| 2025 | Quarter 4 | Issue EIGHteen |
the voyager Newsletter: HOLIDAY ISSUE
Welcome to Dupre Marine’s Quarterly Newsletter!
Merry Christmas to our dupre marine crew members
We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of our crew members. Your dedication is so important to all of us at Dupre Marine. Your hard work, professionalism, and commitment keep it all running safely and reliably.
As we enter the holiday season, we offer a special thank you to those working through the holidays. We recognize that Christmas is a time for family and friends, and we deeply appreciate the sacrifices you make to keep our industry moving. Your willingness to be on board when others are home is a meaningful contribution that does not go unnoticed.
Please know how much we value your service, your resilience, and the care you bring to your roles as towboaters in a 24/7 industry. On behalf of everyone at Dupre Marine, thank you for all you do. We are fortunate to have such an exceptional team.
All of us on Shoreside wish you and your loved ones a joyful, warm, and peaceful holiday season!
dmt’s Wheelhouse spotlight: cAPTAIN Anthony nunez
Captain Anthony Nunez has been a part of Dupre Marine for nearly five years and currently is the captain of the M/V EVERARD DUPRE. Not only an excellent and skilled captain, he serves our country in the National Guard. Anthony combines a strong work ethic with thorough safety culture and leadership and he brings what he has learned in the National Guard to his crew and vessel. Captain Anthony described some of his routine on his boat with his crew in this newsletter, prioritizing procedures, training, and watch standing standards so his crew can work confidently and return home safely. It really shows how dedicated he is to his crew, his boat and Dupre Marine.
He’s a leader! He treats his crew with respect and earns their trust and respect in return. When Captain Anthony has a goal to train a crew member to the next level in their career, he commits fully. He plans training, spots skill gaps, teaches hands-on, and coaches until they perform safely, confidently and with high standards. As a young captain, he is a father of 5 on the boat (and off the boat). He looks after his crew like family, attentive to their welfare and morale, including cooking them awesome food so they can have meals together. Family is important on the boat, especially since his son, Rickie Fitzsimmons is a member of his Crew!
On shoreside, not only do we enjoy the conversations with Anthony when he stops in to visit after a hitch, we look forward to his input and contributions. He doesn’t just sit back and work, you can tell he wants to be a part of the solutions to always be better.
When Anthony is on his off-time, his family is most important to him especially the precious time he gets to spend with his wife, Heather and their five kids at their home in Mississippi. Anthony balances his duties to family, country and Dupre Marine so he certainly celebrates and cherishes every moment he can with his wife and kids.
We really appreciate all that Captain Anthony contributes to Dupre Marine. He is a huge component in the success and growth we experience as a company and we look forward to many years of Anthony as a captain at Dupre Marine!
DMT SPOTLIGHT: aaron davis
Aaron Davis has spent the last four years at Dupre Marine putting in the hard work aboard the M/V CHRIS MILLER, consistently showing dedication and an outstanding work ethic. As Captain Charlie’s right-hand man, Aaron is stepping up to develop his career as a wheelman under Captain Charlie’s guidance. As lead on deck, he not only puts a high priority on safety, but also keeping the Chris Miller looking amazing especially on a busy boat. And he cares for his fellow crew members, always has their back making sure they follow the well laid out plan that Captain Charlie and Dupre Marine have in place. Aaron’s focus and dedication to his boat and crew makes him not only a great crew member, but a great towboater overall. And his fairly quiet demeanor shows he will get the job at hand done without complaint or problems.
A family man at heart, Aaron lives in Mississippi with his wife, Brianna and their two sweet little girls, whom he misses dearly while working on the boat. In his off time he loves spending time with his family and whenever he can, getting out for some mud riding on his side-by-side. Clearly Aaron enjoys life at home especially with his family. All the hard work he puts in on the boat is all for them!
We are excited for Aaron to advance his career to the Wheelhouse. As he enters the Steersman program, we look forward to the next couple of years of his hard work paying off. It is exciting to watch careers grow at Dupre Marine and there is no doubt that Aaron will do great work with his focus and determination to make that happen!
HOLIDAY RECIPES
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups oat meal flakes
1 cup hot water
2 eggs
2 1/2 Tbsp sweetener (like organic Stevia)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 plain or vanilla yogurt like Greek yogurt
1/4 butter melted and cooled real butter
1 apple cut in chunks
2 1/2 oz of blueberries
1/2 tsp baking powder
Walnut or Pecan pieces (optional)
Port Captain Jade O’Neal made this many times when he was on the boat and at home and always a favorite for everyone. A great healthy recipe that would be great for breakfast or a snack!
He likes to bake his with walnuts or pecans, drizzle with honey and he has suggested other fruit such as cranberries that would be great for the holidays!
DIRECTIONS:
Put oats in a mixing bowl and add hot water and let soak for 5 minutes. Mix with a spatula.
Add eggs, sweetener, vanilla, yogurt and butter to the oatmeal and mix with spatula.
Chop apple and add to mixture with berries. Add in baking soda.
Spoon the mixture into a loaf pan or lined muffin tine.
If you want place the walnuts or pecans on top.
Bake for 50 minutes at 360 degrees and let cool before removing
Santa’s Sugar Cookies
Keep them plain, frost them, or get the crew to decorate!
Mix together thoroughly:
1/2 cup soft shortening (Crisco baking sticks work best)
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
Stir in:
1 cup sour cream (yep this makes them taste like the bakery sugar cookies!)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Combine together and stir in:
2 3/4 cups regular flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
Form into a ball and chill about 1 hour or until ready. Chilling is important—this sticky dough firms up and handles better. You can dust it with flour and wrap in parchment if chilling longer.
Roll teaspoon-sized balls, flatten between floured palms, and place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake 8–10 minutes, until a light touch leaves no imprint. Tops won’t brown; bottoms will be lightly brown.
Make the icing!
When the cookies are cool you can frost and decorate them or you can get store bought icing, but it’s Christmas so make this easy frosting from scratch!
Ingredients
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2-3 Tbsp. milk (3 Tbsp seems to make it more spreadable)
Directions
Mix powdered sugar and butter. Stir in vanilla and milk; beat until smooth and of spreading consistency.
Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer Bars
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
CREW FAMILY MATTERS! — even better when two crews share a Thanksgiving dinner and this year the KLEBERG and the COVE POINT were both waiting in Lake Charles, so they got together and had a huge Thanksgiving feast, some fun and a great day!
A lot to be grateful for.
Holiday fun quiz
No Chat GPT-ing! Just test your Christmas knowledge
Survey for Dupre Marine Employees: Newsletter feedback
We ask all employees to take a few minutes to participate in this optional survey about our Newsletter. Your feedback is appreciated!
I was sent this video this morning by Alva, and it reminded me of a term we have been using lately, Win the Watch. Win the Watch is a simple term that means not to get overwhelmed by looking at all the tasks you must complete or how many days you have left in your watch but rather breaking it down into watches, it is more manageable. Stack safely completed task on safely completed task and before you know it your watch is over, but it all starts with that first task of the day, making your bed. Starting the watch, day, hitch, or task with the right frame of mind and with a clear goal in mind is half of the battle. Take it one step at a time, identify hazards continuously, and do not overwhelm yourself by rushing through and thinking of the next item on your to-do list is key to safe operations.
SAFETY TOPIC:
The True Prize of "Winning the Watch"
When Rory said “Win the Watch”, it sounds like a lighthearted competition, but it simply means to get through each watch you have during your hitch safely; do everything you are supposed to do correctly, assess risk at every moment and leave no stone unturned. It's about flawless situational awareness and unbroken safety procedures, enforced for everyone on board and around the vessel. Communicate, stay alert and aware, and work towards a perfect and safe 6 or 12 hour watch. Winning the watch should be a goal worth accomplishing, the moment as you do a successful watch change conference to pat each other on the back, “Good job, we won the watch”. The successful watch change is easily understood, reiterating risk assessments and all related information that ensures focused information for the continuous safety of the vessel, crew, and environment. Next watch up!
Key Steps to "Win the Watch" Safely
All the puzzle pieces must fit together on your boat which requires discipline and a commitment to clear, unambiguous communication.
Conduct Thorough Risk Assessments at all times during your watch and pass on all important information of the risks to the rest of the crew (wheelmen, tankermen and deckhands) including problems and solutions.
Conduct Thorough Watch Change Conferences: The off-going watch must provide a comprehensive briefing covering:
Vessel traffic and any potential collision avoidance situations.
Current weather, visibility, and sea conditions. Check Rose Point and any apps for possible changes
The status of all navigational equipment (radar, AIS, sounder, camera systems) and any known issues
Go over orders from the customer with any and all changes including problems found during barge inspections and any information passed on to the customer
Current position and voyage plans, confirming it's appropriate for the all conditions and possible changes.
Any maintenance issues
Tankering procedures and orders
Deckhand procedures noting barge inspections and any notations made
Go over all information discussed with the customer and shoreside
Confirm Understanding after Watch Change (close the loop): The oncoming watch must listen actively and confirm they understand all instructions and conditions. Ask questions to clarify any uncertainty.
Physical Checks and Lookouts: The oncoming watch should conduct a physical check of the wheelhouse and all mechanical, scan the vessel, barges and view of the channel which you are traveling. Verify all instruments that will be used during your watch are functional and in good working order.
Pre Task Huddle: This is a risk assessment for each and every task you do onboard the vessel. Following the pre task huddle step-by-step will lead to a successful task.
Report all Deck Conditions: Deckhands should report any specific hazards on deck and on barges, such as loose lines or "duck ponds" (gaps between barges), ensuring the oncoming crew is aware of potential slip, trip, and fall dangers.
Proper Lookouts: Know who will be your lookout and appoint prior to needing the looking using a JSA (it is understood there may only be one deck crew on your watch) For the lookout, you must maintain a proper lookout by sight, sound, hand held radio, hand signals and all available means.
Prioritize Rest and be Watch Ready: A real safety culture recognizes that lack of sleep lowers performance. Ensure crew members take the time needed to rest during their off-watch periods to remain alert when on duty.
Proper PPE for the Job: Not only wearing the proper PPE you need for the task you are doing, but have the right tools and conduct a JSA for the upcoming job. Know the risk and what you will need to do to avoid a bad situation.
Minimize Distractions: Staying focused is key to winning the watch. Not only alertness and being well rested, but not distracting yourself with your phone or other personal screens unless it is work related. The holidays are a huge time for distractions, therefore anything related to the holidays must only be conducted while you are off watch.
Following strict watch change conference, procedures, risk assessments, pre-task huddles and clear communication keeps the crew safe and the voyage successful! There should be a sense of urgency and complete focus on safety for each crew member on the boat. The only watch that is a winner is a safe one!
The opposite of winning the watch isn’t just “losing” or having an incident, it means you think you know better or worse, you’ve entered the world of complacency or not caring. Not caring about your job, yourself, your fellow crew members or Dupre Marine.
THE HAZARDS OF COMPLACENCY:
A lack of effective communication and clear procedure direction during your watch can be a significant contributing factor in having an incident. The primary risk during a watch change is a lapse in situational awareness. The oncoming watch needs a complete and accurate picture of the current operation, weather, traffic, and equipment status. Hazards include:
Improper Risk Assessments (JSA’s): Not conducting a risk assessment or not noticing risk is not the only disaster waiting to happen, this goes without saying, but pencil-whipping or not conducting a thorough risk assessment without full intention and attention can also lead to an incident
Navigation Errors: A misunderstanding of the voyage plan, orders, channel conditions (e.g., low water affecting draft, tidal information, weather changes), or nearby traffic can lead to groundings or collisions.
Fatigue: Both the off-going and oncoming crew may be fatigued, increasing the likelihood of errors in communication
Communication Breakdowns: Conducting a vague or incomplete watch change conferences or making assumptions can leave critical information unaddressed and unknown hazards exposed.
Deck/Equipment Hazards: Unreported issues with lines, winches, or general deck conditions create risks, particularly in slippery or tight spaces. Also information not shared regarding barge conditions or hazards can result in.
Customer Service: As a Dupre Marine employee it is the upmost importance and requirement to treat everyone you come in contact with whether its a customer, vendor, visitors, dock/fleet employees or fellow towboaters on other vessel with respect and professionalism.
A Culture of Safety
~ Quote from Relief Captain Patrick Gunter on the M/V PARKER JAMES
crew discussion
GET YOUR CREWS INVOLVED!
The noon meetings are a great way for everyone to be a part of the discussion at hand.
Recently we had some great points made from crew members on Winning the Watch:
Know all the dangers that are present
Situational Awareness: go outside and look around at the boat, barges and surroundings
Don’t be complacent and think something won’t happen to you. Keep your head on a swivel
Stop rushing!
360 degrees - always look completely around you and evaluate the situation
Work as a team, use buddy-system when possible
Identify risk and make phone calls/get answers if need be
Be honest
Ask if you do not know, there is no shame in not knowing.
DART should be a ritual
Safety starts with the person in the mirror
You cannot beat the odds - stay vigilant and stay focused.
Captain Patrick Gunter discussed this clip about quicksand from The Replacements, when small things keep happening they can get out of control.
Break the Trend of Complacency!
From Captain Don Rodrigue
“WIN THE WATCH” on M/V EVERARD DUPRE
From Captain Anthony Nunez, M/V EVERARD DUPRE
On our vessel to win our watch we start out with coffee!!!!!!!
Then we have everyone come either to the wheelhouse or galley depending on if we are running.
Once all of us are together we hold a watch change that covers everything that happened on last watch, if orders changed, if they did then what are the future orders and what’s the product, what tasks were completed on last watch and what is still needed to be complete. After we all discuss the last watch if I am coming on watch I discuss what I expect to be done while on this next watch. If I am coming off watch I discuss with my relief what I expect done to be done on his watch and let him tell the crew in the watch change, so the crew knows to respect my relief just like they respect me. Then after everything is laid out for everyone I go around and ask each person a certain thing that was discussed in our watch change to ensure everyone was listening. I go over a risk assessment after watch change so everyone is aware of any risks that may occur during the tasks coming up and ask for feedback just in case I missed something. As the hitch goes by, right before crew change, I hold a “family meeting” we sit down and we discuss with each other what we may have liked or disliked that the members of our vessel done throughout the 10 days. When we sit down and do our “family meeting” I tell everyone this is where you have thick skin and learn from constructive criticism. We stay on top of safety by going over the weekly messages, holding proper JSA’s, wearing proper PPE, proper watch changes, reading the previous near misses, getting each other if we don’t feel comfortable doing something or need assistance in doing a task, we call the office for advice, and we speak up our opinions if we think it can be safer. Ultimately my crew and I stay vigilant and situationally aware so we can identify risks before they happen to either mitigate it or stop it before it happens. We document it so others can learn from it. I touch base with my (on boarding) crew a couple of days before they come out and ensure they will be watch ready once they pull into the office parking lot or if they will not, because of some unseen circumstances. I hold everyone accountable for their actions just like I expect them to hold me accountable. When we do our drills, if we have a new crew member, I will hit the general alarm and time it until they get up to the wheelhouse and I will walk them through the drill the first time. The next time we do the drill they know my expectations and we do it in its entirety. After the drill is done I hold an AAR (after action review) and have them walk me through each of their individual jobs of the tasks. Once that’s complete, I ask them to give me 3 improvements and 3 sustains and then I give them 3 improvements and 3 sustains. Also, let them know if they did good or if I expect them to be better and more proficient.
Knowing what to do in all emergencies is vital to winning the watch, because you never know what could happen out here. Ultimately, we all want the same thing, to go home the same way we came out or even better. The more knowledge I can provide and ensure my crew understands, the better I feel they will be with being safe.
In conclusion, "Winning the watch" is not a race. It's a testament to a strong safety culture on your boat where every crew member prioritizes clear communication and following procedures rather than a rogue atmosphere. By adhering to the plan Dupre Marine has put in place, you ensure that the vessel remains safe, and that the next watch begins with the full awareness, knowledge and control necessary to conduct another safe watch. A culture of safety leads to success.
SAFETY QUIZ:
FOR ALL VESSEL EMPLOYEES
ALL crew members must answer these questions. This quiz will review 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.
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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
More Christmas Fun!
Many from the Shoreside family had a fun time at Houma’s Christmas Parade
We always enjoy seeing how much Christmas Spirit our Dupre Marine Crews have on their boats! It is important especially when you are working through the holidays to have that feeling of “home” over the holidays!
IN THIS ISSUE
Employee Spotlights
Just for Fun Christmas Quiz
Holiday Recipes
Safety Topic
Crew Safety Quiz
DMT Anniversaries
Company News & Updates
DUPRE MARINE’S ANNIVERSARIES for third Quarter 2025
AS OF OCTOBER 2025:
Kyle Robichaux: 2 Years
Laird “Paco” Rodrigue: 16 Years!
John Gonzales: 3 Years
Charlie Waters: 4 Years
Brett Verdin: 1 Year
AS OF NOVEMBER 2025:
Brad “Pishu Dynomite” Autin: 9 Years
Bryce Matthews: 1 Year
Mike Mahaffey: 1 Year
Chris Cavalier: 3 Years
AS OF DECEMBER 2025:
Tristan Jones: 1 Year
Chad Cunningham: 2 Years
Aaron Davis: 3 Years
Kaden Armand: 1 Year
Luke Hebert: 1 Year
Maurice Pinkston: 1 Year
M/V PARKER JAMES decked out DMT
company news & updates
VESSEL NEWS:
M/V ALVA ANN
Big News! We Christened the M/V ALVA ANN on November 14th welcoming the 18th vessel to our Dupre Marine fleet! It was a beautiful evening and this vessel is INCREDIBLE! We are all so happy for Mrs. Alva and if you haven’t seen the inside you must check out the videos on social media this boat is amazing inside and out! We are sure Captain Zane Naquin and his crew are loving their new boat
Rory, Alva & the Crew of the M/V Alva Ann
MORE VESSEL NEWS FOR THE NEW YEAR!
Dupre Marine purchased 4 of the Kirby boats, the M/V’s ORANGE, COVE POINT, KLEBERG and LAKE VERRET and the names will be changing soon. Look out for the EVIN CHARLES, ELLIS PORCHE, KYLIE MARIE and CLAIRE CATHERINE!
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.
Please make sure we have any address updates before the end of January for W-2’s. Contact Karly for any updates and changes.
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.
We have a page on this website called DMT Crew Page othat is just for our Crew Members. Quick links for the Safety Rewards Program, 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 Jade 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 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
PUMP UP THOSE NUMBERS!
Submitting a Stop Work Responsibility is such an important safety tool.
From Calvin: “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!
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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!
High Learning Value Near Misses will also score you extra safety points!
know the correct PPE for any job!
⚠️ If you have any questions concerning your PPE, please contact Port Captain Jade O’Neal
⚠️ If you change positions (for example from deckhand to tankerman) please be make sure you have all required PPE for this job.
⚠️ 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 (including the safety points site which we will reimburse points) and submit your receipt to Lynsie or Michael for a reimbursement up to $100. We are now tracking 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 Jade.
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
A little Christmas story for y’all!