| 2023 | Quarter 4 | Issue TEN |
the voyager Newsletter
Welcome to Dupre Marine’s Quarterly Newsletter, the Holiday Issue!
IN THIS ISSUE
Employee Spotlights: Chad Verdin and Jason Arceneaux
Cookin’ in the Galley: Favorite Holiday Recipes
Just for Fun for Everyone! Christmas Song Quiz
Calvin’s Corner: Goals
Safety Topic: Distractions
Crew Safety Quiz
DMT Anniversaries for this Quarter
Company News & Updates
And more fun holiday stuff!
THANK YOU TO OUR CREW MEMBERS
Message from Shoreside
We wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation for each and every one of our crew members. Your dedication to Dupre Marine year-round is the driving force behind our success, and we truly cannot thank you enough for your hard work and commitment.
Now that we are in the holiday season, we want to extend a special thank you to those of you who will be working tirelessly over the holidays. We understand that Christmas is a time for being with family and friends, and it is not lost on us that you are sacrificing your own special family time to ensure the smooth functioning in this industry. This commitment to your role as towboaters in a 24/7 industry is something we value.
We recognize that it is not an easy task to be away from your loved ones during the holidays, but please know that your efforts do not go unnoticed. Your dedication is what allows us to excel as a company.
On behalf of Dupre Marine, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the sacrifices you make day in and day out. We are incredibly fortunate to have such an exceptional team.
We wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, love, and peace.
dmt’s Wheelhouse spotlight: captain CHAD Verdin
Captain Chad Verdin, on the M/V Wells Porche, has been with Dupre Marine since 2014 and without a doubt he is one of the best captains on the water! His exceptional talent as a captain was highlighted in the past few years when he was captain on the M/V Kathleen Dupre assisting the M/V Kylie Dupre during high water after a storm in Houston in a critical situation preventing the Kylie from sinking. Another time Chad while sleeping during his off-watch time, was awakened in a heartbeat to run to the wheelhouse to prevent a disastrous situation in Corpus Christi with his quick thinking and unwavering determination. His ability to spring into action with the safety of his crew and fellow towboaters at the forefront of his mind is truly admirable. Getting his crew home safely is his goal and he takes it seriously.
Not only a remarkable Captain dedicating his career to Dupre Marine, Chad is just an exceptional person and a truly devoted family man, living right here in Houma and growing up down the bayou. His wife, Mitty, his children, and grandchildren hold the key to his heart, and it is for them that he works so hard. The time he sacrifices away from them makes his home time that much better.
And we can’t forget Chad’s love for cooking, always taking care of his crew, masterfully preparing them great food. He navigates the galley like he navigates the water! However most of his crew are great cooks, so we are sure dining on M/V Wells Porche is an amazing experience!
Chad, we thank you for all your unwavering commitment and tireless efforts over the past 9 years. You are an valuable member of the Dupre Marine Family and we know your legacy as a great captain will inspire many to come!
dmt spotlight: jason arceneaux
Almost 2 years ago, Jason Arceneaux started his journey with Dupre Marine as a green deckhand. Green is the label, but it was only a matter of time before his hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment would set him apart. Today, Jason is a valuable leader on the deck crew of the M/V Miss Genevieve, solidifying his path towards an successful towboat career.
Jason displays a great work ethic with a focus on safety and pride in his work learning all he can from Captain Zane Naquin. He takes ownership of his responsibilities, showing his skills and exceeding the expectations of his Captain. Whether it’s cold mornings or hot summer days, he tackles each task with determination. Jason understands the importance of playing his part in ensuring the safe and smooth operation of their boat, never hesitating to help fellow crew members or go the extra mile. Pride in his work is a defining character of Jason, paying attention to detail, whether it’s maintaining the vessel's appearance, engine room operations or safely working on the barges, He takes every opportunity to expand his towboating knowledge and skills, showing a willingness to learn from veteran crew members which will further his career and get him in the wheelhouse one day.
His extra effort and awesome attitude extend to everyone on Shore Side, always being available, helping when he can and just being an awesome guy!
Hailing from Houma, like all towboaters he cherishes his off time from fishing to gaming to spending time with family and friends, the people he enjoys most. But he’s always eager to get back on the boat and work with his crew. His home away from home.
Jason, we are so happy to have you as a part of our Dupre Marine family and being a big part of our success! We look forward to watching you grow your DMT towboat career!
The M/V Parker James all lit up for Christmas!
Photo cred to Bryson Remedies.
Although our crews do sometimes eat together as a crew family when they are able to, Thanksgiving and Christmas are the holidays where they try to make a big feasts to enjoy together or sometimes having to eat on-the-go, because this industry never stops. Here are some of the Thanksgiving meals this year from the M/V Jerry Porche, M/V Isaac K, M/V Wells Porche and M/V Everard Dupre…oh and a table of candy on the M/V Chris Miller!
dupre marine holiday recipes
Christmas memories for many include, family, gifts, decorations, music and of course all of the food! The smell of cookies baking, gumbo on the stove, the turkey roasting. We all have favorites we look forward to every year or look back on from past holiday parties or gatherings of friends and families. We know you will enjoy holiday meals, whether with your crew family or your family and friends at home, so we are sharing a few of our favorite holiday season recipes from the Dupre Marine Family.
Recipes made up of love, joy, peace and gratitude.
What you need:
5 quart Magnalite pot (or a large heavy pot)
12x16” baking pan (well greased - can use non-stick spray like Pam)
candy thermometer
Ingredients:
5 cups sugar
2oz can evaporated milk
1 stick butter
1 teaspoon salt
3 Tablespoons vanilla extract
16oz jar peanut butter
7oz jar marshmallow cream
Directions:
Mix the sugar, evaporated milk and butter into the Magnalite pot.
On a medium heat, bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Remember to scrape the sides of the pot also.
Bring mix to a temperature of about 240 degrees F (soft ball stage) and cook for about 4-5 minutes. (mix will be rolling of the sides of the pot)
Remove from heat and add vanilla extract
Have someone help with the rest! Working QUICKLY and STIRRING CONSTANTLY
Add peanut butter and marshmallow cream to mix and stir until completely mixed.
Pour contents into baking pan and spread evenly. Allow to cool and set.
After set and still kind of warm, you can cut into squares, let it finish cooling.
Recipe from Mike Serdinsky
Mix together chopped onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic
Use 2-3 links of boudin (adjust amount to the size of your turkey), remove the casings and mix with the above vegetables then stuff the turkey
DRY RUB: Smoked paprika, garlic, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, parsley and Knorr’s Chicken powder. Mix all together
Rub the turkey with olive oil then Dry Rub Seasoning
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees then bake for approximately 6 hours. (Cover with tinfoil tent for 5 hours and uncovered for 1 hour to brown)
Optional: use the broth to make gravy with cornstarch
From Lynsie’s favorite family recipe made every holiday!
Ingredients:
1 pound elbow macaroni
1 stick of butter
2 cups of half -n- half
2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups of shredded Monterey jack cheese
2 eggs (lightly beaten)
8 ounces of Velveeta
¼ teaspoon of seasoned salt
¼ teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and butter a casserole dish (9x13).
Cook pasta until just tender. Drain pasta and return to pot. While pasta is still hot, add butter, and stir until butter is melted.
Add the half -n- half to the pot along with half the cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses, the eggs, Velveeta, and seasonings. Stir to mix well.
Pour into prepared dish and sprinkle with remaining cheeses.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Broil for 2 minutes to get top browned.
Ingredients:
1 lb. Crabmeat
1/2 cup Crushed Ritz Crackers
1/3 cup Mayonnaise
1 large egg
1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
1/2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 tsp lemon juice
6 Egg Roll Wrappers
1/2 cup water to seal the egg rolls
From the Kitchen of Captain Don Rodrigue
Directions:
Prepare the crab cakes by whisking together one egg, mayonnaise, Old Bay, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and parsley
Fold crushed Ritz Crackers and crabmeat with the crab cake sauce. Place in the fridge for 15 minutes to set up before rolling egg rolls
To prepare the egg rolls, lay out the wrappers on a cutting board on an angle so the points are north, south, west, east. Then lightly brush the edges with water to help seal the egg rolls
Place about 3oz of crab cake mixture in the middle of the wrapper. Fold the point closest to you over the crab cake mixture then fold in the left and right points. Finally continue rolling the wrapper up cupping the egg roll with your hand so the crab cake mixture is evenly distributed. The egg roll should be about 4 inches in length.
To cook the egg rolls, lightly spray them with cooking oil then place in the air fryer making sure there is space in between the egg rolls. Cook at 375 for about 10-12 minutes, flipping the egg rolls after 8 minutes.
Once egg rolls are fully cooked and golden crisp, let them rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing on an angle and serving.
From Denise’s recipe collection (easy to make!)
3 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips or 2 8oz packages of Baker’s semi-sweet squares
1 can sweetened condensed milk (Eagle Brand)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
pinch of salt
1/2 cup (or more) crushed peppermint candy canes, more if you want them in the fudge and on top
Line an 8x8” baking pan with tin foil over the edges and rub with a little butter (important to line the pan so you can lift it out)
In a double boiler over low heat combine the chocolate and the sweetened condensed milk for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and OR microwave on high for 1.5 minutes, stir then 30 second intervals until smooth
At this point if you want the crushed candy canes mixed in do it now. Whether you do this or not then immediately pour into the lined/greased pan and smooth.
Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy canes on top and press down a little into the fudge.
Chill for 2 hours to set then lift out the block of fudge and cut into squares
This recipe can be easily adapted with other sweet, salty or crunchy ingredients instead of candy canes if you wish!
“I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”
— Jimmy Dean
goals
Message from Calvin Self, DMT VP
Throughout my time in this industry, I have seen a lot of people come and go. I have seen people advance from green deckhand to Captain. Honestly, some of these people I wasn’t sure had what it took to make that ascension and some I was sure had those qualities. I have been right and wrong on both accounts, but the one thing that remained true through it all was the people that set a goal, really wanted it, and were willing to put in the effort, achieved their goal.
Goals seem easier to set than achieve, but when you think about it, it is simple. When traveling to a destination, the destination is your goal and every turn you take is with that goal in mind. If you do this, you will undoubtedly reach your destination. Work and life are no different, we set goals and if everything we do is with those goals in mind, achieving them is inevitable.
At DMT we have a goal, we want to be the best at what we do, and achieving this goal is measured in terms of safe operations. Simply put, our goal is ZERO harm. Nothing is more important. The reward of going home safe to your family and friends is too great. It takes more than everyone wanting to obtain ZERO. It takes everyone working towards this goal in cohesion. Every step we take and every task we complete has to be done with this goal in mind. I am not asking you to be perfect, I am asking you to strive for perfection and in the process, together we will achieve excellence.
safety topic: Distractions
At Dupre Marine, the safety and well-being of our crew members is of most importance. We constantly strive to ensure that every member of our team experiences safe hitches on board and returns home to their loved ones without any harm. This commitment includes not only our vessel crew members, but our shore side employees as well.
We understand that the holiday season brings about many distractions, and as a responsible company, we place great emphasis on reducing or eliminating these distractions to maintain a high level of focus and safe work practices. It is imperative that we remain vigilant as individuals and as a team to prevent incidents and create a safe environment for everyone involved in our operations.
Some of the distractions that come into play, especially during this time of year include:
Texting and FaceTime especially wife/significant other and/or children contacting you while you are on watch
Discussions or arguments on your phone via text or calling
Anticipating crew change
Holidays and being away from family and events or parties
Holiday shopping for wife/significant other and/or children on the internet
Finances and expenses especially over the holidays
Driving too fast and unsafe driving from you or other drivers especially in weather and holiday traffic
Excessive phone scrolling on the internet (social media, videos, streaming)
Mood swings especially over holidays (excitement or depression or anxiety/worry can cause distractions that create bad decision making
Weather is ever changing in our region from sun to damp cold days to fog to freezing and can cause distractions
Loud music, tv/streaming, gaming
Computer activity or distracting activity
Off-watch distractions which include any of the above that interferes with proper rest and inability to be watch ready
AVOID DISTRACTIONS AND LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER
A major part of reducing personal injuries and vessel incidents is to diligently work towards lessening or completely eliminating distractions, especially when on watch. The safety and efficient operation of a vessel heavily rely on the undivided attention and focus of the wheelhouse person on watch. Similarly, the deck crews must maintain a constant awareness of the operational status of the vessel's propulsion and auxiliary systems. The presence of distractions among the deck crew can potentially lead to improper tow building, hazardous incidents like falling overboard, and various other physical dangers. This has been illuminated through incident investigations where the factor of "distraction" played a significant role in the occurrence of these unfortunate events.
HOW TO ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS:
The Officer on Watch can limit or restrict the use of any distractions that might affect a crew member's ability to safely do their job or stand a watch, which includes off-watch distractions.
Headphones or earbuds are not allowed on watch at any time. There is no exception.
Personal phones should be used only when necessary and permitted (see below). Plan your personal calls, texts and Face Time when you are off-watch and also plan those times so you can rest.
Suggestion: turn your notifications off on your social media. Addiction to likes and comments on your posts is a negative distraction on and off watch
Limit tv, streaming and gaming to a minimum when off-watch so you get sufficient rest and not distracted when on watch.
TV’s, personal computers, personal streaming and gaming (any entertainment devices) are not allowed in the wheelhouse at any time
Keep volumes of installed audio equipment to a level that does not interfere with safe navigation and communications.
Look out for fellow crew members and alert them when you see they are distracted for any reason.
Be considerate of other crew members when listening to music or tv, gaming or streaming when off-watch so it’s not distracting to others.
Alert someone if they seem distracted personally (upset, angry, starring off into “space”)
The Officer on Watch must watch out for any distractions experienced by their crew, which is critical and required for safety.
CELL PHONE USAGE: THE BIG DISTRACTION
Cell phone misuse poses serious safety risks, which cannot be emphasized enough. The addictive nature of cell phones makes them the biggest distraction for anyone, whether they are working or relaxing during their off-watch time. This danger extends beyond just the workplace, as it also applies to the operation of any vessel or vehicle. Due to their convenience and constant connectivity, we are constantly tempted to check our phones, even while engaged in critical tasks. This negligent behavior can lead to disastrous consequences, jeopardizing the safety of others on board or on the road. Therefore, it is crucial that everyone takes proactive measures to control and minimize cell phone use, which ensures a safer environment.
For our vessel crew members, personal cell phone use onboard the boat and barges is prohibited under the following circumstances:
While standing a navigational watch, however use of a personal phone for official business is permitted if the company phone is inoperable
While assigned duties as a Lookout
While conducting cargo transfer operations
While conducting vessel fueling operations
While on outside decks of the vessel alongside customer docks.
While on-board any barge in a non-gas free state with a non-intrinsically safe phone. (A ringing, unanswered non-intrinsically safe mobile phone constitutes use)
When it may distract from or delay maintenance and housekeeping duties.
Any other time deemed inappropriate by the Captain, Officer on Watch and/or Management.
DISTRACTIONS IN THE WHEELHOUSE = TIME FOR STERILE WHEELHOUSE
Sterile Wheelhouse is critical in times of safe navigation and all distractions must be eliminated at this time. Some distractions (including duties/activities) that could occur for the wheelman on watch are: chatter or conversation, phone, radio noise, computer activity and lights. Use of distracting equipment that could compromise a proper lookout is not permitted at any time while underway. Deck crew, these are not times for unnecessary conversation or interaction with your wheelman on watch. Safety must prevail during these times.
When to use “sterile wheelhouse”
Sterile Wheelhouse shall be initiated by the Wheelman on Watch any time deemed necessary, including but not limited to:
· LOCKING
· FLEETING
· DOCKING
· TOW BUILDING
· DOWNSTREAM LANDING
· BRIDGE TRANSITS
· DURING WATCH CHANGE CONFERENCES
· WHEN A LOOKOUT IS REQUIRED
· IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS
· ANY OTHER TIME THE OFFICER ON WATCH DEEMS IT NECESSARY
SAFETY QUIZ:
THIS IS A REQUIREMENT FOR ALL VESSEL EMPLOYEES WORKING DURING THE Third/Fourth QUARTER OF 2023
ALL crew members must answer these questions. This quiz refers to 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
SOME OLD CHRISTMAS MEMORIES!
christmas song quiz!
Can you finish the lyrics to these Christmas favorites? Keeping it fun, easy and relaxing for this busy holiday season! No peeking (aka no Googling) but this will make you sing some of these old favorite Christmas songs!
Some have 2 answers in one song, if you know both!
A little Louisiana Christmas music!
DUPRE MARINE’S ANNIVERSARIES for 2023 third Quarter
AS OF OCTOBER 2023:
Laird “Paco” Rodrigue: 14 Years
Bryson Remedies: 2 Years
John Gonzales: 1 Year
Charlie Waters: 2 Years
Jeremy Freeman: 10 Years
AS OF NOVEMBER 2023:
Brad “Pishu” Autin: 7 Years
Chris Cavalier: 1 Year
Blaine Verdin: 1 Year
AS OF DECEMBER 2023:
Aaron Falcon: 1 Year
Aaron Davis: 1 Year
Kadin Verdin: 1 Year
company news & updates
vessel news!
Vessel Name Changes:
The M/V Lou Nataro is now the M/V ISAAC K!
The M/V Rex Dobson is now the M/V MEGAN ELIZABETH! The boat is currently in Bourg changing the name
DMT FYI’s
January 2024, a new year and new quarter to join or make changes to your Dupre Marine 401 K plan with Edward Jones. If you have any questions, please call Jamie at the office during office hours. Changes can be made to this plan in writing at the beginning of each Quarter.
Open enrollment for benefits, if you have not previously signed up, will be in January 2023. Please look out for an email from Jamie regarding open enrollment and call her during office hours if you have any questions.
If you have ANY changes to your personal info, marital/child status, banking info, please let Jamie or Karly know as soon as possible! Also, if you’ve moved recently or need to change your mailing address for your W2, please update. 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.
“The weather outside is frightful” or at least unpredictable in Louisiana. It could be warm one day and freezing the next! So please be sure to check your inventory for salt and other cold weather items. Make sure to order things like hand warmers from Chris. Check you steel-toe boots and be sure they are in good condition. As far as clothing Karly will be sending the DMT hoodies and winter hats/beanies to the new hires that did not receive them (started after winter). If you wish to purchase a hoodie they will be $25 or beanies are $10 just let Karly know!
As far as cold weather, think ahead when you pack for your hitch. With the ever changing weather, be sure to pack for all seasons!
If you haven’t already and would like to sign up for our 401K plan, please email Jamie at jrobichaux@dupremarine.com and she will help you sign up!
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 Frank for the customer requirements. This is a DMT policy as well as our customers’ policy. It is for your safety.
Karly is keeping up with yearly uniform shirts. If you wish to purchase extra shirts, please get with Karly and you can be payroll deducted for the extras.
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 Moxie 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 or Frank, Jeremy 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
Did you know if you have the BEST High Learning Value Near Miss and/or Stop Work Responsibility (SWR) submission, you can earn extra Safety Reward points. We often have a couple crew members receive almost $200 in Safety Reward points!
Crew members: Submit as often as possible in HELM! All Near Misses and Stop Works are entered in the Near Miss form
pump up those numbers!
〰️
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
⚠️ 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
⚠️ If you have any questions concerning your PPE, please contact Port Captain Frank Bumgarden
⚠️ 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 and submit your receipt to Lynsie or Michael for a reimbursement up to $100. We are now tracking boot 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 Frank.
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
Dupre Marine Office Christmas Tree
We wish everyone a wonderful and safe Christmas and a happy New Year!