| 2022 | Quarter 4 | Issue SIX |
the voyager Newsletter
Welcome to 2022’s Fourth Quarter Issue of Dupre Marine’s Newsletter ~ the Holiday Issue!
Merry Christmas from our Dupre Marine family!
IN THIS ISSUE
Calvin’s Corner
Employee Spotlights
Safety Topics
DMT Anniversaries
Company News & Updates
Favorite Holiday Recipes
Just for Fun!
Christmas music
Merry Christmas from the M/V Brendan K
Merry Christmas from the M/V Lou Nataro
Merry Christmas from the M/V Miss Genevieve
From Thanksgiving this year, crew family photos from the M/V’s Rex Dobson, Lou Nataro and Parker James enjoying their delicious Thanksgiving feasts
holiday recipes
It has been another exciting year at Dupre Marine and now that the holidays are here, we have so much to be thankful for. For most of us, family, gifts, decorations, music and food are deep in our hearts. The smell of cookies baking, gumbo on the stove, turkey roasting. We all have favorites we look forward to every year or look back on from past holiday parties or gatherings of friends and families. We know you will enjoy holiday meals, whether with your crew family or your family and friends at home, so we are sharing a few favorite Christmas recipes from the Dupre Marine Family. Recipes made up of love, joy, peace and gratitude.
Granny’s banana oatmeal cookies
Karly Boudreaux’s family recipe
Dry Ingredients:
1 ½ cups Flour
1 cup Sugar
1 ¾ cups Oatmeal
½ tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Salt
¼ tsp Nutmeg
3 tsp Cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
¾ cup Butter Flavored Crisco
1 egg
3-5 Bananas, mashed
Directions:
Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in a separate bowl.
Fold the wet ingredients into the dry to form a dough. Place ice-cream scoop size balls onto a cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes at 400.
If you want to feed your crew a hearty meal that feels like the comfort of home, make this recipe from Mike Serdinsky on the M/V Jerry Porche! He is always making the crew some great home-cooked meals.
CHEESY SHEPHERD’S PIE
Recipe from Mike Serdinsky on the M/V Jerry Porche
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
chocolate
peanut butter layer bars
From Denise’s recipes
2 cups Graham Cracker crumbs
1/2 cup Butter, melted
Mix the crumbs and butter together and press in the bottom of a 9x13 pan for a crust
Spread 2 2/3 cups of Shredded Coconut on top of the crust
Pour 1 can of Sweetened Condensed Milk on top of the coconut.
Bake for 25 min in a 350 oven
Then mix a bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips and a 1/2 of Peanut Butter. Melt in microwave (30 seconds at a time, mix in between) or melt in a double boiler on low on the stove.
Spread the the chocolate peanut butter mixture on top of the layers.
Chill then cut into bars
Frank’s Mamaw’s fruit salad
From Frank’s recipes
3-4 naval oranges, peeled and diced
3 apples, peeled and diced
3 bananas, peeled and sliced
1 1/2 cups green grapes sliced in half
1 1/2 cups red grapes sliced in half
1 cup pecans chopped
2 cans sweetened condensed milk
¼ cup diced red jar cherries
¼ cherry juice from jar
Combine all ingredients in large bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour, then serve cold.
Corn spoonbread casserole
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 egg
1 - 16oz can whole kernel corn, drained
1 - 16oz can cream corn
1 package corn muffin/bread mix (like Jiffy)
Preheat oven to 375
Mix butter, sour cream and egg. Stir in both cans of corn.
Blend in the dry corn bread mix and spoon into a well greased casserole dish or a 9x9 baking dish
Bake for one hour until puffed up and golden brown and a little crispy on top. Slice into squared or spoon out. Makes a great corn side dish
Optional is to add 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese in mixture prior to baking
holiday quiz!
Just for fun! (no googling!)
For more fun puzzles and quizzes check out our previous newsletters!
Enjoy some Christmas music to get you and your crew in the Holiday spirit!
wheelhouse spotlight:
CAptain James Davis
You can tell a strong leader, one who is willing to get in the trenches with his crew to be the best, always striving for goals of excellence and maintaining respect of his crew. Captain James “Tub” Davis on the M/V Everard Dupre is that strong leader!
Captain Tub came to Dupre Marine as a captain in 2015, working hard to create a great culture on his vessel, he went from captain on the M/V Megan E Dupre to the M/V Everard Dupre in 2019, a brand new vessel, keeping it just as beautiful to this day. He is also working hard for his wife, Susan, their dogs and his prized “plum crazy” Ram truck (follow him on Instagram @slowpar_davis). He has extreme pride in his ride, no matter if its the Everard or his truck. You can tell how much he cares.
Also, Captain Tub cares about his crew and working safely as a Captain who looks out for his guys, creating a culture of safety on his vessel.
Congratulations Tub for making us DMT proud on and off the vessel!
deck crew spotlight:
Mike serdinsky
There is a quote “hustle until you don’t have to introduce yourself”. That is Mike Serdinsky. Mike defined hustle since he came to Dupre Marine just over a year ago, but it’s his nature, he didn’t have to “prove” himself, its just how he is. Bonus, he is also a genuinely nice guy and is well liked by everyone, especially Captain Jade O’Neal and his crew on the M/V Jerry Porche.
Originally from New Jersey, Mike served our country in the Marines and now lives with his wife and children in Ocean Springs, MS, working on his career at Dupre Marine. His next step is Tankerman and hopefully a long career with us to the wheelhouse.
Mike continually makes us proud of the work he does on the Jerry. He cares and it shows from how he works with deck work, keeping the boat looking impeccable with Captain Jade, Captain Gary and Jeremy, working as a team, a family on the boat. Constantly keeping busy and going over and above. He cares for his crew family, cooking amazing meals for them (see his recipe this newsletter and the last) that they truly enjoy.
Thank you, Mike, for being a part of our Dupre Marine Family!
gratitude
We are in the middle of the holiday season and personally I think this is the best time of the year. Nothing is better than a good Thanksgiving meal shared with my family. Well, maybe that feeling you get when Christmas is in full swing and everywhere you go Christmas music is playing in the background as you walk around with someone that is important to you through a backdrop of red and green everywhere. It simply can’t be beaten, and I am truly lucky to be able to spend it with those I love. But, through the entire season, I have a strong sense of gratitude. Yes, I am grateful for my health, family, and friends, and DMT, but that is not what I am talking about. I am grateful for all of the mariners that work at Dupre Marine Transportation. It is because of your sacrifice that the vessels keep running. While I am at home with my family, it is your sacrifice that allows me to do so. Each and every one of you sacrifice time away from your family so that you can provide for them. This is the very definition of an unselfish act, and I want you to know that it does not go unnoticed. So, this Calvin’s Corner is dedicated to all of you. To all of the wheelmen navigating our vessels. To all of the tankermen out on a barge conducting a transfer. To all of the deckhands out there building tow. It is with great sincerity and pride that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Stay safe!
safety topic:
man overboard
By Calvin Self
I think we can all agree that just about the worst thing that can happen on a boat is to have a man in the water. Unfortunately it happens every year. We all hear about people falling overboard and sometimes it’s even someone we know. Every year slips, trip, and falls lead the way in near miss categories and it would be easy to dismiss this information, but that would be a mistake. Cluttered and slippery walkways are one of the leading causal factors to man overboard events. Following procedures to prevent a man overboard, or slip, trip and fall can save your life or the life of a crew member.
NO MAN OVERBOARDS
STAY DRY AND STAY ALIVE!
NEARLY 50% OF ALL INDUSTRY FATALITIES ARE DUE TO FALLING OVERBOARD.
PLAN AHEAD
BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AND THE SITUATION, IDENTIFY HAZARDS
STAY ALERT
TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS
COMMUNICATE WITH THE WHEELHOUSE AND OTHER CREW MEMBERS
FOLLOW PROCEDURES AND PERFORM TRAINING EXERCISES
Here are some ways to prevent a man overboard, but the best preventative measure you can take is to work smart and do not get in a rush!
Always tell the wheelhouse when you are headed out onto the tow, bring a radio, utilize the buddy system whenever you can and “WATCH OUT FOR EACH OTHER.”
Observe weather conditions before going out on the deck. Make sure that you have all your PPE on. Worn out PFDs will not keep you floating.
Properly wearing your LIFE VEST increases chances of recovery and survival
Captains must check the soles and condition of each crew member’s steel toe safety boots
If the deck is icy or snow covered, do a RISK ASSESSMENT. Take the necessary precautions: put out salt, remove the ice, wear useful devices like ice trekkers.
When available, always use two people to face up the boat.
Identify hazards on the tow that could place you in an overboard situation.
Regularly check conditions of walkways and steps including the lighting
Never tighten winches or ratchets outboard.
WATCH “THE BUMP”
Use spike poles, heaving lines or smaller diameter rope
Make sure ladders are tied off correctly from barge to barge
Do not work with your back to the water.
NEVER RUSH so that it compromises your or another crewmember’s safety.
Stay under control when throwing lines. DO NOT throw yourself off of the barge
WATCH YOUR STEP - DO NOT step into the bight of a line or wire rope
No horseplay on the vessel or barges.
If possible, use the center walkways on the barge tow.
Do not go out onto the tow without a portable radio, headlamp, and flashlight at night.
KEEP DECKS ORGANIZED and clear of any rope and wire trip hazards (PREVENT SLIPS, TRIPS, FALLS)
Never step in shadows while out on the barges.
Use flashlights and headlamps
Wear a ball cap at night to shield spotlight glare.
Notify the wheelhouse if the searchlight is blinding the deck crew when out on the tow.
Make sure that the safety chains are in place and replace the ones that are not in place.
If you feel yourself losing balance while using line or cables, let go of the line. We would much rather replace the rigging verses having you hurt or over-the-side.
While out working on the tow, CHECK IN WITH THE WHEELHOUSE FREQUENTLY.
Follow your OPERATING PROCEDURES, review often and recommend changes.
REMEMBER, ALWAYS LOOK OUT FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR CREW MEMBERS!
ACT FAST!
Proper training on the vessel means you know exactly what to do if a crew member falls overboard. Remain calm and act fast!
Here are some steps from the deck crew to the wheelhouse personnel if a fellow crew member falls overboard:
Shout loudly “Man Overboard” and alert the Wheelman on watch immediately
Throw the man overboard a life ring or even another life vest to keep him afloat. Keep the victim in sight at all times if possible and encourage him “HELP” is on the way.
The wheelman should stop the engines/put in neutral and use the rudder action to swing the tow away and prevent the undertow from pulling the person overboard under the boat or tow.
Sound the general alarm, announce “Man Overboard” to alert your crew and alert other vessels in the area. Also alert marine traffic by hitting the “Man Overboard” button in Rose Point.
If the person overboard is visible use all means possible to rescue including pole or launching the skiff. In a skiff approach from the down river side. Get him back to the boat as quickly as possible and provide necessary first aid.
If the person is not visible in the water, notice a landmark or mark where last seen. Notify marine traffic in the area and request assistance and continue search and rescue.
⚠️
It is the goal of Dupre Marine that all employees work safe hitches and go home to their families after their hitch is completed
IT’S GETTING COLDER! 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.
Rory’s Favorite Quote:
“Gentlemen, we will chase perfection, and we will chase it relentlessly, knowing all the while we can never attain it. But along the way, we shall catch excellence.”
~VINCE LOMBARDI
DUPRE MARINE’S ANNIVERSARIES for 2022 4th Quarter
AS OF OCTOBER 2022:
Laird “Paco” Rodrigue ~ 13 Years
Bryson Remedies ~ 1 Year
Enos Nixon ~ 1 Year
Charlie Waters ~ 1 Year
Leo Brunet ~ 3 Years
Jeremy Freeman ~ 9 Years
AS OF NOVEMBER 2022:
Brad “Pishu Dynomite” Autin ~ 6 Years
AS OF DECEMBER 2022:
Dudley Primeaux ~ 1 Year
William Caples ~ 4 Years
company news & updates
SHORESIDE NEWS!
welcome Chris Cavalier!
Please welcome our newest shoreside member, Purchasing Manager Chris Cavalier!
Chris just started right before Thanksgiving, but already handling all the needs for the boats!
Now for vessel news!
More big news is Dupre Marine’s 15th vessel, M/V Wells Porche, is finishing up at Intracoastal Ironworks in Bourg and launched on December 5th. This beautiful vessel will be ready to work by mid January 2023.
M/V Wells Porche little Wells Porche!
FYI’s
January 2023, a new year and new quarter to 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 inwriting at the beginning of each Quarter.
Open enrollment for benefits, if you have not previously signed up, will be in January 2023. Please look out for an email from Jamie regarding open enrollment and call her during office hours if you have any questions.
A reminder ALL crew members who work on vessels in unit tow service must be clean shaven, regardless if our crew members are tanking or shore tankermen are utilized. This is a DMT policy as well as our customers.
In January 2023, Karly will be distributing 2 t-shirts and 1 long sleeve to anyone whose anniversary falls before March 31st (if your start date was prior to March 31, 2022, you will get shirts). Anyone else is welcome to purchase extra shirts, please get with Karly.
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 tax deductions, address, personal info, marital/child status, banking info, please let Jamie or Karly know as soon as possible! Any updates should be submitted by the New Year. 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 by December 31, 2022. This is a compliance 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 over 175 Safety Reward points!
Submit as often as possible in HELM!
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.
⚠️ 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.