Workers on Portland District dredges Essayons and Yaquina, which are currently in dry dock for maintenance. Dredging season is over, Portland District dredges Essayons and Yaquina are in dry dock and now some of the hardest work is underway. “The ships get worked hard during the dredging season,” said James Holfcroft, captain of the dredge Essayons. “It takes four solid months to do repairs and accomplish maintenance that simply cannot happen while we’re at sea.” The ships and their crews work continuously from March 31 through the end of November. From December to March, crews and contractors perform preventive maintenance, repairs and upgrades; some of the work gets the ships ready for inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard and the American Bureau of Shipping to ensure they’re safe and ready to work. The four-month window is also the only opportunity for crew members to attend training to maintain maritime certifications, update safety and medical qualifications and to take some well-earned time off with their families.