Press Release

    HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 13, 2001--Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc. (NYSE:DO) today announced that the U.S. Department of Interior's Minerals Management Service (MMS) Lake Charles District has awarded the company, and its rig the Ocean Spur, the District's 2000 Safety Award For Excellence (SAFE) for drilling contractors.
    The SAFE award is based on several factors including operational safety, rig maintenance, pollution prevention and regulatory compliance.
    "This honor is a reflection of our pledge to operate our rigs safely while protecting our environment," says Larry Dickerson, president and chief operating officer. "This award is a tribute to the specific efforts of our Ocean Spur crews and also to our fleet-wide commitment to safety and environmental protection around the world."
    The Lake Charles District conducted 11 complete inspections of the Ocean Spur without any incidents of noncompliance. "All inspections exceeded our expectations," explains Milford Cole, chief inspector, Lake Charles District.
    This is Diamond Offshore's 10th District SAFE award.
    Diamond Offshore is a leader in deep water drilling. The company's fleet of 45 offshore drilling rigs consists of 30 semisubmersibles, 14 jack-ups and one drillship. The fleet operates in the waters of six of the world's seven continents.

    --30--HS/ho*

    CONTACT: Diamond Offshore, Houston
             Caren W. Steffes, 281/492-5393

    KEYWORD: TEXAS LOUISIANA
    INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ENERGY ENVIRONMENT MINING/METALS OIL/GAS