| 2025 | Quarter 3 | Issue seventeen |
the voyager Newsletter
Welcome to Dupre Marine’s Quarterly Newsletter!
IN THIS ISSUE
Employee Spotlights
Just for Fun “Fall” Quiz
Fall Recipe: Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip
Safety Topic: Stepping Over the Gap
Crew Safety Quiz
DMT Anniversaries for this Quarter
Company News & Updates
dmt’s Wheelhouse spotlight: rELIEF cAPTAIN cris simmonds
Relief Captain Cris Simmonds, on the M/V EVERARD DUPRE, has been a valuable part of Dupre Marine for two years. A phenomenal wheelman, Cris consistently demonstrates exceptional towboating skills and strong leadership on the water. Always looking out for his crew, he has earned their respect and trust. Captain James Davis and the entire crew appreciate having Cris on board, knowing they are safe and secure with him at the sticks. Cris fits so well in the culture that Captain Tub provides. He is calm, cool and collected, but runs a tight ship as Relief Captain when he is at the helm. Cris is a super nice guy and also so well liked by everyone he encounters on Shoreside, we only ever have good things to say about him!
Off the boat, Cris is a dedicated family man living in Summit, Mississippi, with his wife Haley and kids. He works hard for his family and cherishes every moment with them! Cris is also passionate about healthy living and he loves fishing and outdoor activities whenever he can while he is at home.
A great guy both on and off the vessel, Cris Simmonds embodies the professionalism and dedication Dupre Marine strives for. We look forward to many more years with Cris at the helm of our vessels and we are happy he is part of our Dupre Marine Family!
DMT SPOTLIGHT: TANKERMAN John gonzales
John Gonzales has been a valued crew member of Dupre Marine for three years, currently serving aboard the M/V AMBRIE DUPRE as a Tankerman and also pursuing his next career move as a wheelman, which we know he will bring the same dedication and enthusiasm to this new role. Known for his strong commitment to safety and teamwork, John consistently brings a positive attitude and a great sense of humor to his crew. John is such a nice guy always willing to help everyone who needs it; goes out of his way to help even when it's not necessary. His genuine care makes him an awesome crew member, appreciated not only by Captain Gary Langley and the crew but also by DMT Shoreside, where Michael and Lynsie often comment how funny he is and that he’s a great guy and super helpful.
Hailing from Robertsdale, Alabama, John enjoys gaming and mud riding (in his multi-colored car he parks at the office 😂) during his off time and loves spending quality time with his family, who he is super close with. He values that time off the boat, but always ready to get back at it!
We are excited to see John’s career to the wheelhouse progress and with his awesome personality and strong work ethic he will make a great wheelmen. We are so happy to have John Gonzales as part of our team and we look forward to his long career at Dupre Marine!
Fall isn’t just for the color orange!
Every October, some of our boats paint the DMT logo on their stacks in PINK to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Always Crew initiated, this yearly act helps raise awareness and shows our support for the cause.
Here are photos from 2024 of our pink-painted stacks, a small but meaningful way to stand with those affected by breast cancer. Although never required it surely is encouraged. We look forward to seeing that pink on our Dupre Marine boats this October!
PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE DIP
This is a great super easy Fall dip to have as a dessert or during the football game!
Ingredients:
1 - 8oz block of Cream Cheese at room temp
1 can of Pumpkin Puree (not pie filling)
1.5 cups of Powdered Sugar
1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie spice
3 teaspoons ground Cinnamon
Cool Whip thawed (can make your own if you wish)
Instructions:
In a large bowl use a hand mixer to smooth the cream cheese. Add everything else except the Cool Whip and beat until smooth and no lumps. Then fold in the Cool Whip with a spatula. Cover and refrigerate for an hour. Sprinkle some cinnamon before serving and/or chopped pecans. The pumpkin bowl is cool looking but any bowl is fine.
Serve with Graham Crackers, vanilla wafers/cookies, ginger snaps, pretzels, sliced apples.
Fun Quiz: autumn
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!
Thoughts from Calvin Self, VP Dupre Marine
The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, running roughly 1,100 miles from Florida to Texas, is the third busiest waterway in the United States by tonnage, primarily due to commercial barge traffic. Furthermore, the ICWW connects to the Houston Ship Channel which is home to the largest port in the United States. Transiting these areas poses many navigational hazards with the sheer amount of commercial traffic in the area, and when you couple that with the amount of pleasure craft that frequents these waters, you begin to understand what the modern mariner is faced with.
On August 3, 2025, at 21:00, the MV MEGAN ELIZABETH was eastbound on the ICWW at mile marker 384.5, when the Captain noticed a pleasure craft behind them at a distance. The Captain didn’t think much of it as this is common in this area and began to slightly slow down for traffic and communicated his intentions. Moments later, the pleasure craft passed the MV Megan Elizabeth at a high rate of speed and collided with the port stern of the barge in tow. The two occupants of the pleasure craft were ejected from their vessel and went overboard. As the male driver of the pleasure craft was able to pull himself back onto his vessel, the female passenger was injured and had no PPE. The crew of the MV Megan Elizabeth sprang into action. They responded quickly and were able to get the passenger out of the water and into the pleasure craft and began first aid possibly saving her life. Additionally, about a little more than a month prior to this incident, the MV Megan Elizabeth was standing by around the same area, when another pleasure craft collided with the barge they had in tow causing a passenger in the pleasure craft to go overboard who was also rescued by the crew. Also, we have had similar situations on the M/V PARKER JAMES and M/V KATHLEEN DUPRE, and have had several near misses with pleasure craft.
We conduct various safety meetings, and drills on our vessels. Some may think this is a waste of time or they will instinctively know what to do, but when an emergency happens, often times minutes or even seconds may be the difference between life and death. Luckily for all involved but especially the passenger that was rescued, the crew of the MV Megan Elizabeth takes their safety drills and meetings seriously. Not a moment was wasted, and the crew was able to retrieve the injured passenger and provide first aid. But what if the crew did not know how to respond? In the chaos that would have ensued, how much time would have been lost? Would the injured passenger have survived? We don’t know the answers to these questions, but we do know that thanks to the quick actions of the crew of the MV Megan Elizabeth, a bad situation did not turn worse.
SAFETY TOPIC:
stepping over the gap
Although unfortunately a common practice for a towboater, stepping over a gap is a hazard and should prompt a RISK ASSESSMENT! STOP BEFORE PROCEEDING.
Working on towboats and barges entails inherent risks, with one particularly hazardous practice being the attempt to step over gaps between vessel and barge, between vessel and dock, or from barge to barge. Even small looking gaps can pose serious dangers due to the unpredictable movement of the boat influenced by wind, current, and waves, as well as slippery deck surfaces. It is crucial for our Dupre Marine crewmembers to fully understand and respect these risks to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment at all times.
The dangers of stepping over the gap:
⚠️RISK OF FALLING: A wrong step, a slippery surface, or a sudden movement of the boat or barge can easily cause someone to lose their balance and fall into the water, potentially resulting in serious injury or even drowning. Never climb onto a mooring to tie off.
⚠️POTENTIAL FOR BEING CRUSHED: Falling into the narrow gap between a vessel and the dock, or between two vessels, can result in serious injury or even death due to the significant risk of crushing caused by the shifting and movement of the vessels. If the boat is not fully stopped, or if another vessel passes nearby, this can cause additional unsettling movement of both the boat and barge. Such movement increases the danger and can lead to someone being crushed if they fall overboard while attempting to step over the gap. This hazardous situation highlights the importance of exercising extreme caution when near these spaces, without even stepping over!
⚠️SLIPPERY SURFACES: Decks and barges can become especially slippery because of water from rain, dew, or ice, as well as debris scattered around, which significantly increases the risk of slips and falls. It is crucial that all deck crew members thoroughly inspect the area for any potential hazards. Stay vigilant about where you step and make sure to keep the deck clear, clean, and free of any obstacles at all times!
⚠️HIDDEN HAZARDS: The gap may contain hidden obstacles or tangled hazards that are not immediately visible. It is crucial to conduct thorough inspections and implement risk management strategies, as these steps are essential for ensuring overall safety.
⚠️BE AWARE OF DUCK PONDS: Always watch where you walk! Duck ponds are gaps between barges (for example where 4 barges meet in the center) or where the boat and the tow meet. These are very easy to fall though. Use risk assessment. With multiple barges creating a duck pond, use scissor wire or scissor rope for security if there is a possible slip or fall. Communicate with the wheelman on watch and other deck crew so they are aware of the duck pond. The biggest danger of a duck pond is at night, therefore communication is imperative.
⚠️UNPREDICTABLE MOVEMENT HAZARD: The decks of towboats and barges are rarely still. Currents, wakes from other vessels, and even internal weight shifts can cause unexpected movements, making a seemingly simple step a hazardous maneuver.
A crucial safety reminder for towboaters
Stepping over the gap between a towboat, barge, or dock is very dangerous and should be avoided to stay safe.
Safe alternatives to stepping over the gap:
🛟ENSURE SECURE AND SAFE FOOTING: Since Decks can be slick from water, oil, or debris this increases the risk of losing one's footing .Before stepping onto any surface, always take a moment to confirm that it is stable, free of any obstructions, and not slippery. It is very important to move carefully and deliberately; take your time and wait until the barges are fully secured before stepping from one barge to another or from a boat onto a barge.
🛟MAINTAIN SITUATIONAL AWARENESS: Be aware of your surroundings and any potential movement of the vessel before attempting to walk to or from shore (whether from the fleet or dock) to the boat. Always exercise caution and never make assumptions about the safety of your path. Take the time to carefully check that vessels and barges are properly secured before proceeding.
🛟USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM: Whenever possible, try to have another crew member observe your actions and be available to provide assistance if needed.
🛟COMMUNICATE: Clearly communicate intentions and potential hazards with the wheelman on watch and other deck crew.
🛟ALWAYS USE THE PROPER EQUIPMENT WHEN AVAILABLE: Use scissor wire or scissor rope for security over duck ponds if there is a possible slip or fall. Use a gangway if available at a dock and it should be used with caution and careful attention to safety protocols. Ladders designed for accessing high/ low barges may be utilized, but only after the barges have been securely tied together and properly stabilized to prevent any movement.
🛟NEVER EVER JUMP OVER ANY GAP: Under no circumstances should you attempt to jump across a gap. STOP!
Best Practices for Crossing the Gap:
Risk Assessments and Training: Knowing and spotting hazards like gaps on deck is key to staying safe on ships. Careful risk checks help the crew find and fix dangers early. New and less trained deckhands must stay alert, watch for gaps, and follow safety rules to avoid accidents. Building safe habits early leads to long-term safety. Experienced crew can sometimes get careless, thinking "it won't happen to me," which can cause unsafe actions like crossing gaps and raising accident risks. Regular risk checks and active participation in watch change conferences are vital. These steps help keep everyone focused on safe ways to work.
Communication: Report any and all hazards to the Wheelman on Watch. Remain vigilant and keep an eye on your fellow crew members at all times. Nighttime poses the greatest hazards, so always carry your radio and maintain continuous contact with the wheelhouse and anyone on watch to ensure safety and prompt response.
Regular inspections: Carefully check all deck and barge surfaces for hazards, gaps, or uneven spots, including duck ponds. Look for damage, rust, or wear. Record and report issues to the Wheelman on watch and on a barge inspection.
Report Unsafe Conditions: Immediately report any unsafe conditions, such as excessively wide gaps, lack of proper access equipment, or slippery surfaces, to the appropriate personnel.
Situational Awareness: Always maintain a high level of vigilance and be fully aware of your surroundings at all times. This includes closely monitoring the movement of nearby vessels, staying informed about changing weather conditions, and recognizing potential hazards such as slippery surfaces or obstacles that could pose risks.
Before stepping onto the boat: Check for minimal space between the pier or dock and the water. Attempting to leap over a gap can be dangerous. If you miscalculate or the current causes the vessel to shift suddenly, you could end up in the water.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate PPE, including safety shoes with slip-resistant soles, a life vest, and other gear as required for the specific task and conditions.
This is a gap from boat to an empty barge on the M/V ORANGE. Captain Anthony Nunez and his Crew always note this risk when crossing this gap.
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.
⚠️
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 third Quarter 2025
AS OF JULY 2025:
Jacob Mingo: 3 Years
Derrick Jarman: 4 Years
Jade O’Neal: 6 Years
Austin Ledet: 1 Year
Raymond Callais: 1 Year
Chris Lum: 1 Year
Calvin Self: 12 Years
Sidney Verdin: 11 Years
Hayden Mirambell: 2 Years
Karly Boudreaux: 3 Years
Mike Dardar: 3 Years
Joe Grizzard: 4 Years
Kyle Thibodaux: 2 Years
AS OF AUGUST 2025:
Michael Ortego: 10 Years
Chad Verdin: 11 Years
Jeff Verdin: 11 Years
Larry Foussell: 9 Years
Tyler Constant: 4 Years
Tobiah Ben: 1 Year
Blake Bruce: 1 Year
Jeremy Scholz: 6 Years
Kory Guidry: 2 Year
Kenny Jennings: 3 Years
AS OF SEPTEMBER 2025:
Alva Dupre: 22 Years
James Davis: 10 Years
Tommy Champagne: 4 Years
Louis Williams: 1 Year
Rickie Fitzsimmons: 2 Years
Jason McCranie: 4 Years
Oliver Trahan: 1 Year
Cris Simmonds: 2 Years
company news & updates
VESSEL NEWS:
Big News! The M/V’s KLEBERG, ORANGE, COVE POINT and LAKE VERRET are not owned by Dupre Marine Transportation. Over the next 6 months the names will be changing…STAY TUNED!
M/V ALVA ANN UPDATE:
Alva looks so excited about her new boat!
The M/V ALVA ANN is looking great, especially the inside. It will be ready soon!
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