| 2024 | Quarter 4 | Issue fourteen |
the voyager Newsletter ~ Holiday issue
Welcome to Dupre Marine’s Quarterly Newsletter!
appreciation TO OUR CREW MEMBERS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Message from Shoreside
We wish to extend our deepest appreciation to each of our crew members. Your dedication to Dupre Marine is the key to our success. We cannot thank you enough for your hard work.
During the holiday season, we especially thank those working tirelessly to keep this ball rolling. We know Christmas is a time for family and friends and making memories at home, and we value your sacrifice of that special time. Your commitment as towboaters in a 24/7 industry is crucial. Being away from loved ones is difficult, but your efforts do not go unnoticed.
We appreciate the passion you bring to your work and the positive impact you have on those around you. We are proud to have you as part of the Dupre Marine Transportation family, and you are a key part of our success.
On behalf of Dupre Marine, we are grateful for the sacrifices you make daily. We are fortunate to have such an exceptional team.
We wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous 2025!
Top left Captain Alex Landry and Kannon Brown on the M/V COVE POINT, top right Bryce Matthews on the M/V MEGAN ELIZABETH, center Louis Williams on the M/V MEGAN ELIZABETH, bottom left Blaine Verdin on the M/V KATHLEEN DUPRE and bottom right Matt Gisclair on M/V AMBRIE DUPRE. Also Christmas trees on the M/V EVERARD DUPRE, M/V LAKE VERRET and M/V WELLS PORCHE.
“What did one angel say to the other?”
dmt’s Wheelhouse spotlight: matt gisclair
Relief Captain Matt Gisclair, on the M/V AMBRIE DUPRE, has been a dedicated wheelman of our Dupre Marine Family since June 2021, consistently demonstrating great leadership skills and a strong commitment to safety. Matt prioritizes the well-being of both his crew and the vessel, ensuring that all operations are conducted with precision and care. Matt is considered a great guy by his crew and creates a supportive friendly environment on the boat, and he goes above and beyond to assist his guys, especially with his brother Kyle as a part of his crew. The boat is a time for he and his brother to bond as well as taking Kyle under his wing to steer him to his career in the wheelhouse this coming year. He balances wheelhouse professionalism with his kind personality, showing he truly cares for his crew and Dupre Marine's goals.
Matt values his family time in Galliano, Louisiana. He looks forward to his time off from the boat to be with his wife Veronica and his sons and daughter. And his dogs too; he loves his Boxers! Focusing on that important family fun time. He sees these moments as important for building a strong loving family unit. Matt fits in time to do a some woodworking, a hobby he enjoys and also time to hunt and fish and playing golf with his brother, Kyle.
Matt is a valued member of the Dupre Marine team, widely appreciated by everyone at Shoreside. His skills as a wheelman are exceptional, contributing greatly to the efficiency and safety of our operations. We are fortunate to have him as part of our crews, and we look forward to supporting his long and successful career with us at Dupre Marine!
DMT SPOTLIGHT: alvin miller
Alvin Miller has been a part of Dupre Marine for nearly three years, joining the team in early 2022. He began his journey as a crew member on the M/V PARKER JAMES, progressing from deckhand to Relief Mate. Currently, Alvin is advancing his career as a Tankerman Trainee on the M/V EVERARD DUPRE. His focus and determination to reach the next level in his career as Tankerman are commendable! Alvin is a valued fellow crew member, well-liked by everyone he works with, and consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and safely and up to par with what is required by his Captain.
From Captain Bama on the M/V PARKER JAMES: “Alvin had progressed into a great relief mate. His dedication and passion for his job has shown throughout his journey and inspired his crew members. Congratulations to being nominated for the Spotlight.”
And Captain Tub and the guys on the M/V EVERARD DUPRE only have great things to say about Alvin. He is a great addition to their Crew!
Alvin is working hard on building his towboat career, all for the benefit of his family. The time he spends off the boat is incredibly important as he cherishes every moment with his wife Hailey and their kids in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. He is not only a great dad but also a devoted husband who knows family and create lasting memories is top priority. Alvin also loves to get in some time to fish and hunt while he is at home. Fun and relaxing is a must!
We are so happy to have Alvin as a part of our Dupre Marine Family, and we sincerely wish him all the success on his long and rewarding career with us!
“Why did Santa set up a TikTok?”
FAVORITE HOLIDAY RECIPES FOR THE WHOLE CREW!
Karly’s Family Recipe
1 box German Chocolate Cake mix
1 stick of butter (melted)
1 large egg (slightly beaten)
A 9x13” pan
1 box confectioners sugar
1 stick of butter (melted)
8oz Cream Cheese (room temp)
Mix together dry cake mix with 1 stick melted butter and beaten egg. Press into the pan, pressing with fingers to spread. Set to side.
Mix together sugar, stick of melted butter and cream cheese in bowl until well blended. Pour on top of cake layer and spread well.
Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes. Watch for golden brown on top. Cool completely and cut in squares.
“What kind of motorbike does Santa ride?”
Denise’s Family Sugar Cookie Recipe!
“What do gingerbread men put on their beds?”
Mama’s cornbread dressing
From the Kitchen of Patricia and Calvin Self
Ingredients:
2lb White Self Rising Cornmeal Mix
8-10 eggs
I bunch of celery
2 medium yellow onions
1 whole raw chicken
32 oz Chicken Broth
Milk
Ground Sage
Black Pepper
Poultry Seasoning
Salt
Cornbread: In a mixing bowl, pour in the cornmeal mix, two raw eggs, and milk and mix. Consistency should be similar to pancake batter although a little thicker is better (Less moisture to cook out). Pour in an oven safe baking pan and bake at 375 degrees until fully cooked and golden brown. When the cornbread is fully cooked crumble and place it back in the mixing bowl.
Chicken: Add raw chicken to a pot, cover with water and boil until completely cooked. Season with salt, black pepper, sage, and poultry seasoning (Do I have to tell you not to taste raw chicken water?). Strain to remove any bones or whatnot and save the broth.
Vegetables: Chop and boil in water until soft. Drain water (You don’t need this water).
Eggs: Boil remainder of the eggs, peel, and dice. If you don’t know how to do this, just order out 😂
In the mixing bowl with the crumbled cornbread, pour in the chicken stock leftover from boiling the chicken, vegetables, and diced eggs. Depending on the consistence of the mix, add boxed chicken broth (The mixture should not be too thick. Excess moisture will cook out during final baking). Season to tase with sage (this is a sage dressing so be kinda liberal), poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Place in the oven and bake until golden brown (Approximately 60 minutes). Optional- Before placing in the oven add cooked whole chicken to center of the dish
“What do you call Santa’s most impolite reindeer?”
OVERNIGHT LETTUCE SALAD
From Karly’s Family Recipes
LAYER IN A LARGE BOWL IN EXACT ORDER AS LISTED:
1 head of lettuce (bite size pieces)
1 head of cauliflower(bike size chopped - no stems)
16 oz Miracle Whip
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
2 lbs bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup sugar sprinkle evenly on top (use less if preferred)
Cover overnight and toss the next morning or make in the morning for supper so it has 6-8 hrs to sit in ice box
“What did one snowman say to the other?”
No-bake cranberry pie
This is such an easy dessert and not too sweet or too heavy after a big meal
Ingredients:
2 - 8 oz packages of cream cheese, softened
1 can cranberry sauce (whole berries)
1 1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream (it’s what I prefer) or a 12 oz container of thawed whipped topping
1 pre-made graham cracker crust
How To Make the No-Bake Cranberry Pie:
Put softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Using blender mix until smooth for a minute or so. Put the cranberry sauce in a bowl and microwave for about 20 seconds just to soften a little not watery. Add the cranberries to the cream cheese and beat with blender until smooth. Scrape the sides to get it all. In a different bowl whip the heavy cream until you have thick whipped cream with peaks OR just use the container of whipped topping. Fold in the whipped cream into the cranberry cream cheese mixture then pour and smooth into the graham cracker pie shell.
Freeze for a couple hours to overnight and let thaw for 30 min to an hour before serving. Enjoy
“What do snowmen eat for breakfast on Christmas morning?”
Holiday Fun Quiz for everyone!
No Googling! How many of these fun little Christmas questions can you answer?!
“What do gingerbread men use when they break their legs?”
CAlvin’s Corner:
By Calvin Self
TOWBOAT SANTA
By Calvin “Claus”
T’was the night before Christmas and all through the vessel,
Santa and his elves were loading presents with no time to nestle.
After packing the last gift, and before getting underway,
Santa radioed down to his elves ‘let’s knock out this JSA”.
JSA complete, the vessel departed the north dock,
Santa proclaimed to his crew “next stop, the Rock”.
Transiting the San Jac with the destination in sight,
The elves saw all the vessels standing by and thought “this is gonna be a long night”.
Saint Nick quietly boarded each vessel one by one,
Yeah, it’s a big job but Santa is a towboater and towboaters get it done!
Santa delivered each present to the sleeping crewmen with care,
If he could just get back to his boat now, they’d never know he was there.
The jolly sailor returned in a skiff using a spotlight,
Climbed aboard his vessel and hailed “Merry Christmas to all and to all a safe night.”
“Elves use what kind of money?”
safety topic: preventing a man overboard or slips, trips & falls in winter months
The increase in “man overboard” incidents during the winter months in the towboat industry can be attributed to various factors. The holidays bring about distractions—both personal and operational—that can affect crew vigilance. Loss of focus can shift away from safety protocols and procedures. Not paying attention or being distracted can cause a slip and fall and a possible many overboard.
Additionally, the winter weather introduces challenges such as reduced visibility, slick surfaces, and rapidly changing environmental conditions. These factors require heightened awareness and caution from all crew members. A lapse in attention, whether due to holiday distractions or adverse weather, can lead to tragic outcomes.
To mitigate these risks, it is for our Dupre Marine crew members to reinforce safety training and protocols during this season. Regular safety briefings should be conducted to remind crew members of the importance of remaining alert. Encourage near miss entries and awareness and enforce Stop Work Responsibility. Moreover, creating a culture where safety is prioritized over other distractions can help reduce these incidents. Staying alert and prepared during winter can greatly improve safety on your boat and barges and save a life!
cold weather tips:
🛟Remind crew members to pack layers for their next hitch to be prepared for all weather, especially cold weather. Dressing in layers enables them to shed 1 or 2 pieces of clothing to maintain a comfortable body temperature throughout their watch.
🛟Keep head covered with a beanie or hood (both provided by DMT) since the majority of the body’s warmth escapes through the head.
🛟Wool socks and insulated waterproof steel toe boots are great to keep your feet warm and dry. Be sure the soles of your boots are in great condition. Also remember when the soles of your boots are very cold they become hard and therefore have less traction. Stay aware and focused when walking.
🛟Pocket Hand Warmers help tremendously for warming your hands when they are not covered by gloves. Thinner types of hand warmers (or there are foot warmers) can be placed in boots to keep toes warm.
🛟Stretch before and during your watch to prevent tight muscles.
🛟Remember sun will melt and re-freeze at night and our damp conditions in the Gulf South can make decks and barges slick. Spread de-icing salt on barges and decks ahead of time in anticipation of icy conditions and reapply as needed.
🛟Make sure surfaces that should have non-skid paint are properly painted to avoid slips and falls.
🛟Avoid washing down the boat in the evening or early morning since the water could freeze during the cooler hours of the day and into the night then lead to ice on deck
🛟Although a year-round rule, this is extremely important in winter months for the point that days are shorter and there is less daylight. You must not ever go out of the boat or onto a barge at night without notifying the wheelman on watch. You must have on all proper PPE, flashlights and radio. Keep in contact with the wheelman on watch.
🛟All crewmembers must request permission from the Wheelman on Watch before walking on the edge of the barge. Permission will only be granted if there is not a safer option and after a man overboard prevention discussion. The Wheelman is to remain in visual contact with the crewmember or, when unable to do so, via radio contact until the crew member returns from the edge of the barge.
🛟Be sure to have bags of De-Icing Salt on board for those colder days and nights that could lead to icy decks, stairs and walk ways
🛟Check the weather forecast for your location. Pleasant winter days can turn to extreme dense fog or a blustery cold front quickly in our Southern region. Be prepared for all weather!
“What’s the Grinch’s least favorite band?”
#DECKHANDLIFE
COLD WATER FACTS FOR OUR DECK CREW!
STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WATCH OUR FOR EACH OTHER!
SPACE HEATERS KEEP YOU WARM ON THE BOAT, HOWEVER…
Portable electric heaters, commonly referred to as space heaters, are high wattage appliances designed to provide localized warmth. However, they also pose a significant risk as they have the potential to ignite nearby combustible materials such as bedding, clothing, paper, and flammable liquids. A major fire could easily result from a heater left on and unattended, posing a serious danger to safety and property. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution when using these devices.
“Who does Santa call when his sleigh breaks down?”
SAFETY QUIZ:
THIS IS A REQUIREMENT FOR ALL VESSEL EMPLOYEES
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
“What does Eminem nickname his Christmas tree?”
The M/V KLEBERG and M/V MEGAN ELIZABETH spreading Christmas Cheer out on the waterways!
A Slideshow of Our Favorite Scenic Views from Our CREWS this Quarter:
Rory’s Favorite Quote to our Dupre Marine Team:
“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
SHORESIDE FUN!
Thank you Rory and Alva for a wonderful and fun-filled weekend for the Shoreside Crew!
“What do you call an old snowman?”
The Cajun Night Before Christmas, a little story to let the crew watch before they hit the bunk!
Great Christmas Songs!
Dupre Marine’s Office Christmas Tree 2024!
“What’s every elf’s favorite type of music?”
IN THIS ISSUE
Employee Spotlights
Holiday Fun
Holiday Recipes for the Whole Crew
Just for Fun Quiz for Everyone
Calvin’s Corner
Safety Topic
Crew Safety Quiz
#Deckhandlife
DMT Anniversaries for this Quarter
Company News & Updates
“Why did Santa Claus get a parking ticket on Christmas Eve?”
DUPRE MARINE’S ANNIVERSARIES for 2024 FOURth Quarter
AS OF OCTOBER 2024:
Kyle Robichaux: 1 Year
Laird “Paco” Rodrigue: 15 Years!
Bryson Remedies: 3 Years
John Gonzales: 2 Years
John Ford: 1 Year
Charlie Waters: 3 Years
Jeremy Freeman: 11 Years
AS OF NOVEMBER 2024:
Brad “Pishu” Autin: 8 Years
Chris Cavalier: 2 Years
Blaine Verdin: 2 Years
AS OF DECEMBER 2024:
Chad Cunningham: 1 Year
Aaron Falcon: 2 Years
Aaron Davis: 2 Years
Johna Chaisson: 1 Year
“What’s Drake’s reindeer’s favorite song?”
company news & updates
VESSEL NEWS:
The M/V ALVA DUPRE went to Main Ironworks in the fall with a complete transformation…here is the “Before” video when they…stay tuned! Frank, Jeremy, Kevin and several crew members have been working hard to get the boat ready for the New Year!
DMT Company Info:
If you haven’t already, please join or make changes to your Dupre Marine 401 K plan just call Jamie at the office during office hours.
If you have ANY changes to your personal info, marital/child status, banking info, tax status, 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.
If you have moved, please let Jamie or Karly know before W-2’s go out at the end of January. If you prefer email, please email her at jrobichaux@dupremarine.com so she has your accurate email.
We have a NEW PAGE called DMT Crew Page on this website that is just for our Crew Members. Quick links for the Safety Reward, Uniform Shirts/Hats, Online Training and TWIC Renewal. Check it out and save it to your favorites for quick access.
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 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.
“Why doesn’t Santa lend money to elves?”
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 we are focusing on how many near misses are submitted by each boat per month and sending those numbers to the boats. We are doing great so far, so lets keep it up and surpass all other years. And submitting a Stop Work Responsibility is such an important safety tool. As Calvin noted in a recent newsletter:
“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.”
pump up those numbers!
〰️
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!
“How does the snow globe feel this year?”
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.