| 2026 | Quarter 1 | Issue Nineteen |
the voyager Newsletter
Welcome to Dupre Marine’s Quarterly Newsletter!
IN THIS ISSUE
The Extra Mile
Safety Topics
Crew Safety Questionnaires
Scenic Photo of the Quarter
DMT Anniversaries
Company News & Updates: Vessels and Shoreside
Every year the holiday spotlight falls on Christmas, but our crew members working around the clock in this 24/7 maritime industry also miss many other important occasions, especially the Easter season. Whether it’s missing church with family, Easter dinner, crawfish boils, or Easter egg hunts with the kiddos, these moments matter, and being away for them is felt deeply. For those working on the boat this Easter, this time becomes one of quiet reflection; knowing the sacrifices made, the dedication to Dupre Marine and the industry and the responsibilities you have for your loved ones at home. Though physically absent, your commitment and love remain present to your family with every job performed and every mile made toward home.
We would like to thank Captain Derrick “Bama” Jarman for praying over our fleet during our weekly meetings for the past several weeks. If for just one minute, we have stopped to give thanks and ask for protection from the literal and figurative “rough waters”.
Here is a prayer for our towboaters I came across, a good way for you to start your watch, personally, if you wish, or with your crew:
Lord God, Creator of Land and Sea: We lift up to you our Dupre Marine Fleet and Crew Members who work on our boats, navigating our rivers, harbors and waterways. Master of the Sea, we ask for your Divine Protection over them as they go about their work, often far from home and facing the dangers of the water.
Guard them from incidents, danger and harm. Keep their vessels strong, their engines reliable and their navigation clear. Grant them teamwork and wisdom while they work. And if storms arise, be their anchor of peace, hope and strength. Amen
THE EXTRA MILE
Introducing a new segment in The Voyager Newsletter that spotlights crew members who went OVER AND ABOVE — those who Go the extra mile and choose to be positive influences on their vessel. Each issue will feature short profiles celebrating exceptional initiative, teamwork, leadership, and acts that elevate safety, service, and morale.
This is what excellence looks like in action, get takeaways you can apply on your own watch, and join us in recognizing the people who make Dupre Marine Transportation stronger every day!
Tankerman Bryce Matthews on the M/V MISS GENEVIEVE
Bryce was nominated by Jeremy Cavalier for an exceptional and very thorough risk assessment starting at the vehicle, going over every aspect of the barge to the boat. His attention to detail and thorough approach made a strong impression on Jeremy. He met Jeremy at his truck and explained the entire route they would take, dangers and obstacles they will encounter and how they will handle it. He made sure he was fully aware and perfectly explained.
Bryce consistently goes above and beyond continuously coming up in conversation setting an example of outstanding performance! Congrats Bryce for going the EXTRA MILE!
Shaun Brunet, luke hebert and Captain Zane Naquin on the m/v alva ann
Nominated by a Kirby vessel at Calcasieu Refinery: a huge shoutout to Shaun Brunet and Luke Hebert for consistently going above and beyond. They’ve helped their vessel out a few times and saying they were a pleasure to work with, always putting in the extra effort regarding safety, communication and professionalism. Kirby’s wheelman was so impressed, he took a few minutes to contact Jade and let him know how great they did.
This exceptional performance reflects strong leadership from Captain Zane Naquin, whose influence clearly sets the tone for the crew. Congratulations to Shaun, Luke, and Captain Naquin for going the EXTRA MILE!
USE ASSIST VESSELS!
Lucas Richard on the M/V AMBRIE DUPRE shared 2 great videos using assist vessels.
Assist vessels are required and if one is not available, call Port Captain Jade O’Neal; most cases you will be good to go, but the point is to call and discuss
USE DORM! Make sure all wheelmen (especially new wheelmen, steersmen and trip pilots) are familiar how to find and use DORM
COMMUNICATION with assist boats is extremely important. If you are using an assist boat, YOU ARE IN CHARGE of the process. A headline is required.
Use the ASSIST BOAT COMMAND EQUATION (above)
If you are the assist , make sure what you need to do is well understood. If you are the assist vessel and the lead boat is not communicating or they have a bad plan, this might be a time for a Stop Work
Give yourself time to get an assist boat. Do a proper watch change and pass on all assist boat information from watch to watch.
A stunning sunset from Captain Larry Foussell on the M/V CLAIRE CATHERINE, catching the M/V ALVA ANN passing by
Survey for Dupre Marine Employees: Newsletter feedback
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SAFETY TOPIC #1:
Proper crew change Handover
Long gone are the days of a high five (or barely a grunt) as your pass your crew members going on or off the boat on crew change day. A proper handover during a crew change should be seamless so the new crew can step in and immediately start operating the vessel. Understanding time is of the essence, the handover should be well-planned, structured and concise that covers all the important information about current vessel status, navigation plans, equipment condition, and any safety or barge/cargo concerns, just to name a few. The incoming crew is briefed with all information so they can get underway without issue. Clear communication, concise checklists, and focused walkthroughs make the handover transition efficient, which keeps the boat moving safely and on schedule.
Although Dupre Marine has the tools and procedures to carry out an effective handover, it is essential that all crew members signing off and coming on board treat this exchange with utmost importance to ensure nothing is overlooked.
The handover must take place with all involved coming on and going off the vessel to ensure everything is covered. This starts with Vessel Sign On and Sign Off, verifying oncoming crew credentials essential for his position and ensuring each oncoming person has their appropriate PPE (and in good shape for example: boots).
Incoming and outgoing key personnel shall discuss operational issues, including but not limited to:
· Cargo and job orders, current voyage plans
· Equipment that is not operating properly and/or mechanical issues being experienced
· Upcoming inspections and audits
· Vessel maintenance/work schedule
· Injuries or other incidents
· Safety or environmental issues
· Important safety related information or emails
· Captains standing orders
· Information from Shoreside
· Customer orders
· Navigational concerns
· Ongoing jobs or tasks onboard especially for deck crew
· Upcoming weather conditions (wind, storms, fog, tide/current etc.)
· Identified known hazards (traffic, dredge, obstacles etc.)
· Any other important necessary information
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Remember the whole should must be involved if possible!
Proper Handover was a discussion in one of our weekly meetings and here are some great suggestions from some of the boats on how they be sure all information is passed on to the next crew:
COMMUNICATION! Wheelmen before coming to the boat, make a phone call and discuss in conversation ahead of time so there are no surprises. Pass along all information and pre-plan.
Sticky-notes or a note book are used to write down any information so it is not forgotten.
Don’t be in a hurry. Take the extra time with anyone new to your boat. That extra time could be vital.
Go over orders, what happened in watch changes, voyage plans, deckhand watch changes, any information about upcoming docks and fleets.
Have each other’s back and help each other out!
Another also takes plenty of extra time with someone that has not been to his boat.
Discuss orders, fleets and docks, navigation, traffic (ahead and behind), keep everyone aware and discuss with the whole crew.
Included discussion about supplies that are needed or that were ordered for the boat on this crew change.
Sit down, have coffee and discuss everything from tows to painting, what has been done to what needs to be done.
Make a written crew change packet to combine with the verbal handover to make sure all maintenance, voyage plans, orders, weather, all information is covered.
SAFETY questionnaire for proper handover
required FOR ALL VESSEL EMPLOYEES
ALL crew members must answer these questions. This will be a part of your safety compliance.
SAFETY TOPIC #2:
Cell phones and personal electronics on watch
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The use of mobile electronics such as cell phones, earbuds, smart watches, tablets, and similar devices are all common in daily life and we recognize their usefulness. However, on board our vessels and barges these devices present critical risks that require a strict policy.
Fire/explosion risk ~ not intrinsically safe
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These electronics are not intrinsically safe and can ignite flammable vapors or combustible materials on the barge. For this reason, such devices are strictly prohibited on all barges. This prohibition applies to Dupre Marine personnel, our customer, and our customer’s customers.
This is a zero-tolerance requirement. Possession or use of non‑intrinsically safe devices on board can result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. This includes vaping (exact same rules as smoking)
Distractions!
Mobile devices and accessories are distractions that can reduce situational awareness and delay your reaction to hazards on watch whether in the wheelhouse or on deck
Careless use of these devices can cause you to not be attentive to your job and can or will cause incidents or injuries or damage.
Ear buds are forbidden while on watch. Most of these cancel outside noise which is dangerous!
COMPLIANCE AND EXPECTATIONS
Do NOT bring these devices on a barge, this can lead to disciplinary action or termination. Secure them on the vessel in the wheelhouse, galley or bunk room. Check your pockets, wrist and ears before you head out on a barge.
In the rare occurrence a photo is needed on barge (for example: noted barge damage) and the only way is from a phone, this must be authorized from a Shoreside manager or Customer following strict procedure and note the name of the person authorizing
Report observed violations of mobile devices on barges to the officer on watch and correct immediately
Captains: Discuss and plan when and how your wheelmen and deck crew use cell phones and tablets while on watch. For example: they stay in the wheelhouse and if a call comes in the wheelman on watch will let you know
Deck Crew: If the Wheelman on Watch tells you not to use your cell phone, then put it away immediately.
Wheelmen: Try to keep phone use to speaker only to talk, stream music, podcasts or other background sound. You cannot watch movies/shows while driving the boat; these are distractions that can cause incidents, groundings, allisions and collisions. Keep personal phone use to an absolute minimum.
Not only barges, this applies also when conducting fueling operations.
No cell phone use while on outside decks of the vessel alongside customer docks. You do not want the customer or the customer’s customer (dock) to catch you on your phone.
MORE ON DISTRACTIONS…
Cell phone misuse poses a serious safety risk during navigational watch and failure to adhere to these procedures may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. The use of personal cell phones and other personal electronic devices on board vessels and barges is prohibited while on watch except for brief, safety‑related communications or urgent operational needs; casual use like watching videos, scrolling social media, gaming, or otherwise being distracted is prohibited, unless on a quick break directed by the Captain’s orders. Short or necessary calls in safe conditions can be okay, but regular personal phone or FaceTime use on watch reduces awareness and raises the risk of grounding, collisions, and other incidents. Maintain focus on navigation, stow personal devices out of reach during critical periods such as the wheelhouse or bunk room, and follow company procedures to ensure the safety of the crew and vessel.
Use of cell phones and personal electronics while on watch was discussed in a recent weekly meeting. Below is feedback from several vessels:
Do not come to the wheelhouse talking on your phone, you are causing a distraction to the wheelman on watch
No gaming on watch at all, it is not allowed and don’t bring it in the wheelhouse
We have a job to do, can’t have your phone and be on social media when you’re working
If they are caught playing on cell phones or gaming on watch and told not to, then they are not allowed on the boat.
Keep phones in the bunk room or in the wheelhouse. If you get a call we will let you know. When they take a break they can scroll their social media quickly or make a quick call.
One boat mentioned these rules should apply when in the crew truck, which is 100% correct!
OFF WATCH DISTRACTIONS WITH CELL PHONES, FACETIMING, SOCIAL MEDIA, GAMING, TABLETS ETC:
Keep this to a minimum when off watch! Prioritize sleep, rest and proper meals. We of course want you to relax and use your personal electronics, but it cannot interfere with your rest and and leave you not ready for your next watch. This responsibility includes the night before you come to the boat.
NOT ALLOWED ON A BARGE ~ NOT intrinsically SAFE!
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NOT ALLOWED ON A BARGE ~ NOT intrinsically SAFE! 〰️
SAFETY questionnaire for cell phones and Personal electronics on watch
FOR ALL VESSEL EMPLOYEES
ALL crew members must answer these questions. This will be a part of your safety compliance.
SAFETY TOPIC #3:
MAN OVERBOARD prevention
A man overboard is one of the worst on-boat incidents and still occurs every year. Slips, trips, and falls—often from cluttered or slippery walkways—are leading causes. Following procedures to prevent falls and man-overboard situations can save your life or a crew member’s.
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
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work carefully and avoid rushing
man overboard Prevention tips:
Tell the wheelhouse when you go on the tow, carry a radio, use the buddy system, 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
BEWARE OF DUCK PONDS! And be sure to report to all crew members
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!
safety questionnaire for man overboard preventions
ALL crew members must answer these questions. 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
DUPRE MARINE’S ANNIVERSARIES for FIRST Quarter 2026
AS OF JANUARY 2026:
Jacobi Guidry: 2 Years
Jason Arceneaux: 4 Years
AS OF FEBRUARY 2026:
Zane Naquin: 11 Years
Alvin Miller: 4 Years
Bryce Larousse: 5 Years
Coby McMillan: 1 Year
Quinton Johnson: 5 Years
Kevin Conklin: 2 Years
Ben Stewart: 3 Years
AS OF MARCH 2026:
Patrick Gunter: 4 Years
Eric Spencer: 5 Years
Chris Breaux: 1 Year
Jeremy Cavalier: 14 Years
Naru Rodrigue Jr: 5 Years
David Berry: 1 Year
Brian Trosclair: 1 Year
company news & updates
sHORESIDE NEWS:
As the fleet grows, shoreside is growing as well. Welcome Dylan Ratcliff to Shoreside! Dylan is working with Chris in Purchasing, which is growing massively with the addition of new vessels and more boat employees, crew trucks and the amount of supplies coming in for the boats. Please everyone, welcome Dylan, especially our Crews that have a lot of contact with him and Chris.
VESSEL NEWS:
COMING SOON!
M/V MARY BETH
The new build vessel, the M/V MARY BETH is moving closer to the fun part of seeing the interior come to life as work continues at Intracoastal Ironworks in Bourg. And we know it will be yet another stunning luxury vessel!
This triple-screw boat will be powered by 2250 HP, with Captain Brad Autin at the helm. This is an exciting time for Jaimen and Mary Dupre as their first new build on the PAC Marine side of Dupre Marine Transportation. Construction progress and attention to detail exemplify our continued growth and commitment to providing the best boats on the water!
MORE VESSEL NEWS:
The M/V CLAIRE CATHERINE and M/V ELLIS PORCHE have now changed from the old Lake Verret and Cove Point this Quarter. Soon we will be changing the names of the Kleberg and the Orange to the M/V KYLIE MARIE and M/V EVIN CHARLES!
So many changes keeping Shoreside on their toes!!
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.
We have a page on this website called DMT Crew Page that 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. If you have any suggestions to add to this page to make anything easier, please contact Denise and we can try to add that for you.
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. If it needs to be refrigerated, please provide your own (suggest) Styrofoam cooler, especially in the hot months.
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. Encourage your crew members to log onto the site once a month to catch up on any upcoming training. Note annual/5 year training becomes available approximately 45-60 days before it is due.
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! And follow us on all sites to increase our viewership.
If any of our crew members would like to contribute content to future newsletters, please email Denise dmorencie@dupremarine.com Whether it is photos, safety topics or just a general fun contribution, we will make it work for you. This newsletter is primarily for our Crew Members!
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 person for the problem.
BOOTS
⚠️ Steel-toe boots are required and must be in good condition! No exceptions!
Dupre Marine will pay $100 toward new boots: deck crew every 6 months, wheelhouse crew every year. Contact Lynsie or Michael when you need new boots.
You may buy from Joe’s Boots in Houma (we can payroll-deduct any cost over $100) or buy elsewhere (including the safety points site; we’ll reimburse points). Submit your receipt to Lynsie or Michael for reimbursement up to $100. We are now tracking purchases.
Deck crew: boots are essential PPE—keep them in good condition. Captains: you must inspect your crew’s boots upon vessel sign on and check regularly.
Questions? Contact Jade!
If your boots look like this⬆️ call the office ASAP!
SAFTEY/STEEL TOE BOOT REQUIRMENTS
Leather safety boots with steel or composite built-in toe guards, which meet ASTM F2413-05 Standard, ANSI Z41 or equivalent is required to be worn at all times when:
Steel-toed tennis shoes are not acceptable
Footwear must not have quick lace, protruding hooks
Rubber chemical resistant boots with steel or composite built-in-toe guards are required when splash hazards exist.
SEE VOP 7.5 FOR PPE REQUIREMENTS
submit NEAR MISses OR STOP WORK RESPONSIBILITY
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! 〰️
Submit your Near Misses and Stop Works in Helm regularly. They help improve safety and are recognized and rewarded by Kirby Inland Marine.
Every Near Miss or Stop Work report you enter in Helm makes our operations safer. These reports spot hazards early, show patterns we can fix, and allow quick actions to protect crews, vessels, and cargo. Reporting turns a close call into a lesson that helps prevent future incidents and saves lives.
Why report regularly?
Prevent incidents: Near-miss reports show unsafe conditions and behaviors so we can fix them before they get worse.
Stop Work reports let any crew member stop operations if safety is at risk and to come up with a better and safer plan
Drives continuous improvement: Regular reporting gives data to guide training, procedures, and operation changes.
Recognize and reward: Kirby Inland Marine acknowledges and rewards employees who proactively submit Near Miss and Stop Work reports, reinforcing safe behavior.
How it works
Quick and simple: Enter reports directly in Helm. Concise, accurate entries are most effective.
Timely: Report as soon as practical while your details are fresh in your mind
Specific: Include what happened, contributing factors, and if possible suggested corrective actions.
Follow up with shoreside to help implement solutions.
Make it a habit
Report every Near Miss and every Stop Work action.
Encourage your fellow crew members to do the same.
Treat reporting as an important part of the job…because it is.
Your reports matter. Submit them in Helm regularly to improve safety across the fleet and receive recognition from Kirby Inland Marine for your commitment.
High Learning Value Near Misses and stop Works 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 or OBT Kevin Daigrepont
🦺 If you change positions (for example from deckhand to tankerman) please be make sure you have all required PPE for this job.
🦺 Tankermen: Your PPE out on the barge for a transfer can vary from season to season. Please be sure to get with Kevin if you are missing any required PPE!
🦺 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