Dredging Creates a Strong Economy and a Cleaner Environment

WEDA Dredger on Deck Award - 2026

WEDA's Dredger on Deck Award is awarded to on-site operating and/or supervisory personnel overseeing dredging operations, spending much time (i.e., “boots on the ground/boat”) on project sites. The award recognizes that person’s contributions toward providing value to the dredging company/community during the last year or over the years. WEDA wishes to honor these most valuable contributions which are delivered day after day, operationally on the water, on the deck, on the beach/shore, in the yard, and on the fill. The 2026 WEDA Dredger on Deck Award was presented at WEDA's Dredging Summit & EXPO Gala Dinner in Montreal, QC

To view the criteria and submission instructions for the 2026 WEDA Dredger of the Year Award visit the link below:

WEDA_Dredger_on_Deck_Award.docx

Submission Deadline: May 1, 2026

2025 WEDA Dredger on Deck Recipients:

Mark Hale, Weeks Marine

Mark A. Hale is named the 2025 Dredger on Deck in recognition of extensive and outstanding contributions to Weeks Marine, Inc., and to the dredging community.

Mayo J. Broussard, US Army Corps of Engineers

In recognition of extensive and outstanding contributions to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and to the dredging community, the Western Dredging Association is pleased to honor Mayo J. Broussard by naming him the 2025 Dredger on Deck.

Criteria:

1) Only Corporate WEDA members are eligible to submit

2) Nominee must be on-site operating and/or supervisory personnel overseeing safe and efficient dredging operations, spending much time “on deck or on the water” aboard a dredging vessel, on the shore, in the yard, or on the fill.

3) Unique accomplishments, contributions to, and achievements advancing the following within their company, among their peers, and/or in the industry including but not limited to:

a. Safe operations (for example, being a role model, high personal safety reliability, near miss reporting, participating on a safety committee or other problem-solving teams, other safety innovation).

b. Significant project accomplishments or milestones (for example, consistent successful projects, in-flow system improvements, overcoming on-site technical and logistical issues).

c. Innovation (for example, new methods, technologies, and/or approaches).

d. Participation in advancements in dredging technology (for example, construction, monitoring, design, safety, environmental, or survey).

e. Teamwork (for example, supporting new hires, advocating for initiatives with co-workers, formal or informal leadership).

The above suggested types of accomplishments, contributions, and achievements are not exclusive and are provided as guidance to the qualities to be addressed in the nomination.