| 2026 | Quarter 2 | Issue TWENTY |
the voyager Newsletter
Welcome to Dupre Marine’s Quarterly Newsletter!
HAPPY 250TH BIRTHDAY TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.
In the 250 years of our nation’s existence, we constituents have endured war, famines, viral outbreaks, poverty, economy fall-outs and many other hardships that shaped us into the America that we are today. Our fallen heroes that have sacrificed their lives are the ones that deserve the greatest respect in this nation as without the ultimate sacrifice we would not be the #1 nation on planet earth with the most abundant freedoms.
On September 11th, 2001, we experienced one of the most catastrophic attacks on American soil. I can vividly remember watching MTV at the time of this event when the news broke and staying glued to the TV for the next several days wondering what will be in store for our daily lives in the future. The thing that sticks out the most to me during the aftermath of this horrendous attack was the comradery of our American people coming together as one without political bias to support the attack victims and families. This is what true America is about, coming together in the face of the unknown and tragic events.
I wish you all a Happy 4th of July and remember that we would not be barbequing or having cocktails if not for our many forefathers vision of the pursuit of independence. God bless you all and have a safe watch.
Rusty’s Rundown by Rusty Hebert
THE EXTRA MILE
The Voyager Newsletter is spotlighting 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!
Here are the EXTRA MILE CREW MEMBERS for the Second Quarter in 2026:
Cris simmonds, Kyle Robichaux and Bryce Matthews on the M/V MISS GENEVIEVE
M/V MISS GENEVIEVE Lends a Couple of Extra Hands at Bolivar!
Shoutout to Relief Captain Cris Simmonds and Tankermen Kyle Robichaux and Bryce Matthews for showing what true towboater teamwork looks like! When they saw the M/V CHARLIE C needing help building tow over at Bolivar Terminal, this awesome crew didn't hesitate. They stepped in to get the job done safely, securely, and efficiently. The captain of the M/V CHARLIE C was so impressed he called our office directly to share his gratitude for the MISS GENEVIEVE CREW for going the Extra Mile!
NICK NAPOLI ON THE M/V ISAAC K
During a recent vessel audit on the M/V ISAAC K, deckhand Nick Napoli stepped up and went above and beyond, answering the auditor’s rapid-fire questions confidently and without missing a beat. In just six months with Dupre Marine, Nick’s professionalism, attention to detail, and command of procedures impressed not only the auditor but also Captain Brad Autin. He stayed calm under pressure, communicated clearly, and knows Dupre Marine’s safety and operating procedures well ~ showing his dedication. His audit performance proved his commitment to excellence and got the notice of his Captain knowing he will go the Extra Mile!
LUKE HEBERT ON THE M/V ALVA ANN
During a recent TSMS Vessel Compliance Survey on the M/V ALVA ANN, Luke Hebert stepped up and showed exceptional professionalism. Vessel audits can be stressful, but faced with hard-hitting questions from the Auditor, Luke answered confidently and without batting an eye. Handled it like the pro he is!
His strong knowledge of Dupre Marine’s safety and operating procedures thoroughly impressed both the Auditor and Safety and Compliance Manager Rusty Hebert. Luke made Rusty’s job easy that day. By staying calm under pressure and communicating clearly, Luke earns the praise and strengthened the trust of Captain Zane and Crew, knowing he represents them well and always willing to go the Extra Mile!
Captain Matt Gisclair and Kyle Thibodaux on the M/V DEXTER PORCHE
M/V DEXTER PORCHE Team Elevates Onboarding
Captain Matt Gisclair and his brother, Kyle Thibodaux, went the extra mile by designing a custom vessel and crew orientation for the M/V DEXTER PORCHE. Moving beyond Dupre Marine’s standard guidelines, their tailored process covers the specific mechanical, daily routines and operations of the DEXTER. This ensures all new crew members, whether new to the boat or to Dupre Marine, can seamlessly transition to this crew and boat. This highly impressed Safety and Compliance Manager, Rusty Hebert, who wanted to make sure they got this Extra Mile shoutout!
Ryan Sigrist and Kevin Conklin on the M/V WELLS PORCHE
Stepped in Quickly to Help When Needed
Big thanks to Relief Captain Ryan Sigrist and Tankerman Kevin Conklin on the M/V WELLS PORCHE for lending a huge hand to our guys over on the M/V EVERARD DUPRE!
The Everard crew ran into some trouble with water leaking in the engine room and started taking on water. Ryan and Kevin didn’t hesitate—they jumped right into action, brought over their own pump, and helped get the water pumped out.
The Everard crew reached out specifically to make sure these two got the credit they deserve, saying they really appreciated them being there right when they needed it most. Awesome job, Ryan and Kevin ~ thanks for looking out for our fellow crew members and showing what Dupre Marine teamwork is all about!
Despite the title, our Safety and Compliance Manager, Rusty Hebert, isn’t actually scraping dinner off the road to his house (or is he?!). But as a born-and-raised Cajun dad, Rusty and his family do spend way more time grocery shopping in the woods and waterways than down the supermarket aisles.
🐊 What's Cooking?
In this new recurring column, Rusty is trading his work vest for an apron to share authentic, homegrown recipes straight from his kitchen. If his family hunted it, hooked it, or pulled it out of the bayou, Rusty knows exactly how to season it and cook it!
🪵 What to Expect:
Zero grocery receipts—just pure, swamp-to-table goodness.
Genuinely delicious recipes for wild game and fresh-caught fish.
Cajun dad wisdom that you won't find in any compliance manual.
Ingredients:
1 Medium onion
1 Medium bell pepper
2 Tbsp of parsley flakes
3 Tbsp of Tony Chacheries Cajun seasoning
1 Tsp. of black pepper
1 Tbsp. of garlic powder
1 Tbsp. of salt
1 Cup of seasoned bread crumbs
1 Ounce of Louisiana hot sauce
1 Egg
2 Lbs. of garfish meat (any type of fish meat can be substituted)
Wax paper
1. Place all the above listed ingredients EXCEPT for the breadcrumbs in a food processor and blend on a medium speed until all garfish meat, onion and bell pepper have been finely chopped.
2. Once those ingredients have been blended then transfer to a large mixing bowl and thoroughly stir in the breadcrumbs.
3. Form the meat into hamburger sized patties of your choice and place on a flat rack or pan that is lined with wax paper.
4. Transfer pan or rack to freezer and freeze until patties are hardened.
*You can either vacuum seal the patties or place them in a Ziploc bag to store in the freezer once frozen. It is recommended to cook the patties from a frozen state at the below required time interval and temperature.
Baked – 350 degrees for 30 - 40 minutes
Deep Fried – 350 degrees until golden brown (roughly 4-5 minutes)
Grill – 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes
**Serve these garfish patties as a hearty burger or a classic Po’Boy topped with homemade remoulade. Or spoon a generous helping of warm crawfish étouffée right over the top!
FUN FACTS ABOUT July 4th Independence day
Only John Hancock and Secretary Charles Thomson signed on July 4, 1776. The other 54 delegates signed on August 2, 1776.
The youngest signers of the Declaration of Independence were two 26-year-olds from South Carolina (Thomas Lynch Jr. and Edward Rutledge); the oldest was Benjamin Franklin at 70. Eight were born in the British Isles. Besides lawyers, they included businessmen, farmers, teachers, and a minister (John Witherspoon). Two signers created obscure musical instruments: Francis Hopkinson’s Bellarmonic and Benjamin Franklin’s glass armonica.
The Double Passing: Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, close friends turned political rivals, both died on July 4, 1826. This occurred exactly 50 years to the day after the adoption of the Declaration. James Monroe, the fifth U.S. president, also died on the Fourth of July, passing away in 1831.
The Secret Message: If you look closely at the back of the Declaration of Independence, there is an upside-down message written at the bottom that reads: "Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776." It was used as a simple storage label so handlers didn't have to unroll the entire parchment just to see what it was.
Some of the most famous lines in the Declaration of Independence were inspired by Virginia’s Declaration of Rights by George Mason. Mason said: “all men are born equally free and independent.” Jefferson's Declaration of Independence said: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." Mason listed man's “natural Rights” as “Enjoyment of Life and Liberty, with the Means of acquiring and possessing Property, and pursuing and obtaining Happiness and Safety.” Jefferson listed man's "inalienable rights" as "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."
In the summer of 1776, when the Declaration was signed, the population of the nation is estimated to have been about 2.5 million. (Today the population of the U.S. is approximately 350 million.)
Revolutionary Rum: To celebrate the second anniversary of independence in 1778, George Washington ordered a double ration of rum for all of his soldiers.
It took nearly a century to become a holiday: Congress did not declare the Fourth of July a federal holiday until 1870, and it remained an unpaid day off for workers until Congress updated it to a paid holiday in 1938
Sparking a Tradition: The very first July 4th fireworks were set off in Philadelphia in 1777. The display began and ended with 13 rockets to honor the 13 original colonies. The celebration also included a parade and a thirteen-shot cannon salute.
Hot Dog Havoc: Americans eat an estimated 150 million hot dogs on July 4th alone. According to the National Hog Dog and Sausage Council (Seriously?!), that is enough to stretch from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles more than five times.
According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, Americans spend more than $1 billion on fireworks each year. Out of this, only 10% of firework displays are set off professionally, which probably accounts for the estimated 12,900 firework-related emergency room visits across the country.
Don't Ring the Bell: The Liberty Bell hasn't been fully rung since 1846 to prevent its famous crack from worsening. Instead, it is gently tapped 13 times every July 4th.
There have been 27 different versions of the U.S. flag. The original flag featured 13 stars and stripes to represent the 13 colonies. Today's American flag features 50 stars and 13 stripes.
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage”
Charmaine’s Favorite Photos from the Boats — Beautiful Scenes!
Denise got the photos — and wow, narrowing them down was nearly impossible we had some great ones! So we delegated the tough call to Charmaine. Her verdict? Two whopping favorites picked. Double the beauty in these 2 photos!
From Captain Alex Landry on the M/V ELLIS PORCHE
From Captain Trent Stoute on the M/V THIBODAUX (this photo was from the M/V CLAIRE CATHERINE!)
As dawn broke over Baltimore Harbor on September 14, 1814, the air was heavy with smoke from a long night of battle. For more than 25 hours, British warships had bombarded Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.
Aboard a British ship was a young American lawyer, Francis Scott Key, who had traveled there under a flag of truce to negotiate the release of an American prisoner, Dr. William Beanes. Although Key successfully secured the doctor's freedom, he and his companions were not allowed to leave until the British attack on Baltimore had ended because they had learned details of the military's plans.
As the bombardment began, Key could do nothing but watch and wait. Throughout the long night, he kept his eyes fixed on the enormous American flag flying above Fort McHenry. As long as the flag remained visible, he knew the fort was still standing and its defenders had not surrendered. The rockets' glare and bursting bombs briefly illuminated the flag in the darkness, offering fleeting moments of hope amid the chaos.
When morning finally arrived, Key searched the horizon with anxious eyes. Then, through the fading smoke, he saw it, the giant American flag flying proudly above Fort McHenry. The sight filled him with an overwhelming sense of relief, hope, and pride. Against incredible odds, the fort had held its ground, and the flag, although now tattered, remained.
Inspired by that unforgettable moment, Key wrote a poem titled Defence of Fort M'Henry. Set to a familiar melody, the poem eventually became The Star-Spangled Banner. More than a century later, in 1931, it was officially adopted as the national anthem of the United States.
The flag that waved over Fort McHenry was more than a piece of cloth. It represented a young nation determined to preserve its independence despite overwhelming challenges. Every stripe and every star became a reminder that freedom is precious and must be protected at all costs. The defenders of Fort McHenry stood their ground through relentless shelling, knowing that if the fort and flag fell, Baltimore and perhaps the young nation would follow.
When we stand for the national anthem today, we honor not only the flag but also those who defended it. We remember the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and all who have served our nation with courage and sacrifice. Many gave their lives so that future generations could continue to enjoy the blessings of liberty.
The Star-Spangled Banner reminds us that our nation's story has never been without hardship. Yet through every challenge, Americans have found strength in hope, courage in adversity, and unity in the enduring symbol of our flag. As long as Old Glory continues to wave, it stands as a testament to the sacrifices of those who came before us and a reminder that the freedoms we cherish today were secured by generations willing to defend them.
Here at Dupre Marine Transportation, we proudly fly the American flag aboard every one of our vessels. That flag is far more than a decoration, it is a symbol of the freedoms we enjoy, the values we uphold, and the sacrifices made by generations of Americans to keep it flying. Every member of our crew shares the responsibility of treating our nation's flag with the dignity and respect it deserves. By displaying it proudly and caring for it properly, we honor those who defended it at Fort McHenry, those who have served our country since, and those who continue to protect the freedoms it represents today.
As long as Old Glory waves from our vessels, may it remind us that we are part of a legacy built on courage, sacrifice, and service. Let us always treat our flag with the honor it has earned and never forget the price that was paid so it could continue to fly as a beacon of hope and freedom.
Calvin’s Corner by Calvin Self
SAFETY TOPIC #1:
Dripless Seals & Shaft Alley Awareness
Shaft alley safety starts with reliable dripless seals. If a seal fails, water can get in fast and cause serious problems. Dupre Marine has tightened the safety rules and updated procedures (VOP 4.19) and training so every crew member knows their role and is held accountable, with a strong focus on frequent inspection, readiness, and emergency response.
We will do regular, recorded inspections of seals and shaft alley areas, keep equipment ready and monitored, and train crew on clear emergency steps to isolate leaks, secure bilges, and carry out immediate damage control.
Regular drills, checklist inspections, and quick reporting catch small problems before they grow, making prevention, readiness, and accountability.
See the EXTRA MILE shoutouts for the crew on the M/V WELLS PORCHE helping out the guys on the M/V EVERARD DUPRE. First a shoutout to the crew on the EVERARD for finding the water leaking on a check and quickly taking action to get it stopped. Ryan and Kevin on the WELLS jumped in gave them their pump and helped stop the leak and pumped out the water.
⚠️ Key Requirements:
Inspect dripless seals AT LEAST ONCE PER HOUR (more often when possible) but multiple checks by anyone that passes by is vitally important!
The person performing the visual inspection must look for the following:
Any signs of water leaking through the dripless seals.
Make sure the automatic pump operational.
Changes in the amount of water leaking or water level.
Condition and accessibility of the emergency repair kit
🚨 Shaft Alley Risk = Vessel Risk
A failure in the dripless seal system can quickly lead to rapid flooding and potential vessel loss if not controlled.
A failure in the dripless seal system can quickly lead to rapid flooding and potential vessel loss if not controlled.
That’s why:
The Officer on Watch must ensure inspections are completed
Any issues must be reported immediately to Maintenance.
All crew are responsible for knowing what to look for and how to respond.
🧰 Emergency Kit & Pump Readiness
Every second counts in an emergency—don’t let missing or unusable equipment slow you down.
You MUST ensure:
Emergency dripless seal kit is visible, intact, and stored near the shaft seals
Emergency pump is accessible and functional
Pump is tested regularly (use an inner tube ~20 PSI for verification)
🚫 Critical Safety Rules (Non-Negotiable)
When responding to a seal issue:
DO NOT exceed 80 PSI when inflating the seal bladder
DO NOT inflate while the shaft is turning
USE MANUAL PUMP ONLY — NO COMPRESSORS
Ignoring these can result in equipment failure or personal injury.
👨✈️ Crew Readiness Matters
Every crew member must be able to answer:
Where is the emergency kit and pump?
How do I use them properly?
What are the warning signs of failure?
Lack of readiness in the shaft alley doesn’t just affect equipment—it puts the entire vessel and crew at risk
✅ Bottom Line: Stay alert. Inspect often. Be ready.
〰️
✅ Bottom Line: Stay alert. Inspect often. Be ready. 〰️
sAFETY questionnaire for Dripless Seals & Shaft Alley Awareness
(Required FOR ALL VESSEL EMPLOYEES)
ALL crew members must answer these questions. This will be a part of your safety compliance.
SAFETY TOPIC #2: safe food handling onboard
Protect Your Crew from Foodborne Illness
The U.S. food supply is one of the safest in the world, but foodborne illness still affects 1 in 6 Americans each year. On towboats, where crews live and work in close quarters, safe food handling isn’t just good practice, it’s essential for keeping everyone healthy and operations running smoothly.
🚨 Know the Risks
Food poisoning can strike within hours—or even weeks—after eating contaminated food.
Common symptoms include:
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Fever, headache, and body aches
⚠️ Severe illness can occur, especially for those with weakened immune systems
✅ The Four Key Steps: Clean • Separate • Cook • Chill
🧼 CLEAN:
Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food
Clean all surfaces, utensils, and cutting boards after each use
Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly—even those you peel
Use clean towels or disposable paper towels
🔪 SEPARATE:
Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood away from ready-to-eat foods
Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and produce
Never place cooked food on surfaces that held raw meat
Store raw meats on plates to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods
🌡️ COOK:
Always use a food thermometer—don’t rely on color of the food alone
Safe internal temperatures:
Poultry: 165°F
Ground meats: 160°F
Beef, pork, lamb: 145°F (with 3-minute rest)
Leftovers: 165°F
Cook eggs until yolks and whites are firm
Bring soups, sauces, and gravies to a boil when reheating
❄️ CHILL:
Keep refrigerators at 40°F or below and freezers at 0°F
Refrigerate perishables within:
2 hours (or 1 hour in hot weather)
Thaw foods safely:
In the refrigerator
In cold water
In the microwave (cook immediately after)
Divide leftovers into small containers for faster cooling
Towboat-Specific Safety Tips:
🛥️ Receiving & Storage
Inspect all food when it comes onboard:
Frozen foods should be solid
Refrigerated items cold to the touch
Cans free of dents or bulging
Store raw meats below ready-to-eat foods
🍳 Food Preparation
Wash hands before cooking and after restroom use
Never thaw food on the counter
Marinate foods only in the refrigerator
Replace sponges regularly—they harbor bacteria
🔥 Cooking & Serving
Avoid undercooked meats and eggs
Cover and rotate food in microwaves to eliminate cold spots
Never leave perishable food out longer than 2 hours
Always serve with clean utensils
🥡 Leftovers & Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers promptly in shallow containers
Reheat thoroughly—bring liquids to a boil
When in doubt… throw it out!
💧 Water Safety
Use only filtered or bottled water for cooking and consumption onboard
🛑 Safe food handling is everyone’s responsibility. One mistake can sideline a crew member—or an entire vessel. Stay vigilant, follow procedures, and help keep your crew safe and mission-ready.
sAFETY questionnaire for Safe Food Handling onboard
(Required FOR ALL VESSEL EMPLOYEES)
ALL crew members must answer these questions. This will be a part of your safety compliance.
SAFETY TOPIC #3:
🌡️ “Think 72” – Preventing Heat-Related Illness
The temperatures aresky-rocketingand it will only get hotter as the summer drags on. Heat-related illnesses become one of the most serious risks to our crew members. Staying ahead of this hazard requires preparation—not reaction.
Why “Think 72” Matters
Data shows that most heat-related incidents occur within the first 24–48 hours after crew change or returning from time off. This period is critical because the body has not yet readjusted to heat exposure.
The “Think 72” approach focuses on 72 hours before and 72 hours after crew change, helping reduce the highest-risk window of exposure.
BE PRO-ACTIVE NOT REACTIVE!
✅ By following this program, we can significantly reduced heat-related illnesses by up to 70%!
🔁 Key Prevention Steps
✅ 72 Hours BEFORE Crew Change
Gradually increase exposure to outdoor temperatures
Begin hydrating consistently
Prepare your body physically for heat conditions
✅ 72 Hours AFTER Crew Change
Limit non-essential outdoor work, especially high-exertion tasks. Wheelmen, watch your deck crew closely especially if they just got to the boat
Schedule only critical jobs during peak heat
Take frequent breaks to cool down
💧 Stay Safe in the Heat
HYDRATION IS CRITICAL—maintain fluid intake before and during your shift, include electrolytes, lots of water and keep it on hand at all times
Use available heat mitigation tools (cooling towels, coolers with water and electrolyte drinks, boonie hats and shade!)
Be mindful of medications that may affect heat tolerance
Maintain a balanced diet to support performance, junk food and drinks will not help your hydration.
Never skip rest breaks during hot conditions and all crew members must monitor each other and watch for signs of heat related illnesses and act quick. The wheelman on watch can use timers to monitor break times
Download weather apps, especially the HEAT INDEX APP, which is on all boat phones
Key Takeaway
Heat illness prevention starts before symptoms appear. By preparing your body 72 hours before and after exposure, we can dramatically reduce risk and keep everyone safe.
Let’s stay proactive, stay hydrated, and Think 72! 💪🌞
REMEMBER, ALWAYS LOOK OUT FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR CREW MEMBERS!
safety questionnaire for THINK 72
(Required FOR ALL VESSEL EMPLOYEES)
ALL crew members must answer these questions. 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
Survey for Dupre Marine Employees: Newsletter feedback
We ask all employees to take a couple minutes to participate in this optional survey about our Newsletter. Your feedback is appreciated!
IN THIS ISSUE:
Rusty’s Rundown
The Extra Mile
Rusty’s Roadkill
Fun Facts about Independence Day
Scenic Views
Calvin’s Corner
Safety Topics
Crew Safety Questionnaires
DMT Anniversaries
Company News & Updates: Vessels and Shoreside
DUPRE MARINE’S ANNIVERSARIES for FIRST Quarter 2026
AS OF APRIL 2026:
Denise Morencie: 8 Years
Ramone Keller: 3 Years
Tristin Verdin: 1 Year
AS OF MAY 2026:
Seth Helmer: 7 Years
Trent Stoute: 5 Years
Dylan Saia: 2 Years
Dennis Parks: 12 Years!
Kevin Daigrepont: 13 Years!
Robert “Woody” Stracner: 12 Years!
Jaimen Dupre: 16 Years!
Saige Robinson: 6 Years
Josh “Tater” Petroff: 5 Years
AS OF JUNE 2026:
Larry Dupre: 5 Years
Jamie Robichaux: 18 Years!
company news & updates
sHORESIDE NEWS:
We are changing and growing! Not just boats, shoreside too!
WELCOME TO DUPRE MARINE SHORESIDE Charmaine and Rusty!
Charmaine Mooney joined the Shoreside team in May and is working with Michael in Personnel crewing the vessels. She brings a ton of awesome experience in personnel management and has many years of solid towboat industry know-how. We’re so excited to have her with us in the office and look forward to keeping crewing flowing smoothly!
“A little about me goes like this - I am a wife to my favorite boat captain and matriarch to a beautiful, most times crazy, blended crew. In short, I am a Momma to 7 and Queenie to 10 (with 3 more on the way), Personnel Coordinator by day, traveler and shopper by heart the rest of the time. I am blessed with a big family, a busy life and a full heart.
I’m truly grateful to be part of the DMT team — your support, collaboration, and dedication inspire me every day!!!”
We are stoked to have Rusty back at Dupre Marine after 8 years and he’s been runnin’ and gunnin’ since he walked in the door. He started back as you all know early April and already making a huge difference as Safety and Regulatory Compliance Manager. We have racked up a lot of “Zero’s” so we can see the difference. And he’s already cooked for us in the office several times! Rusty will always make time for each of you on the vessels or Shoreside to keep the excellence flowing at Dupre Marine.
“Hello Y’all! Very happy to be back at DMT in a new capacity as Safety and Regulatory Compliance Manager.”
VESSEL NEWS:
M/V MARY BETH
M/V MARY BETH
Our new build, the M/V MARY BETH should be ready the end of July or beginning of August! And WOW she is looking beautiful! Intracoastal Ironworks, Cut ‘Em Custom Cabinets and Rhodes Electronics are working hard and doing an amazing job for us as always. Building the best!
This triple-screw boat will be powered by 2250 HP, with Captain Brad Autin leading this vessel and crew. Jaimen and Mary Dupre are super excited to get this boat ready and it’s going to be amazing! Check our social media for updates on photos and videos!
M/V THIBODAUX
Around June 1st Dupre Marine added another vessel from Kirby to our fleet, currently making M/V THIBODAUX boat #19!
And we want to extend a special Congratulations to the new captain of the M/V THIBODAUX, Captain Trent Stout. As of this newsletter the boat is practically covered in DMT colors and looks amazing already! We know Captain Trent would insist on a a special shoutout to Alvin Miller and Jacobi Guidry for all the hard work they have been doing to get the boat painted an audit ready (scoring a Zero on their SIRE already!)
DMT Company Info:
Karly will be out of the office until possibly the end of July. Please reach out to any one of us at Shoreside with any questions and we will get them answered. For any sea-time or license info please reach out to Rusty in the meantime via email or text: rhebert@dupremarine.com
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, Charmaine or Denise know as soon as possible! You can call during office hours or email directly jrobichaux@dupremarine.com Please also know that any of these changes must come directly from the employee. There is a change of address request on Helm as well and we will all receive the change.
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 Rusty 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 Charmaine 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 Charmaine 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!
〰️
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