
Video description: A fire drill taking place on the M/V Cove Point. The crew mobilizes in response to an front hole fire scenario.
Date: 9/19/2023
The M/V Cove Point recently conducted a fire drill, simulating a challenging scenario of a fire eruption occurring in the front hole of the vessel. Amidst the challenge, the crew members promptly sprang into action, demonstrating their exceptional preparedness from all of their onboard training and expertise quickly donning their life vests, gathering fire fighting gear and rushing to action to see what the emergency entailed. The crew’s training and familiarity with the vessel allow them to navigate the fire drill conditions quickly and efficiently, taking on their assigned roles. With great efficiency and communication, the crew instantly enacted the fire hose scenario and extinguished the fire effectively, resulting the safety of the vessel and of all on board. After all clear is noted, instructions are given to have a “fire watch” every 30 minutes to ensure the fire does not re-light, taking all safety precautions. The crew has efficiently worked together as a team to successfully and safely complete the task.
FIRE ON THE M/V JERRY PORCHE 2020: WHAT HAPPENED AND LESSONS LEARNED
What Happened: While northbound on the Lower Mississippi river, a fire alarm sounded on the MV Jerry Porche alerting the crew to a fire on the starboard fiddley deck in the upper engine room. The fire started at 1330 and with a swift response from the crew, it was extinguished by 1340 with a B5 fire extinguisher. A fantastic response and resolution by the crew
How it Happened:
A milk crate holding ½” nylon rope was stored next to the exhaust of the MV Jerry Porche.
All exhaust on the MV Jerry Porche are wrapped with Lewco Mat Insulation, but a small gap was discovered just beneath the grating and under the milk crate where excess heat could escape.
The average temperature of the exhaust wrapping was approximately 105° F
The temperature in the gap of the exhaust below the milk crate was measured at 397° F
Milk crates are generally made of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) which has a melting point of 278° F and an ignition point of 662° F.
Nylon rope has a melting point of 428° F.
Lewco Mat Insulation has a melting point of 1523° F and did not melt or burn. Plastic from the milk crate did get on the insulation and resulted in the insulation being replaced.
Hazard Recognition: The crew of the MV Jerry Porche did not recognize the hazard that existed and was created by them with the storage of the milk crate that was holding nylon rope next to a heat source.
Equipment Failure: A gap in the exhaust wrap that was a result of the wrap not being cinched tightly was discovered near the flange of the exhaust and just below the grating that separates the upper and lower engine room. This gap was directly under where the crate was stored which caused the crate to melt and drip down on the exposed exhaust starting the fire.
Lessons Learned from M/V Jerry Porche fire:
How the fire started and how it could have been prevented. There is a hazard storing the nylon rope in the plastic milk crate next to the exhaust, which is a heat source.
The importance of thorough engine room checks.
A gap in the exhaust wrap that was a result of the wrap not being cinched tightly was discovered near the flange of the exhaust and just below the grating that separates the upper and lower engine room. This gap was directly under where the crate was stored which caused the crate to melt and drip down on the exposed exhaust starting the fire.
Dupre Marine implemented the requirement to have a “No Storage Zone” painted around all exhaust that penetrates the floor grating of the upper engine room fiddley deck. This zone will be painted around the exhaust wrapping to remind crew members not to leave any items in this area.
Form revisions on all of our vessels were made to the Vessel Orientation Checklist to improve fire hazard and prevention. Revisions were also made to the Daily Inspection Checklist.
what to do if there is a fire on Your vessel:
The reason for conducting live fire drills is to train to react quickly and safely. We all know in an emergency situation, panic will set in, therefore consistent training will have you prepared to ensure the safety of the crew.
In the event of a fire on a vessel these are the key procedures to follow:
WHEELMAN ON WATCH:
> Sound the general alarm and vessel whistle for 10 seconds or longer
> Announce “FIRE” over the PA
> Notify crew of the location of the fire
> Don PPE
> Ensure all person on board are accounted for
> Stop the tow if it is safe to do so
> Evaluate the degree of the emergency
> Direct the crew in firefighting efforts
> Assess the damage from the fire and determine if it is safe to continue to operate the vessel
> Assign a fire re-flash watch
DECK CREW ON WATCH:
> Notify officer on watch of the fire and its location and/or respond to the emergency signal.
> Announce “fire”
> Don PPE
> Investigate fire location, size, and source.
> Follow instructions from the officer on watch.
DECK CREW OFF WATCH/ VISITORS:
> Respond to emergency signal.
> Don PPE
> Follow instructions from the officer on watch.
> Report to muster station according to the station bill if possible
IF THE FIRE CANNOT BE EXTINGUISHED AND BEYOND CONTROL:
> Report to the Officer on Watch
> Prepare to abandon the vessel
> Request assistance from nearby vessels “MAYDAY”
> Bring handheld radio and survival gear
> Stay out of smoke filled areas
> Follow instructions from Shoreside Management
*Photo: Alvin Miller on the M/V Parker James headed out for a fire drill
SAFETY QUIZ:
THIS IS A REQUIREMENT FOR ALL VESSEL EMPLOYEES WORKING DURING THE third QUARTER OF 2023
ALL crew members must answer these questions. This quiz refers to the main safety topic for this Quarter: Fire Safety in the Emergency Response Procedures (ERP) and the Vessel Operating Procedures (VOP). 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.
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It is the goal of Dupre Marine that all employees work safe hitches and go home to their families after their hitch is completed
the cold weather will be here before you know it!
SPACE HEATER SAFETY TIPS
SPACE HEATERS KEEP YOU WARM ON THE BOAT, HOWEVER…
Portable electric heaters or space heaters are high wattage appliances that have the potential to ignite nearby combustible materials like bedding, clothing, paper and flammable liquids. A major fire could result from a heater left on and unattended.
portable SPACE HEATER SAFETY TIPS:
Never operate a heater you suspect is damaged. Before use, inspect the heater, cord and plug for damage. Report any damage to Shoreside and order a new heater. Do frequent checks to see if the plug, cord, wall outlet or faceplate is hot; if so, stop using it immediately. Be especially wary of a hot cord; that means it’s likely defective or damaged and could spark and ignite a fire.
Keep the space heater at least 3 feet away from combustible materials, such as furniture, bedding, clothing or paper. Taller models may require more space.
Also make sure the surface it is placed on is stable and where it will not be knocked over. Units used should have a safety tip-over switch.
Turn it off when you leave the room or go to bed.
Run it in spurts. Only use your heater for short periods of time; it shouldn’t be left on 24/7. If it has a timer, set it for short periods.
Plug It Directly. Using a space heater with extension cords and power strips could cause overheating, so plug the heater directly into the outlet. Be sure the plug fits tightly and is the only device plugged into the outlet.
Keep the portable heater away from water at all times.
Make sure smoke alarms are working and tested.
DUPRE MARINE’S ANNIVERSARIES for 2023 third Quarter
AS OF JULY 2023:
Derrick “Bama” Jarman: 2 Years
Jade O’Neal: 4 Years
Sidney Verdin: 9 Years
Mike Serdinsky: 2 Years
Calvin Self: 10 Years!
Karly Boudreaux: 1 Year
Michael Dupre: 1 Year
Joe Grizzard: 2 Years
AS OF AUGUST 2023:
Michael Ortego: 8 Years
Chad Verdin: 9 Years
Jeff Verdin: 9 Years
Frank Bumgarden: 4 Years
Larry Foussell: 7 Years
Tyler Constant: 2 Years
Grant Ben: 1 Year
Jeremy Scholz: 4 Years
Kenny Jennings: 1 Year
AS OF SEPTEMBER 2023:
Alva Dupre: 20 Years!
James “Tub” Davis: 8 Years
Tommy Champagne: 2 Years
Robert Conklin: 2 Years
Jason McCranie: 2 Years
Robert “Woody” Stracner: 9 Years
company news & updates
vessel news!
The M/V Kathleen Dupre became the first vessel in our fleet to obtain their COI in 2018. And now 5 years later is again the first to receive their renewal. With all the Sub Chapter M new regulations implemented in 2018, it takes a team with our Dupre Marine Captains, Crews and Shoreside to make and keep us 100% compliant! At the end of this 3rd Quarter the M/V Ambrie Dupre has joined the Kathleen in receiving their second COI
DMT FYI’s
As the warm weather lingers, the colder weather is coming, so please be sure to check your inventory for salt and other cold weather items. As far as clothing Karly will be sending the DMT hoodies and winter hats/beanies to the new hires that did not receive them (started after winter). If you wish to purchase a hoodie they will be $25 or beanies are $10 just let Karly know!
If you haven’t already and would like to sign up for our 401K plan, please email Jamie at jrobichaux@dupremarine.com and she will help you sign up!
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.
Karly is keeping up with yearly uniform shirts. If you wish to purchase extra shirts, please get with Karly and you can be payroll deducted for the extras.
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!
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.
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.
submit NEAR MISses OR STOP WORK RESPONSIBILITY
Did you know if you have the BEST High Learning Value Near Miss and/or Stop Work Responsibility (SWR) submission, you can earn extra Safety Reward points. We often have a couple crew members receive almost $200 in Safety Reward points!
Crew members: Submit as often as possible in HELM! All Near Misses and Stop Works are entered in the Near Miss form
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 you do
⚠️ 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
⚠️ If you have any questions concerning your PPE, please contact Port Captain Frank Bumgarden
⚠️ 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: