| 2025 | Quarter 2 | Issue sixteen |
the voyager Newsletter
Welcome to Dupre Marine’s Quarterly Newsletter!
IN THIS ISSUE
Employee Spotlights
Just for Fun Quiz
Safety Topic
Crew Safety Quiz
#Deckhandlife
DMT Anniversaries for this Quarter
Company News & Updates
dmt’s Wheelhouse spotlight: Captain alex landry
Captain Alex Landry has dedicated four impressive years at Dupre Marine and currently serves as the Captain of the M/V COVE POINT. He is a great young captain who actively works alongside his crew, training them on how to get the job done correctly, safely and efficiently. Alex always joins his crew in hands-on tasks, such as painting, to keep the COVE looking amazing! He possesses not only the skills but also the pride and dedication to both his boat and Dupre Marine, always striving to uphold the highest standards and be the best in the fleet. Alex is also a Captain that is not only always serious when it comes to maintaining a high standard of safety and work on his boat, but embraces towboat life and enjoys crew time off-watch which is equally important to maintain respect from his crew.
Outside of work, Alex is a hardworking family man who loves his family dearly. He looks forward to his time off the boat, which he spends with his wife Lacy and their two young sons. Residing in Franklin, Louisiana, they always have family adventures going on, including hunting and fishing with his boys and family trips. Alex embraces life to the fullest with his family.
Alex is an important part of the Dupre Marine Family and well liked by everyone at Shoreside! His excellent skills as a captain contribute to the success of Dupre Marine. We are lucky to have Captain Alex and look forward to his successful long career with us!
DMT SPOTLIGHT: kyle robichaux
Kyle Robichaux is an exceptional tankerman and now a Dupre Marine steersman dedicated to advancing his career toward becoming a Captain. Kyle is relentless when it comes to hard work and commitment to his towboat career. Kyle has earned the deep respect of Captain James Davis aboard the M/V EVERARD DUPRE for the past 2 years at Dupre Marine. He is so well liked by everyone and works hard with his crew to keep the EVERARD looking amazing. As a calm, effective and strong leader, he is dedicated to all parts of the boat’s operations, always focusing on safety and making sure every task at hand is done carefully, correctly and safely.
Kyle looks forward to his time off the boat and loves to spend quality time with his wife Arrianna in Thibodaux, Louisiana. He also enjoys gaming and has a cool side gig of music production, which sounds exciting in itself. Life is full and happy for Kyle on and off the boat!
We look forward to Kyle expanding his career into a spot in the Wheelhouse and there is no doubt he will be an excellent wheelman for Dupre Marine. His professionalism and genuine passion for the towboat industry make Kyle an invaluable asset to the Dupre Marine Family and a promising future captain on the water.
NO HARM BANQUET
This quarter, Dupre Marine was proud to participate in two Kirby No Harm Banquets, celebrating our outstanding safety and operating accomplishments.
At the first banquet (above), Calvin and Jade attended alongside Tankerman Joe Grizzard and his wife Denise, Captain Alex Landry and his wife Lacy, and Captain Matt Gisclair with his wife Veronica. Each received Stop Work awards, a testament to their commitment to safety. And this marked Matt’s second year in a row attending!
We had other very notable STOP WORK submissions sent in by the following crew members that deserve special recognition:
Captain Brad Autin, M/V ISAAC K
Captain James Davis, M/V EVERARD DUPRE
Relief Captain Kenny Jennings, M/V KLEBERG
Captain Josh Petroff, M/V JERRY PORCHE
Tankerman Kyle Robichaux, M/V EVERARD DUPRE
Relief Captain Eric Spencer, Stop Work on M/V CHRIS MILLER
Captain Robert “Woody” Stracner, M/V KLEBERG
The second banquet brought even greater success, as Dupre Marine earned 11 awards, adding a whole lot more bling to the shelves in our conference room. Congratulations to every single person—both on the boats and shoreside—whose dedication to safety and excellence made these achievements possible. Present to accept the awards (photo below) were Calvin and Patricia Self, Rory and Alva Dupre, and Mary and Jaimen Dupre.
These recognitions reflect the unwavering commitment of the entire Dupre Marine family to maintaining the highest standards in this industry. We do this as a team!
BOAT DIP
Great as just a dip or add it on burgers or sandwiches
Ingredients:
1 - 16oz container sour cream
1 - 10oz can Rotel drained (fire-roasted diced tomatoes and green chiles)
1 package ranch dressing mix
1 envelope Taco Seasoning Mix (lower sodium is better because of the salty chips
1 - 8-oz package of shredded Cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
Tortilla chips or potato chips for serving
Combine the sour cream, Rotel, ranch seasoning, taco seasoning and cheese in a bowl and top with green onions. Best to refrigerate and let sit for an hour or so before serving.
No Bake Strawberry Ice Box Cake
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 boxes Instant Vanilla Pudding
8 oz whipped topping (or make your own: beat heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until fluffy and forms peaks)
2.5 cups of milk
4 - 5 cups of strawberries or try mixed berries
9x13 baking dish (glass preferred)
In a large bowl using a mixer, mix together the cream cheese and both packages of instant pudding. Gradually mix in the milk. Then with a spatula fold in the whipped cream.
Fold approx. 3 cups of the berries (slice the strawberries) into half of the cream mixture and save the rest for the topping.
Line the bottom of the baking dish with vanilla wafers, some can be broken to cover the bottom.
Spread half of the berry/cream mixture on top of the wafers.
Top with another layer of vanilla wafers then top the wafers with the remaining berry/cream mixture.
Refrigerate for 4 hours then top the dessert with the remaining berries.
Fun Quiz: summer
No Googling! Just test your knowledge and learn a little!
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!
The Importance of Identifying a Risk
Working in this industry and on the waterways that we transit presents constant evolving risks that demand your full attention and awareness. Whether it's navigational hazards, unpredictable weather, or equipment under strain, hazards can develop quickly—and often without warning. That's why identifying risks before they lead to incidents is not just good practice, it's essential for protecting lives and keeping operations running smoothly.
Risk awareness starts with observation. Crew members should stay alert to changes in their environment, such as slippery decks, frayed lines, unsecured gear, or malfunctioning equipment. Small details, like an oil spot near a hatch or a worn cleat, can lead to serious injuries if ignored. Fatigue, poor communication, or routine complacency can also contribute to unsafe situations. Recognizing these signs early gives the crew a chance to take corrective action before harm occurs.
Every member of the crew plays a part in identifying and reporting risks. Speaking up when something looks or feels unsafe isn’t criticism—it’s responsibility. Encourage a safety culture where reporting hazards and near misses is standard practice. These observations help prevent future accidents and keep everyone safer in the long run.
On the water, conditions can change fast. The best defense is a crew that’s trained, observant, and proactive. Identifying risks isn’t just about avoiding danger—it’s about staying one step ahead of it.
SAFETY TOPIC:
SKIFF OPERATIONS
Many of you when you started working at Dupre Marine have operated a skiff a million times in your life, especially if you grew up in South Louisiana. Also many of you prior to your towboat career have never been in a boat, let alone operate one. This is why this safety topic matters. It is crucial that each crew member learn how to safely operate a skiff, and understanding the procedures carefully implemented to keep you out of the water. Operating a skiff boat safely involves a combination of careful preparation, awareness of your surroundings and situation, and adhering to safety rules. By participating in training and discussing safety practices, we can all help reduce the risks of skiff operation. Remember, prioritizing safety protects you and your fellow crew members.
Steve Gorrell on the M/V CHRIS MILLER operating the skiff with Jeremy Cavalier
Before Launching the Skiff:
The JSA should include, but not limited to: weather and current, expected traffic, PPE required, communication channels on radio, fuel
Crane operations PPE: hard hat, work vest, leather gloves. work boots, safety glasses.
A minimum of two crew members should be on-site for crane operations.
Check the crane, crane wires, and skiff visually before use to make sure everything is in good condition and ready to operate.
Attach a tag line to the skiff before starting crane operations.
Make sure there is enough fuel for the expected voyage.
Make sure there are 2 paddles in the skiff and in good condition.
Make sure the skiff box is onboard
Launching the Skiff:
The wheelman on watch will idle the vessel engines and tell the deck crew when to lower the skiff into the water.
When lowering the skiff, one crew member should hold a safety line from the bottom deck to control its swing, watch for clearance, and signal when it is safe to lower. Do not lower the skiff without this signal.
When the skiff reaches the waterline, attach safety lines to the tug and remove the lifting gear.
Boarding the Skiff:
Do not exceed the weight or capacity limits shown on the skiff's placard and only authorized people may operate the skiff.
All persons riding in the skiff must wear a work vest or life jacket.
Crew members must load the skiff slowly, one by one, and keep the weight balanced. No jumping in the skiff. Standing or leaning over if not permitted. Hands should be free while boarding.
To remained balanced, he first person boarding the skiff should get on carefully, sit in the middle of the stern seat, and start the engine before others get on. The second person boarding the skiff should board the same way and take position at the bow.
One crew member manages the safety lines, keeping the skiff tight to the tow vessel.
Operating the Skiff:
Communicate with the Wheelman on Watch and make sure approval was given. Keep in contact with the Wheelman while underway.
The emergency kill switch must be attached to the operator’s work vest.
Correct PPE must be used while operating the skiff.
After starting the engines, check the gear and trim one last time. Once the motors run smoothly, untie the safety lines.
Stay alert and watch for hazards and traffic! Follow the rules of the road.
Operate at a slow steady speed.
In windy weather, stay in calm water along the sheltered bank.
Do not land at high speeds or right angles.
When returning the skiff to the vessel, inform the wheelman on watch. Do not approach a moving vessel with the skiff. Land the skiff bow first, facing into the current. (If the towing vessel is moving downstream, the wheelman may ask to land the skiff heading downstream if the tow is moving a bit faster than the current)
Radio communication is important! The operator of the skiff must carry a VHF radio and maintain communication with the vessel while in the skiff. Crew in the skiff must make radio contact with the vessel prior to approaching and ask to stop prior to going alongside.
The skiff operator must clearly communicate with the bridge attendant before transiting any pontoon bridge.
Stowing the Skiff:
With the skiff in the water and tied to the vessel, disconnect the fuel line and run the skiff motor until it stops to clear leftover fuel
Store fuel for the skiff in the storage locker
One crew member will be at the bow, another at the stern. One crew member should control the skiff’s swing and guide the winch operator
Crew members must be on the second deck to guide the skiff to its berth and keep it safe from hitting any equipment on the vessel
Securely tie the skiff to the dock using all safety lines, then take out the drain plug and keep it for later.
Skiff: Fall Overboard Prevention
While getting into or out of a lifeboat or skiff, it is essential to exercise extreme caution and adhere to proper techniques for safety, including the following important guidelines:
Always wear a work vest or life jacket.
Do not stand in the skiff to maintain balance and prevent accidents.
Once you are finished using the skiff, promptly remove it from the water and return it to the designated rack.
Remember at Dupre Marine, only approved crew members may operate the vessel’s skiff. Captains, make sure everyone is trained on your boat. Once approved they can operate a skiff on all vessels, of course this can be revoked at the discretion of the Captain or Officer on Watch or Shoreside Management.
More Skiff Notes:
Before you launch a skiff call your Port Captain Jade
Do your JSA!
You MUST wear your work vest with light securely attached
Using the skiff should be the last resort so make sure its the best decision for the conditions
Don’t overload the skiff! know the weight limit: This includes judging the weight of groceries and supplies with human weight
Except for emergencies, skiff should only be used in calm and/or protected waters
The skiff is only to be used at night in extreme emergency situations. If doing so, lights must be displayed.
In “High Water” the skiff is not authorized without approval from Shoreside Management
Make sure you have enough fuel for the skiff
Make sure the tag line is secured to the skiff before starting crane work
Make sure 2 paddles are in the skiff
Make sure the skiff box is onboard including: running lights, spare plug, horn and bailing bucket.
No smoking in the skiff.
CHECK THE WEATHER!
Always check the weather forecast before heading out in the skiff and monitor conditions while on the water. If the weather deteriorates, be prepared to head back to shore.
SKIFF: THE SAFETY RULES
🛟Always call the Dupre Marine Transportation Port Captain before using the skiff.
🛟Always inspect skiff emergency gear before use.
🛟Always disconnect the fuel line while the motor is running to drain fuel from the carburetor and fuel line after using the skiff.
🛟Always have two people: one in the skiff and one on the towboat, when loading or unloading gear, supplies, or baggage.
🛟Never put your hands on the skiff rub rails. They can get crushed between the skiff and the towboat.
🛟Always keep all tie-off lines inside the skiff when underway.
🛟Avoid crossing the towboat’s wheel wash when driving the skiff.
🛟Always take a VHF radio with you on board the skiff.
🛟Always sit when riding in a skiff.
🛟When using an outboard motor on the skiff, make sure it is firmly attached and the fuel tank has enough fuel for the trip.
🛟Take the skiff out of the water and put it back on the rack as soon as the trip ends.
All crew on watch must help with boarding and departures. Duties include:
Helping people get in and out of the skiff
Assisting each other when moving between the tug or crew vessel
Helping at locks, docks, or landings
Assisting with luggage and supplies
Everyone is expected to work together as a team and offer the same help to vendors and visitors.
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.
#DECKHANDLIFE: D.A.R.T.
The DART Model is simply a four-step communication process that can repeat to ensure instructions are clear and confirmed before and after a task. For example, a Wheelman on watch tells a deckhand how to navigate a bridge via radio. The deckhand acknowledges with "Roger that" and repeats the instructions. The Wheelman gives the go-ahead, and then the deckhand completes the task and informs the Wheelman.
DIRECT: Sender communicates an order or information
ACKNOWLEDGE: Receiver interprets information and acknowledges by repeating the directive or information
RESPOND: Sender confirms the information is accurate, “Roger”
TAKE ACTION: The receiver takes action and verifies complete
ESSENTIAL SUMMER APPS
OSHA’s Heat Safety Tool gives the Heat Index, hourly heat index, warnings and timers. Be prepared before you head out!
Ventusky App is great for radar, wind speed and direction for those pop up summer storms and tropical storms.
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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 2025
AS OF APRIL 2025:
Denise Morencie: 7 Years
Ramone Keller: 2 Years’
Arthur Bartholomew: 4 Years
Steve Gorrell: 1 Year
Alex Landry: 4 Years
AS OF MAY 2025:
Seth Helmer: 6 Years
Trent Stoute: 4 Years
Dylan Saia: 1 Year
Dennis Parks: 11 Years
Kevin Daigrepont: 12 Years
Robert Woody Stracner: 11 Years
Jaimen Dupre: 15 Years
Saige Robinson: 5 Years
Tony Bass: 1 Year
Josh Petroff: 4 Years
AS OF JUNE 2025:
Larry Dupre: 4 Years
Jamie Robichaux: 17 Years
Matt Gisclair: 4 Years
Lynsie Law: 3 Years
company news & updates
VESSEL NEWS:
M/V GEORGE H THOMAS:
Dupre Marine has recently taken on another Kirby boat, the M/V GEORGE H THOMAS! And we are happy to announce that Seth Helmer is the Captain and looking forward to getting those Dupre Marine colors on his boat. Safe travels!
In May, M/V Chris Miller pushed the M/V George H Thomas from the Port Allen Route to Houma before we took the vessel in our Dupre Marine Fleet
M/V ALVA ANN:
It’s amazing the progress of the M/V ALVA ANN at Intracoastal Ironworks in Bourg! And as soon as it gets to the decorating of the inside, Ms Alva, herself, is in full control, so you know it will be beautiful inside and out!
M/V ALVA ANN taking shape!
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 NEW PAGE called DMT Crew Page on this website that is just for our Crew Members. Quick links for the Safety Reward, Uniform Shirts/Hats, Online Training and TWIC Renewal. Check it out and save it to your favorites for quick access.
A reminder ALL deckhands and tankermen who work on any vessel in unit tow service must be clean shaven, regardless if our crew members are tanking or shore tankermen are utilized. Any wheelmen with facial hair must be neat and trimmed as specified by Calvin or 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!
We always track all Near Miss and Stop Work entries submitted by our crew members and we are focusing on how many near misses are submitted by each boat per month and sending those numbers to the boats.
And 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!
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