Vessel Visit in the Times of Covid-19

From late March 2020 for approximately 5-6 weeks, visiting a vessel was virtually out of the question. Virtual being the key word, because visiting a vessel in these new strange times of Covid-19 kept most of our key vessel visitors away from the boats for health safety. It turned to more phone calls and virtual visits via FaceTime and Zoom. Any repair visits or necessary drop offs to the boats were quickly done, fully masked, gloved and sanitized. Pretty much no one was allowed to interfere with the crew’s health during this time. Vessel crews naturally “social distance”, but every precaution was taken.

Finally, May 4, 2020 a few of the travel restrictions were lifted and Port Captain Frank Bumgarden, Safety and Compliance Manager Sarah Hattier and Engineering Manager Jeremy Cavalier were back on track to get to the vessels to pay visits, perform audits and get any repairs and maintenance completed.

And on May 12th with a few more restrictions lifted, our fearless leader Rory Dupre and VP Calvin Self, ventured out as masked men to visit the crew on the M/V Everard Dupre to present them with their Kirby NO HARM Award. Yes, wearing their masks to keep our essential crew members safe, while making a friendly visit, one which everyone needs right now after such a long lockdown. Captain Tub and Crew were more than welcoming, still loving to show off their beautiful almost year old vessel! And after the short visit, Rory and Calvin returning to our office here in Houma, with nothing but smiles and gratitude for being able to finally get out there and make that vessel visit.

May 12, 2020 vessel visit to M/V Everard Dupre. In the photo: Calvin Self, Demarrius Thomas, Phillip Thompson, Captain James Tub Davis (with award), Paul Jackson, Jalare Marks, Rory Dupre

High River Conditions Impact Mariner Safety

It’s that time of year again when the force of the river sends a strong message with seemingly unstoppable intensity and power throughout the Marine Industry and along her banks. It is High River season, except some years seems like the “season” lasts longer and longer.

“In May 2019, the Mississippi River exceeded a 92 year old record for days at flood stage. It is not so unusual that the river is high, but it is unusual that is has been for so long - the longest-lasting since the “Great Flood” of 1927.”

“High river season is the broadest reaching natural phenomena facing American maritime commerce, yet no other group of operators are more vulnerable to the hazards and increased risk than the towing and barge industry. Onboard a towing vessel, circumstances can change from challenging to tragic in a matter of moments.”

“Behavioral research shows us that in emergency situations and critical moments, muscle memory and instinct take over. In a crisis situation, there isn’t time to look up a procedure. Training, rigorous drills as if in an actual emergency, and vessel specific orientation are critical to ensuring onboard safety.”

Those were a few excerpts from the June 2019 article in Marine Log Magazine by Sarah Michelle Hattier, Safety and Regulatory Compliance Manager for Dupre Marine Transportation, High River Conditions Impact Mariner Safety.

Please take some time to read this important article, not only discussing how high river impacts the towing industry, but how “effective safety risk management” is performed, researched and implemented in the industry, as well as from the decks of the towboats. As we always instill in our crews, everyone’s main goal should be to go home safely.

High River view in Baton Rouge, Louisiana