M
            SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSIONWASHINGTON, D. C. 20549


                                    Form 10-K

                    ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                    FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
                         COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-13167

                              ATWOOD OCEANICS, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


         TEXAS                                        74-1611874
(State or other jurisdiction of          (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)

 15835 Park Ten Place Drive                          (Zip Code)
       Houston, Texas                                  77084
(Address of principal executive offices)



               Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
                                  281-749-7800



  Securities registered                        New York Stock Exchange
   pursuant to Section                 (Name of exchange on which registered)
    12(b) of the Act:
Common Stock, $1 par value
   (Title of Class)

                              Securities registered
                               pursuant to Section
                                12(g) of the Act:
                                      NONE

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filings
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]


Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation in S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of the registrant's knowledge, in definite proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K [ ].

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Exchange Act Rule 12.b-2).  Yes [X] No [ ]

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrants as of December 10, 2004 is $745,872,124


The number of shares outstanding of the issuer's class of Common Stock,
$1 par value, as of December 10, 2004: 15,098,626.


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE


(1) Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004 -
Referenced in Parts I, II and IV of this report.


(2) Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held February 10,
2005 - Referenced in Part III of this report.

                                       1




PART I

ITEM  1. BUSINESS

     Atwood  Oceanics,  Inc. (which together with its subsidiaries is identified
as the  "Company,"  "we" or "our,"  unless the context  requires  otherwise)  is
engaged in the international offshore drilling and completion of exploratory and
developmental  oil and gas wells and related support,  management and consulting
services. We are headquartered in Houston, Texas, USA. We were organized in 1968
and commenced operations in 1970.

     During  our 36 year  history,  the  majority  of our  drilling  units  have
operated outside of U.S. waters,  and we have conducted  drilling  operations in
most of the major offshore exploration areas of the world. Our current worldwide
operations  revolve around eight premium  offshore mobile drilling units located
in four regions - Southeast Asia, Australia,  the Mediterranean Sea and the U.S.
Gulf of Mexico.  Approximately  94%, 94%, and 95% of our contract  revenues were
derived  from  foreign   operations  in  fiscal  years  2004,   2003  and  2002,
respectively.  The  submersible  RICHMOND is our only  drilling  unit  currently
working in U.S. waters. We support our operations from our Houston  headquarters
and offices located in Australia,  Malaysia, Egypt, Indonesia, Singapore and the
United  Kingdom.  We expect to  commence  active  operations  off the  coasts of
Vietnam,  Japan and Myanmar  during the second  quarter of fiscal year 2005. For
information relating to the contract revenues, operating income and identifiable
assets attributable to specific  geographic areas of operations,  see Note 13 of
Notes to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  contained in our Annual Report to
Shareholders for fiscal year 2004, incorporated by reference herein.

     The following table presents our wholly-owned and operating rig fleet as of
December 10, 2004:

                                                                    Water Depth
     Rig Name                   Rig Type          Upgraded        Rating (feet)
    -----------              ---------------       ---------       -------------
    ATWOOD EAGLE             Semisubmersible       2000/2002           5,000
    ATWOOD HUNTER            Semisubmersible       1997/2001           5,000
    ATWOOD FALCON            Semisubmersible          1998             3,700
    ATWOOD SOUTHERN CROSS    Semisubmersible          1997             2,000
    SEAHAWK                  Semisubmersible       1992/1999             600
                             Tender Assist
    ATWOOD BEACON             Jack-up               2003(1)              400(2)
    VICKSBURG                Jack-up                 1998                300
    RICHMOND                 Submersible           2000/2002              70

         (1) The ATWOOD BEACON was constructed in 2003.
         (2) On July 25, 2004, all three of the ATWOOD BEACON'S legs and its
         derrick were damaged while the rig was being positioned. After initial
         repairs to the ATWOOD BEACON are completed, it will have a leg length
         of 489 feet, giving it a nominal water depth rating of 350 feet. That
         water depth rating is sufficient for the wells we plan for it to drill
         in the period soon after repairs are completed. During an appropriate
         period between future contracts, we plan to increase the leg length to
         517, giving it a nominal water depth rating of 400 feet, as per the
         original design.


     We also own a semisubmersible hull, the SEASCOUT,  which is a candidate for
a future  conversion  to a  tender-assist  unit once an  acceptable  contract is
identified.  In  addition  to the  owned  drilling  units,  we also  manage  the
maintenance  and  operations  of  two  operator-owned   platform  rigs  offshore
Northwest Australia. There is currently a planned break in drilling activity for
these two operator-owned  rigs. We continue,  however, to provide maintenance of
these two rigs for future drilling programs.

     We update and  upgrade  our fleet and strive to  maintain  premium,  modern
equipment.  In fiscal year 1997, we commenced an internal upgrade program of all
of our active  drilling  units.  Our  upgrade  program  was  concluded  with the
completion of the upgrade of the ATWOOD EAGLE in November 2002. Collectively, we
invested $340 million in upgrading  seven offshore  mobile  drilling  units.  In
August 2003, our eighth  drilling unit,  the ATWOOD  BEACON,  an  ultra-premium,
jack-up rig, commenced its initial drilling contract following completion of its
construction  and  commissioning  in early August 2003.  This  drilling unit was
constructed on time and on budget at a cost of approximately  $120 million.  The
rig is currently under repair for damage sustained while  positioning for a well
offshore Indonesia.

     After  incurring  our  first  loss in ten  years in fiscal  year  2003,  we
returned to  profitability  in fiscal year 2004.  Of our eight  active  drilling


                                       2


units,  seven have current  drilling  commitments.  The eighth unit,  the ATWOOD
BEACON,  is currently in a shipyard in Singapore being repaired from the damages
it incurred  in July 2004 while it was being  positioned.  The ATWOOD  BEACON is
insured with a $1 million  deductible and has loss of hire insurance coverage of
$70,000 per day up to 180 days  following a 30-day  waiting  period.  The ATWOOD
BEACON has been  awarded a  contract  in Vietnam  which is to  commence  between
January 15 and April 15,  2005.  Based on our current  schedule  of repairs,  we
believe the rig will be ready to begin  operations under the contract by the end
of January  2005,  with our loss of hire  coverage not scheduled to expire until
the end of February  2005.  We will  continue our emphasis on  maintaining  high
utilization of our drilling equipment  throughout  industry cycles. We had a 93%
equipment  utilization rate in fiscal year 2004 and have averaged  approximately
90% utilization over the last ten years.

     At the  beginning of fiscal year 2004,  worldwide  utilization  of offshore
drilling units was less that 80%. Today,  worldwide utilization is approximately
85%, with  semisubmersibles  continuing to be the weakest sector of the drilling
market with current utilization of approximately 84% compared to current jack-up
utilization of approximately 90%. Despite continuing geopolitical  uncertainties
in Iraq,  Venezuela,  Nigeria  as well as other  areas of the  world,  we expect
increasing world energy demand.  The oil and gas industry will play a major part
in meeting this increasing demand. At the current level of worldwide utilization
of offshore  drilling  units,  we anticipate  that oil and gas companies will be
unable  to  provide  crude  oil  and  natural  gas to  consumers  in  sufficient
quantities  in order to keep oil and natural gas prices near the averages of the
last decade.  We believe that based on the current gap between  crude oil demand
and the world's current supply potential,  a significant  drilling campaign will
be required to increase the world's  crude oil and natural gas supply  capacity.
Thus, we expect continued  improvement in worldwide offshore drilling activities
during fiscal year 2005;  however,  a major slow down in world economic activity
could negatively impact this expectation.

OFFSHORE DRILLING EQUIPMENT

     In addition to our owned and operating  rigs described  above,  we also own
one semisubmersible  hull suitable for conversion to a tender assist vessel at a
future date and manage two modern,  self-contained  platform  rigs,  giving us a
total diversified fleet of owned or managed drilling rigs of eleven rigs.

     Each type of drilling rig is uniquely  designed for different  purposes and
applications,  for  operations  in different  water depths,  bottom  conditions,
environments  and geographical  areas, and for different  drilling and operating
requirements.  The following  descriptions of the various types of drilling rigs
we own or managed  illustrate the  diversified  range of applications of our rig
fleet.

     Semisubmersible Rigs. Each semisubmersible drilling unit has two hulls, the
lower of which is capable of being flooded. Drilling equipment is mounted on the
main  hull.  After the  drilling  unit is towed to  location,  the lower hull is
flooded,  lowering the entire  drilling  unit to its  operating  draft,  and the
drilling unit is anchored in place. On completion of operations,  the lower hull
is deballasted,  raising the entire drilling unit to its towing draft. This type
of drilling  unit is designed to operate in greater  water depths than a jack-up
and  in  more  severe  sea  conditions  than  other  types  of  drilling  units.
Semisubmersible  units are generally more expensive to operate than jack-up rigs
and are often limited in the amount of supplies that can be stored on board.

     Semisubmersible  Tender-Assist Rigs.  Semisubmersible tender assist vessels
operate  like  a  semisubmersible   except  that  their  drilling  equipment  is
temporarily installed on permanently constructed offshore support platforms. The
semisubmersible  vessel  provides crew  accommodations,  storage  facilities and
other support for drilling operations.

     Jack-up  Rigs.  A  jack-up  drilling  unit  contains  all of  the  drilling
equipment  on a single  hull  designed  to be towed  to the well  site.  Once on
location,  legs are  lowered  to the sea floor and the unit is raised out of the
water by jacking the hull up the legs. On  completion  of the well,  the unit is
jacked down, and towed to the next location. A jack-up drilling unit can operate
in more severe sea and weather conditions than a drillship and is less expensive
to  operate  than a  semisubmersible.  However,  because it must rest on the sea
floor,  a  jack-up  cannot  operate  in  water  as  deep  as  that  in  which  a
semisubmersible unit can operate. A jack-up rig is a bottom supported unit.

     Submersible  Drilling  Rigs.  The  submersible  drilling rig we own has two
hulls,  the lower  being a mat,  which is  capable  of being  flooded.  Drilling
equipment  and crew  accommodations  are  located  on the main  hull.  After the
drilling unit is towed to its location, the lower hull is flooded,  lowering the
entire  unit to its  operating  draft at which  it  rests on the sea  floor.  On
completion of operations, the lower hull is deballasted, raising the entire unit
to its  towing  draft.  This type of  drilling  unit is  designed  to operate in
shallow  water depths  ranging  from 9 to 70 feet and can operate in  moderately
severe sea conditions.  Although  drilling units of this type are less expensive
to operate,  like the jack-up rig, they cannot  operate in water as deep as that
in which a  semisubmersible  unit can operate.  A submersible  drilling rig is a
bottom supported unit.

                                       3


     Modular  Platform Rigs. A modular  platform rig is similar to a land rig in
its  basic  components.  Modular  platform  rigs are  temporarily  installed  on
permanently  constructed  offshore  support  platforms  in order to perform  the
drilling operations.  After the drilling phase is completed,  the modular rig is
broken down into  convenient  packages  and moved by  workboats.  A platform rig
usually  stays at a location for several  months,  if not years,  since  several
wells are typically drilled from a support platform.

DRILLING CONTRACTS

     The  contracts  under  which we operate our  vessels  are  obtained  either
through individual  negotiation with the customer or by submitting  proposals in
competition with other  contractors and vary in their terms and conditions.  The
initial term of contracts for our owned and/or  managed  vessels has ranged from
the length of time necessary to drill one well to several years and is generally
subject  to  early  termination  in the  event of a total  loss of the  drilling
vessel, a force majeure event,  excessive equipment breakdown or failure to meet
minimum performance criteria. It is not unusual for contracts to contain renewal
provisions at the option of the customer.

     The rate of compensation  specified in each contract  depends on the nature
of the operation to be performed,  the duration of the work, the amount and type
of equipment  and services  provided,  the  geographic  areas  involved,  market
conditions and other variables.  Generally,  contracts for drilling,  management
and support services specify a basic rate of compensation  computed on a dayrate
basis.  Such  agreements  generally  provide for a reduced  dayrate payable when
operations are interrupted by equipment  failure and subsequent  repairs,  field
moves,  adverse  weather  conditions or other factors  beyond our control.  Some
contracts  also provide for revision of the  specified  dayrates in the event of
material  changes in certain items of cost.  Any period during which a vessel is
not earning a full operating  dayrate because of the above conditions or because
the vessel is idle and not on contract will have an adverse  effect on operating
profits. An over-supply of drilling rigs in any market area can adversely affect
our  ability to employ our  drilling  vessels.  Our active rig  utilization  for
fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002 was 93%, 92% and 86%, respectively.

     Of our current drilling contracts, the VICKSBURG has the only contract term
that extends  beyond  fiscal year 2005,  with the  contract  term for the ATWOOD
HUNTER  expected to extend to the end of fiscal year 2005. We expect  options to
be exercised on the ATWOOD  EAGLE,  ATWOOD  FALCON and ATWOOD  BEACON that could
also extend these  contracts  through  fiscal year 2005.  Despite not  currently
having long-term contract commitments,  we expect that the RICHMOND, in the Gulf
of Mexico,  and the ATWOOD  SOUTHERN  CROSS,  in Southeast  Asia, will be highly
utilized  during  fiscal  year 2005.  The SEAHAWK  has  commenced  a  short-term
drilling  program in Malaysia  which is expected to extend to the end of January
2005. Contract  opportunities for the SEAHAWK following that contract, are being
pursued in  Southeast  Asia and West  Africa.  Prior to  commencing  its current
contract work, the SEAHAWK  incurred  approximately 15 days of idle time in late
October 2004 and early November 2004. We currently  anticipate  that the SEAHAWK
will incur two to four weeks  additional  downtime for certain  maintenance  and
repairs  in the second  fiscal  quarter  of 2005.  The  ATWOOD  EAGLE and ATWOOD
SOUTHERN CROSS are also expected to incur two to four weeks of planned  downtime
during fiscal year 2005. We can provide no assurance that we will not experience
additional idle time on some of our other drilling units during the remainder of
fiscal year 2005. Maintaining high equipment utilization in up, as well as down,
cycles,  is a key  factor in  generating  cash to  satisfy  current  and  future
obligations.

     For long moves of drilling  equipment,  we attempt to obtain  either a lump
sum or a dayrate as mobilization  compensation for expenses  incurred during the
period in transit.  A surplus of certain types of units,  either worldwide or in
particular  operating  areas,  can result in our  acceptance of a contract which
provides only partial or no recovery of relocation  costs.  Additionally,  under
such a contract,  we may not make any profit during the  relocation of a rig. In
order to maintain equipment utilization during soft market conditions,  a few of
our rigs  incurred  long  moves  during  fiscal  year 2003 and the first half of
fiscal  year 2004.  During  fiscal  year 2003,  the ATWOOD  EAGLE was moved from
Greece to Angola at a cost of $8.2 million,  with only $2.7 million  received in
mobilization  compensation,  and the ATWOOD FALCON was relocated  from Australia
with  mobilization  costs  of  approximately  $2  million,   which  approximated
mobilization compensation. During the first half of fiscal year 2004, the ATWOOD
EAGLE was moved from Angola to Australia at a cost of  approximately $5 million,
with $5.5 million received in mobilization compensation, and the ATWOOD SOUTHERN
CROSS was relocated from the  Mediterranean Sea to India and then to Malaysia at
a total cost of  approximately  $4.4 million,  which  approximated  mobilization
compensation.  We can give no  assurance  that we will  receive  full or partial
recovery of any future relocation costs.

     Operation  of our drilling  equipment  is subject to the offshore  drilling
requirements  of  petroleum   exploration  companies  and  agencies  of  foreign
governments.  These  requirements  are,  in turn,  subject  to  fluctuations  in
government  policies,  world demand and prices for  petroleum  products,  proved
reserves  in  relation to such demand and the extent to which such demand can be
met from onshore sources.

                                       4


     We also contract to provide various types of services to third party owners
of  drilling  rigs.  These  contracts  are  normally  for a stated term or until
termination  of  operations  or stages of operation at a particular  facility or
location.  The services may include, as in the case of contracts we have entered
into in connection with operations offshore  Australia,  the supply of personnel
and rig design, fabrication,  installation and operation. The contracts normally
provide for reimbursement to us for all out-of-pocket  expenses,  plus a service
or management  fee for all of the services  performed.  In most  instances,  the
amount  charged  for the  services  may be  adjusted  if there  are  changes  in
conditions,  scope or costs of operations.  We generally  obtain  insurance or a
contractual  indemnity from the owner for liabilities which could be incurred in
operations.

     The  majority  of our  contracts  are  denominated  in  U.S.  dollars,  but
occasionally a portion of a contract is payable in local currency. To the extent
there is a local currency  component in a contract,  we attempt to match revenue
in the local  currency  to  operating  costs  such as local  labor,  shore  base
expenses, and local taxes, if any.

INSURANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT

     Our  operations  are  subject  to the  usual  hazards  associated  with the
drilling  of oil and gas wells,  such as  blowouts,  explosions  and  fires.  In
addition,  our vessels are subject to various  risks  particular to our industry
which we seek to  mitigate by  maintaining  insurance.  These risks  include leg
damage to jack-ups during  positioning  (such as that as we experienced with the
ATWOOD BEACON), capsizing,  grounding,  collision and damage from severe weather
conditions. Any of these risks could result in damage or destruction of drilling
rigs and oil and gas wells,  personal injury and property damage,  suspension of
operations  or   environmental   damage   through  oil  spillage  or  extensive,
uncontrolled  fires.  Therefore,  in  addition  to  general  business  insurance
policies,  we  maintain  the  following  insurance  relating to our rigs and rig
operations:  hull and machinery, loss of hire, builder's risk, cargo, war risks,
protection and indemnity, and excess liability, among others.

     Our operations are also subject to disruption due to terrorism. As a result
of  significant  losses  incurred by the  insurance  industry due to  terrorism,
offshore drilling rig accidents and other events, we have experienced  increases
in premiums  for certain  insurance  coverages.  Although we believe that we are
adequately  insured  against normal and  foreseeable  risks in our operations in
accordance  with  industry  standards,  such  insurance  may not be  adequate to
protect us against  liability from all  consequences of well  disasters,  marine
perils,  extensive fire damage,  damage to the  environment or disruption due to
terrorism.  To date, we have not experienced  difficulty in obtaining  insurance
coverage,  although we can provide no assurance as to the future availability of
such  insurance or the cost  thereof.  The  occurrence  of a  significant  event
against which we are not fully insured could have a material  adverse  effect on
our financial position.

CUSTOMERS

     During fiscal year 2004, we performed operations for 21 customers.  Because
of the  relatively  limited  number of customers for which we can operate at any
given time, revenues from two different customers amounted to 10% or more of our
revenues in fiscal year 2004 as indicated below:

         Customer                           Percentage of Revenues
         ---------------------------------------------------------
         ExxonMobil Production Malaysia, Inc.        20%
         Burullus Gas Co.                            10%

     Our business operations are subject to the risks associated with a business
having a  limited  number of  customers  for our  products  or  services,  and a
decrease in the drilling  programs of these  customers in the areas where we are
employed  may  adversely  affect our  revenues  and  therefore,  our  results of
operations and cash flows.

COMPETITION

     We compete with approximately 10 other offshore drilling contractors,  most
of which are substantially  larger than we are and possess  appreciably  greater
financial  and  other  resources.  Although  some  business  combinations  among
offshore  drilling  companies have resulted in a decrease in the total number of
competitors, the offshore drilling industry still remains very competitive, with
no single offshore drilling contractor being dominant.  Thus, there continues to
be competition in securing available offshore drilling contracts.

     Price  competition is generally the most  important  factor in the offshore
drilling  industry,   but  the  technical  capability  of  specialized  drilling
equipment  and  personnel at the time and place  required by customers  are also
important.   Other  competitive  factors  include  work  force  experience,  rig
suitability,  efficiency, condition of equipment, safety performance, reputation
and customer  relations.  We believe that we compete  favorably  with respect to
these factors.

                                       5


INDUSTRY TRENDS

     The performance of the offshore drilling industry is largely  determined by
basic supply and demand for available equipment. Periods of high demand and high
dayrates are often followed by periods of low demand and low dayrates.  Offshore
drilling  contractors  can mobilize rigs from one region of the world to another
or can "cold stack" rigs, taking them out of service,  in order to adjust supply
in  various  markets  to meet  demand.  The  market  is highly  cyclical  and is
typically  driven  by  general  economic  activity  and  changes  in  actual  or
anticipated  oil  and  gas  prices.  Generally,  sustained  high  energy  prices
translate into  increased  exploration  and  production  spending by oil and gas
companies,  which in turn results in increased  drilling activity and demand for
equipment like ours.

     The  markets  where  we  currently  operate,  offshore  Southeast  Asia and
offshore  Australia,  the  Mediterranean  Sea,  and shallow  water U.S.  Gulf of
Mexico,  offer the potential  for higher  utilization  and  dayrates.  We expect
offshore  Southeast Asia and offshore  Australia to continue to improve over the
longer term based on the stronger demand for oil and gas in that region, largely
as a result of the  significant  growth in the region driven by China's  rapidly
expanding   economy.   We  also  believe  that  there  are   attractive   future
opportunities  for  the  ATWOOD  HUNTER,  which  is  currently  working  in  the
Mediterranean  Sea, and that the improving  supply and demand balance of jack-up
rigs in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico will lead to higher  dayrates for our cantilever
submersible,  the  RICHMOND,  which  competes  against these rigs in the shallow
waters of that area.

INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS

     The large majority of our operations are in foreign  jurisdictions which we
have historically found to be more stable. We believe  international  operations
provide a better  opportunity  for  attractive  contracts  and returns  over the
longer term. Since 1970, we have operated in Southeast Asia, Australia,  the Far
East, the  Mediterranean  Sea, the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea,  India,  Papua New
Guinea, East and West Africa, Central and South America, China and the U.S. Gulf
of Mexico. Currently, only one rig is working in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Of our
international  operations,  over half are  currently in Southeast  Asia. We have
foreign offices in Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Singapore
and Egypt.

     Because  most  of our  operations  are  foreign,  virtually  all of our tax
provision   for  fiscal  years  2004  and  2003  related  to  taxes  in  foreign
jurisdictions. Due to operating losses in certain foreign jurisdictions with low
or zero effective tax rates, our consolidated effective tax rate for fiscal year
2004 exceeded the U.S.  statutory rate and our  consolidated  effective tax rate
for fiscal year 2003  significantly  exceeded the U.S.  statutory  rate. In some
instances,  our tax rate is based on revenues rather than taxable  earnings.  To
the extent our revenues  increase,  our effective tax rate should  decrease.  We
have  reorganized  our  foreign   operations  to  improve   management  and  tax
efficiencies,  which contributed to our lower effective tax rate for fiscal year
2004 and which we expect to lower our effective tax rate in the future.

EMPLOYEES

     We currently employ approximately 1,100 persons in our domestic and foreign
operations.  In connection with our foreign  drilling  operations,  we are often
required by the host country to hire  substantial  portions of our work force in
that country and, in some cases,  these  employees  are  represented  by foreign
unions.  To date, we have experienced  little  difficulty in complying with such
requirements,   and  our  drilling   operations  have  not  been   significantly
interrupted by strikes or work stoppages.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION

     The transition  zone and shallow water areas of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico are
ecologically sensitive.  Environmental issues have led to higher drilling costs,
a more  difficult  and lengthy well  permitting  process  and, in general,  have
adversely  affected  decisions of oil and gas companies to drill in these areas.
In the  U.S.,  regulations  applicable  to our  operations  include  regulations
controlling the discharge of materials into the environment,  requiring  removal
and cleanup of materials that may harm the environment or otherwise  relating to
the  protection  of the  environment.  For  example,  as an operator of a mobile
offshore  drilling unit in navigable U.S. waters and some offshore areas, we may
be liable for damages and costs incurred in connection  with oil spills or other
unauthorized  discharges  of  chemicals or wastes  resulting  from or related to
those  operations.  Laws and regulations  protecting the environment have become
more  stringent,  and may in some cases  impose  strict  liability,  rendering a
person liable for environmental  damage without regard to negligence or fault on
the part of such  person.  Some of these laws and  regulations  may expose us to
liability  for the conduct of or  conditions  caused by others or for acts which
were in compliance with all applicable laws at the time they were performed. The
application of these requirements or the adoption of new requirements could have
a material  adverse effect on our financial  position,  results of operations or
cash flows.

                                       6


     The U.S. Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972,  commonly referred to
as the Clean Water Act, prohibits the discharge of specified substances into the
navigable  waters  of the  Unites  States  without  a  permit.  The  regulations
implementing  the Clean Water Act require  permits to be obtained by an operator
before specified  exploration  activities occur.  Offshore  facilities must also
prepare  plans  addressing  spill   prevention   control  and   countermeasures.
Violations of monitoring,  reporting and permitting  requirements  can result in
the imposition of civil and criminal penalties.

     The U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990, or OPA, and related  regulations impose
a variety of requirement on "responsible  parties"  related to the prevention of
oils spills and liability for damages  resulting from such spills.  Few defenses
exist to the liability  imposed by OPA, and the liability  could be substantial.
Failure to comply with ongoing  requirements  or inadequate  cooperation  in the
event of a spill  could  subject  a  responsible  party  to  civil  or  criminal
enforcement  action.  We have taken all steps necessary to comply with this law,
and have received a Certificate of Financial  Responsibility  (Water  Pollution)
from the U.S.  Coast Guard.  Our  operations in U.S.  waters are also subject to
various other environmental  regulations regarding pollution,  and we have taken
steps to ensure compliance with these regulations.

     The U.S. Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act authorizes  regulations relating
to safety and  environmental  protection  applicable  to lessees and  permittees
operating on the outer  continental  shelf.  Included amon these are regulations
that  require the  preparation  of spill  contingency  plans and  establish  air
quality standards for certain pollutants, including particulate matter, volatile
organic compounds, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Specific
design and operational  standards may apply to outer  continental shelf vessels,
rigs,  platforms,  vehicles and  structures.  Violations of lease  conditions or
regulations  related to the environment issued pursuant to the Outer Continental
Shelf Lands Act can result in substantial civil and criminal penalties,  as well
as potential court injunctions curtailing operations and cancelling leases. Such
enforcement   liabilities  can  result  from  either   governmental  or  citizen
prosecution.

     The U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response,  Compensation, and Liability
Act, or CERCLA,  also known as the "Superfund"  law, imposes  liability  without
regard to fault or the  legality  of the  original  conduct  on some  classes of
persons that are  considered to have  contributed to the release of a "hazardous
substance" into the environment.  These persons include the owner or operator of
a facility where a release  occurred and companies that disposed or arranged for
the disposal of the hazardous substances found at a particular site. Persons who
are or were responsible for releases of hazardous substances under CERCLA may be
subject to joint and several liability for the cost of cleaning up the hazardous
substances  that have been  released  into the  environment  and for  damages to
natural resources.  It is also not uncommon for third parties to file claims for
personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the hazardous substances
released into the environment.

OTHER GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION

     Our non-U.S.  contract drilling  operations are subject to various laws and
regulations  in countries in which we operate,  including  laws and  regulations
relating  to the  importation  of and  operation  of  drilling  units,  currency
conversions and repatriation, oil and gas exploration and development,  taxation
of offshore  earnings and  earnings of  expatriate  personnel,  the use of local
employees and suppliers by foreign contractors and duties on the importation and
exportation of drilling units and other  equipment.  Governments in some foreign
countries  have become  increasingly  active in regulating and  controlling  the
ownership of concessions and companies holding concessions,  the exploration for
oil and gas and other aspects of the oil and gas industries in their  countries.
In some areas of the world,  this governmental  activity has adversely  affected
the  amount  of  exploration  and  development  work  done by major  oil and gas
companies and may continue to do so. Operations in less developed  countries can
be subject to legal  systems that are not as mature or  predictable  as those in
more developed countries, which can lead to greater uncertainty in legal matters
and proceedings.

     Our  worldwide  operations  are  also  subject  to a  variety  of laws  and
regulations  designed to improve  safety in the  businesses in which we operate.
International conventions,  including Safety of Life at Sea, also referred to as
SOLAS,  and the Code for  Construction of Mobile Offshore  Drilling Units,  also
referred  to as  the  MODU  CODE,  generally  are  applicable  to  our  offshore
operations.  Historically,  we have made  significant  capital  expenditures and
incurred  additional  expenses  to  ensure  that our  marine  rigs  comply  with
applicable local and  international  health and safety  regulations.  Our future
efforts to comply with these  regulations  and  standards may increase our costs
and may affect  the demand for our  services  by  influencing  energy  prices or
limiting the areas in which we may drill.

     Although  significant  capital  expenditures may be required to comply with
these  governmental  laws and  regulations,  such  compliance has not materially
adversely affected our earnings, cash flows or competitive position.

                                       7


SECURITIES LITIGATION SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

     Statements   included  in  this  report  which  are  not  historical  facts
(including  any  statements  concerning  plans and  objectives of management for
future operations or economic  performance,  or assumptions related thereto) are
"forward-looking  statements"  within  the  meaning  of the  Private  Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition,  we and our representatives may from
to  time  to  time  make  other  oral  or  written  statements  which  are  also
forward-looking statements.

     These  forward-looking  statements are made based upon management's current
plans, expectations, estimates, assumptions and beliefs concerning future events
impacting  us and  therefore  involve a number of risks  and  uncertainties.  We
caution  that  forward-looking  statements  are not  guarantees  and that actual
results  could  differ  materially  from  those  expressed  or  implied  in  the
forward-looking statements.

     Important  factors  that  could  cause our actual  results  of  operations,
financial  condition or cash flows to differ  include,  but are not  necessarily
limited to:

        o        our dependence on the oil and gas industry;

        o        the operational risks involved in drilling for oil and gas;

        o        changes in rig utilization and dayrates in response to the
                 level of activity in the oil and gas industry, which is
                 significantly affected by indications and expectations
                 regarding the level and volatility of oil and gas prices,
                 which in turn are affected by such things as political,
                 economic and weather conditions affecting or potentially
                 affecting regional or worldwide demand for oil and gas,
                 actions or anticipated actions by OPEC, inventory levels,
                 deliverability constraints, and future market activity;

        o        the extent to which customers and potential customers continue
                 to pursue deepwater drilling;

        o        exploration success or lack of exploration success by our
                 customers and potential customers;

        o        the highly competitive and cyclical nature of our business,
                 with periods of low demand and excess rig availability;

        o        the impact of the war with Iraq or other military operations,
                 terrorist acts or embargoes elsewhere;

        o        our ability to enter into and the terms of future drilling
                 contracts;

        o        the availability of qualified personnel;

        o        our failure to retain the business of one or more significant
                 customers;

        o        the termination or renegotiation of contracts by customers;

        o        the availability of adequate insurance at a reasonable cost;

        o        the occurrence of an uninsured loss;

        o        the risks of international operations, including possible
                 economic, political, social or monetary instability, and
                 compliance with foreign laws;

        o        the effect SARS or other public health concerns could have on
                 our international operations and financial results;

        o        compliance with or breach of environmental laws;

        o        the incurrence of secured debt or additional unsecured
                 indebtedness or other obligations by us or our subsidiaries;

        o        the adequacy of sources of liquidity;

                                       8



        o        currently unknown rig repair needs and/or additional
                 opportunities to accelerate planned maintenance expenditures
                 due to presently unanticipated rig downtime;

        o        higher than anticipated accruals for performance-based
                 compensation due to better than anticipated performance by us,
                 higher than anticipated severance expenses due to
                 unanticipated employee terminations, higher than anticipated
                 legal and accounting fees due to unanticipated financing or
                 other corporate transactions, and other factors that could
                 increase general and administrative expenses;

        o        the actions of our competitors in the offshore drilling
                 industry, which could significantly influence rig dayrates and
                 utilization;

        o        changes in the geographic areas in which our customers plan to
                 operate, which in turn could change our expected effective
                 tax rate;

        o        changes in oil and gas drilling technology or in our
                 competitors' drilling rig fleets that could make our drilling
                 rigs less competitive or require major capital investments to
                 keep them competitive;

        o        rig availability;

        o        the effects and uncertainties of legal and administrative
                 proceedings and other contingencies;

        o        the impact of governmental laws and regulations and the
                 uncertainties involved in their administration, particularly
                 in some foreign jurisdictions;

        o        changes in accepted interpretations of accounting guidelines
                 and other accounting pronouncements and tax laws;

        o        the risks involved in the construction, upgrade, and repair of
                 our drilling units; and

        o        such other factors as may be discussed in our other reports
                 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC.

     These factors are not necessarily  all of the important  factors that could
cause actual  results to differ  materially  from those  expressed in any of our
forward-looking  statements.  Other unknown or unpredictable  factors could also
have material adverse effects on future results.  The words "believe," "impact,"
"intend,"  "estimate,"  "anticipate,"  "plan" and similar  expressions  identify
forward-looking  statements.  These  forward-looking  statements  are  found  at
various places throughout the Management's  Discussion and Analysis incorporated
by reference to our Annual Report to  Shareholders  for fiscal year 2004 in Part
II and elsewhere in this report. When considering any forward-looking statement,
you should  also keep in mind the risk  factors  described  in other  reports or
filings  we make with the SEC from time to time.  Undue  reliance  should not be
placed on these  forward-looking  statements,  which are applicable  only on the
date hereof.  Neither we nor our  representatives  have a general  obligation to
revise  or  update  these  forward-looking   statements  to  reflect  events  or
circumstances  that arise after the date hereof or to reflect the  occurrence of
unanticipated events.

COMPANY INFORMATION

     We file annual,  quarterly and special reports,  proxy statements and other
information  with the SEC. Our SEC filings are  available to the public over the
internet at the SEC's web site at  http://www.sec.gov.  Our  website  address is
www.atwd.com.  We make  available  free of charge on or through  our website our
annual report on Form 10-K,  quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports
on Form 8-K, and  amendments  to those  reports  filed or furnished  pursuant to
Section  13(a) or 15(d) of the  Exchange Act as soon as  reasonably  practicable
after we  electronically  file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. We
have adopted a code of ethics  applicable to our chief executive officer and our
senior financial  officers which is also available on our website.  We intend to
satisfy the disclosure  requirement regarding any changes in or waivers from our
code of ethics by posting  such  information  on our website or by filing a Form
8-K for such event.  Unless stated otherwise,  information on our website is not
incorporated  by  reference  into  this  report  or made a part  hereof  for any
purpose.  You may also read and copy any  document  we file at the SEC's  Public
Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street,  NW, Washington,  DC 20549.  Please call the

                                       9


SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further  information on the public reference rooms and
copy charges.

ITEM  2. PROPERTIES

         Information regarding the location and general character of our
principal assets may be found in the table with the caption heading "Offshore
Drilling Operations" in the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders for fiscal
year 2004, which is incorporated by reference herein.

         Collectively since fiscal year 1997, we expended $340 million in
upgrading seven offshore mobile drilling units. The timing and costs of the
various upgrades are as follows:

                                         YEAR UPGRADE
             DRILLING UNITS               COMPLETED            COST OF UPGRADE
      --------------------------       ----------------       ------------------
                                                                (In Millions)

      ATWOOD HUNTER (PHASE I)                   1997                  $ 40
      ATWOOD SOUTHERN CROSS                     1997                    35
      ATWOOD FALCON                             1998                    45
      VICKSBURG                                 1998                    35
      SEAHAWK                                   1999                    22
      ATWOOD EAGLE (PHASE I)                    2000                     8
      RICHMOND                                  2000                     7
      ATWOOD HUNTER (PHASE II)                  2001                    58
      ATWOOD EAGLE (PHASE II)                   2002                    90
                                                                       ---
                                                                      $340
                                                                      ====

     Besides the above  upgrades,  in 2000 we acquired a  semisubmersible  hull,
SEASCOUT,  for $4.5 million.  Subsequently,  we have expended an additional $4.3
million in  engineering,  equipment  removal  and other  costs  associated  with
preparing the SEASCOUT for a future  upgrade to a  tender-assist  vessel when an
acceptable tender contract opportunity has been identified.  In August 2003, our
eighth active drilling unit, the newbuild ultra-premium jack-up,  ATWOOD BEACON,
commenced its initial drilling contract following completion of construction and
commissioning.  This drilling unit was  constructed  at a cost of  approximately
$120 million.  On July 25, 2004,  all three of the ATWOOD  BEACON'S legs and its
derrick were damaged while the rig was being  positioned.  The rigs and its legs
were  transported  to the  builder's  shipyard in Singapore for  inspection  and
repairs.  Presently, we expect repairs to be completed in January 2005. For more
information  concerning  these  costs,  see  Note  3 in  Consolidated  Financial
Statements  contained in our Annual Report to Shareholders for fiscal year 2004,
incorporated by reference herein.

ITEM  3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     We are party to a number of lawsuits which are ordinary, routine litigation
incidental  to our  business,  the  outcome  of which,  individually,  or in the
aggregate,  is not expected to have a material  adverse  effect on our financial
condition, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM  4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SHAREHOLDERS

     During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2004, no matters were submitted to
a vote of shareholders through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND
RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS

     As of  December  10,  2004,  there were over 750  beneficial  owners of our
common stock. Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

     We did not pay cash  dividends  in fiscal  years 2003 or 2004 and we do not
anticipate  paying  cash  dividends  in the  foreseeable  future  because of the
capital-intensive  nature of our  business.  To enable us to  maintain  our high

                                       10


competitive  profile in the industry,  we expect to utilize cash reserves at the
appropriate  time  to  upgrade  existing  equipment  or  to  acquire  additional
equipment.  Our credit  facility  prohibits  payment of cash dividends on common
stock without lender approval.

     Market  information  concerning  our  common  stock may be found  under the
caption  heading "Stock Price  Information" in our Annual Report to Shareholders
for fiscal year 2004, which is incorporated by reference herein.

     Equity compensation plan information  required by this item may be found in
Note 6 to Consolidated  Financial  Statements  contained in our Annual Report to
Shareholders for fiscal year 2004, which is incorporated by reference herein.

ITEM  6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

     Information required by this item may be found under the caption "Five Year
Financial  Review" in our Annual  Report to  Shareholders  for fiscal year 2004,
which is incorporated by reference herein.

ITEM  7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     Information  required  by this  item may be found in our  Annual  Report to
Shareholders for fiscal year 2004, which is incorporated by reference herein.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     Information   required  by  this  item  may  be  found  under  the  caption
"Disclosures  About Market Risk" in the Company's  Annual Report to Shareholders
for fiscal year 2004, which is incorporated by reference herein.

ITEM  8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

     Information  required  by this  item may be found in our  Annual  Report to
Shareholders for fiscal year 2004, which is incorporated by reference herein.

ITEM  9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

         None.

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a)      Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

     Our management,  with the  participation of our Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer,  evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls
and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that
evaluation,  the Chief Executive  Officer and Chief Financial  Officer concluded
that our disclosure  controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered
by this report have been  designed and are  functioning  effectively  to provide
reasonable  assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in our
periodic SEC filings is recorded, processed,  summarized and reported within the
time periods  specific in the SEC's rules and forms.  We believe that a controls
system,  no matter how well  designed  and  operated,  cannot  provide  absolute
assurance that the objectives of the controls  system are met, and no evaluation
of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances
of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.

(b)      Change in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

     No change in our internal control over financial  reporting occurred during
the fiscal quarter  covered by this report that has materially  affected,  or is
reasonably  likely to materially  affect,  our internal  control over  financial
reporting.

ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION

         None.

                                       11


PART III

ITEM  10.         DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

         This information is incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held February 10, 2005,
to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal
year covered by this Form 10-K.

ITEM  11.         EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

         This information is incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held February 10, 2005,
to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal
year covered by this Form 10-K.

ITEM  12.         SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

         This information is incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held February 10, 2005,
to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal
year covered by this Form 10-K.

ITEM  13.         CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

         This information is incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held February 10, 2005,
to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal
year covered by this Form 10-K.

ITEM  14.         PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

         This information is incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held February 10, 2005,
to be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal
year covered by this Form 10-K.

PART IV

ITEM  15.         EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

1.       FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

         The following financial statements, together with the report of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP dated December , 2004 appearing in our Annual Report
to Shareholders for fiscal year 2004, are incorporated by reference herein:

                  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

                  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2004 and 2003

                  Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three
                  years in the period ended September 30, 2004

                  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three
                  years in the period ended September 30, 2004

                  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for
                  each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2004

                  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                                       12



2.       EXHIBITS

                  See the "EXHIBIT INDEX" for a listing of all of the Exhibits
filed as part of this report.

                  The management contracts and compensatory plans or
                  arrangements required to be filed as exhibits to this report
                  are as follows:

                  Rights Agreement dated effective October 18, 2002 between the
                  Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company - See
                  Exhibit 4.1 hereof.

                  Atwood Oceanics, Inc. 1990 Stock Option Plan - See
                  Exhibit 10.1.1 hereof.

                  Form of Atwood Oceanics, Inc. Stock Option Agreement
                  (1990 Stock Option Plan) - See Exhibit 10.1.2 hereof.

                  Amendment No. 1 to the Atwood Oceanics, Inc. 1990 Stock
                  Option Plan - See Exhibit 10.1.3 hereof.

                  Form of Amendment No. 1 to the Atwood Oceanics, Inc. Stock
                  Option Agreement (1990 Stock Option Plan) - See Exhibit
                  10.1.4 hereof.

                  Atwood Oceanics, Inc. 1996 Incentive Equity Plan -
                  See Exhibit 10.3.1 hereof.

                  Form of Atwood Oceanics, Inc. Stock Option Agreement
                  (1996 Incentive Equity Plan) - See Exhibit 10.3.2 hereof.

                  Amendment No. 1 to Atwood Oceanics, Inc. 1996 Incentive
                  Equity Plan - See Exhibit 10.3.3 hereof.

                  Form of Amendment No. 1 to the Atwood Oceanics, Inc. Stock
                  Option Agreement (1996 Incentive Equity Plan) - See
                  Exhibit 10.3.4 hereof.

                  Amendment No. 2 to Atwood Oceanics, Inc. 1996 Incentive
                  Equity Plan - See Exhibit 10.3.5 hereof.

                  Atwood Oceanics, Inc. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan - See
                  Exhibit 10.3.6 hereof.

                  Atwood Oceanics, Inc. Retention Plan for Certain Salaried
                  Employees dated effective as of January 1, 2004 - See Exhibit
                  10.4.1 hereof.

                  Atwood Oceanics, Inc. Retention Plan for Certain Salaried
                  Employees dated effective as of January 1, 2005 - See Exhibit
                  10.4.2 hereof.

                  Executive Agreement dated as of September 18, 2002 between the
                  Company and John R. Irwin - See Exhibit 10.5.1 hereof.

                  Executive Agreement dated as of September 18, 2002 between the
                  Company and James M. Holland - See Exhibit 10.5.2 hereof.

                  Executive Agreement dated as of September 18, 2002 between the
                  Company and Glen P. Kelley - See Exhibit 10.5.3 hereof.

(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

         On July 13, 2004, we furnished a report on Form 8-K announcing that
         Conoco exercised three remaining options and added one more well to the
         ATWOOD BEACON drilling program and that the ATWOOD EAGLE has two
         remaining wells for BHP.

         On July 26, 2004, we filed a report on Form 8-K announcing that the
         ATWOOD BEACON incurred unexpected leg penetration on two of its legs
         while positioning for its next well in Indonesia.

                                       13


         On July 29, 2004, we furnished a report on Form 8-K announcing our
         earnings for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, that the ATWOOD SOUTHERN
         CROSS was awarded a contract by Daewoo International Corporation for
         two firm wells plus one option well offshore Myanmar, that the ATWOOD
         BEACON incurred damage to all three legs and the derrick from its July
         25, 2004 incident and that the ATWOOD EAGLE was drilling its fifth well
         for BHP Billiton Petroleum.

         On August 4, 2004, we furnished a report on Form 8-K announcing that
         the ATWOOD SOUTHERN CROSS had its second of four option wells exercised
         by Murphy Sarawak Oil Company, Ltd. and that the ATWOOD FALCON had the
         first of its three option wells exercised by Sarawak Shell Berhad.

         On August 12, 2004, we furnished a report on Form 8-K announcing that
         the ATWOOD BEACON drilling unit was transported to the builder's
         shipyard in Singapore for inspection with the Company beginning the
         process of recovering its legs.

         On September 1, 2004, we furnished a report on Form 8-K announcing that
         one of the ATWOOD BEACON'S three legs had been recovered and was being
         transported to the builder's shipyard and that the ATWOOD BEACON had
         been awarded a contract for a drilling program in Vietnam.

         On September 22, 2004, we filed a report on Form 8-K announcing that
         all three of the legs on the ATWOOD BEACON had been recovered and
         transported to the builder's shipyard in Singapore for repairs, with
         the ATWOOD BEACON expected to be ready to begin operating in Vietnam by
         the end of January 2005.



                                       14



                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                           ATWOOD OCEANICS, INC.

                           /S/ JOHN R. IRWIN
                           JOHN R. IRWIN, President and Chief Executive Officer
                           DATE:  December 10, 2004

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 /S/ JAMES. M. HOLLAND                             /S/ JOHN R. IRWIN
 ---------------------                             -----------------
 JAMES M. HOLLAND                                  JOHN R. IRWIN
 Senior Vice President and                         President, Chief Executive
 Chief Financial Officer                           Officer and Director
 (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)      (Principal Executive Officer)
 Date:  December 10, 2004                          Date:  December 10, 2004

 /S/ ROBERT W. BURGESS                             /S/ GEORGE S. DOTSON
 ---------------------                             --------------------
 ROBERT W. BURGESS                                 GEORGE S. DOTSON
 Director                                          Director
 Date:  December 10, 2004                          Date:  December 10, 2004

 /S/ HANS HELMERICH                                /S/ WILLIAM J. MORRISSEY
 ------------------                                ------------------------
 HANS HELMERICH                                    WILLIAM J. MORRISSEY
 Director                                          Director
 Date:  December 10, 2004                          Date:  December 10, 2004

 /S/ DEBORAH A. BECK
 DEBORAH A. BECK
 Director
 DATE:  December 10, 2004


                                       15



                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

3.1.1    Restated  Articles of  Incorporation  dated  January 25, 1972
         (Incorporated  herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1.1 of our Form
         10-K for the year ended September 30, 2002).

3.1.2    Articles of Amendment  dated March 28, 1975  (Incorporated  herein
         by reference to Exhibit 3.1.2 of our Form 10-K for the year
         ended September 30, 2002).

3.1.3    Articles of Amendment  dated March 20, 1992  (Incorporated  herein by
         reference to Exhibit 3.1.3 of our Form 10-K for the year
         ended September 30, 2002).

3.1.4    Articles of Amendment  dated  November 7, 1997  (Incorporated  herein
         by  reference to Exhibit  3.1.4 of our Form 10-K for the
         year ended September 30, 2002).

3.1.5    Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior Participating Preferred
         Stock of Atwood Oceanics, Inc. dated October 17, 2002 (Incorporated
         herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1.5 of our Form 10-K for the year
         ended September 30, 2002).

3.2      Bylaws,  as  amended  and  restated  (Incorporated  herein by
         reference  to  Exhibit  3.2 of our Form 10-K for the year ended
         September 30, 1993).

4.1      Rights Agreement dated effective October 18, 2002 between the Company
         and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company (Incorporated herein by
         reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our Form 8-A filed October 21, 2002.)

10.1.1   Atwood Oceanics,  Inc. 1990 Stock Option Plan (Incorporated  herein by
         reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Form 10-K for the year
         ended September 30, 1993).

10.1.2   Form of Atwood Oceanics, Inc. Stock Option Agreement - 1990 Stock
         Option Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1.2 of our
         Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1999).

10.1.3   Amendment No. 1 to the Atwood  Oceanics,  Inc. 1990 Stock Option Plan
         (Incorporated  herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1.3 of
         our Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1999).

10.1.4   Form of Amendment No. 1 to the Atwood  Oceanics,  Inc. Stock Option
         Agreement 1990 Stock Option Plan  (Incorporated  herein by
         reference to Exhibit 10.1.4 of our Form 10-K for the year ended
         September 30, 1999).

10.3.1   Atwood Oceanics,  Inc. 1996 Incentive Equity Plan  (Incorporated
         herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Form 10-Q for the
         quarter ended June 30, 1997).

10.3.2   Form of Atwood Oceanics,  Inc. Stock Option Agreement - 1996
         Incentive Equity Plan  (Incorporated  herein by reference to our
         Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1999).

10.3.3   Amendment No. 1 to the Atwood  Oceanics,  Inc. 1996 Incentive Equity
         Plan  (Incorporated  herein by reference to our Form 10-K
         for the year ended September 30, 1999).

10.3.4   Form of Amendment No. 1 to the Atwood Oceanics,  Inc. Stock Option
         Agreement -1996 Incentive Equity Plan (Incorporated  herein
         by reference to Exhibit 10.3.4 of our Form 10-K for the year ended
         September 30, 1999).

10.3.5   Amendment No. 2 to the Atwood  Oceanics,  Inc. 1996 Incentive Equity
         Plan  (Incorporated  herein by reference to Appendix A to
         our Form DEF14A filed January 12, 2001).

10.3.6   Atwood  Oceanics,  Inc. 2001 Stock  Incentive  Plan  (Incorporated
         herein by reference to Appendix A to our Form DEF14A filed
         January 15, 2002).

10.4.1   Atwood Oceanics, Inc. Retention Plan for Certain Salaried Employees
         dated as of January 1, 2004 (Incorporated herein by reference to
         Exhibit 10.4.2 of our Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2003).

*10.4.2  Atwood Oceanics, Inc. Retention Plan for Certain Salaried Employees
         dated as of January 1, 2005.

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10.5.1   Executive Agreement dated as of September 18, 2002 between the Company
         and John R. Irwin (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5.1
         of our Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2002).

10.5.2   Executive Agreement dated as of September 18, 2002 between the Company
         and James M. Holland (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
         10.5.2 of our Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2002).

10.5.3   Executive Agreement dated as of September 18, 2002 between the Company
         and Glen P. Kelley (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5.3.
         of our Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2002).

10.7     Credit Agreement for $225 million dated April 1, 2003 among the
         Company, Atwood Oceanics Pacific Limited and Nordea Bank Finland Plc
         and other Financial Institutions. (Incorporated herein by reference to
         Exhibit 99.1 of our 8-K filed April 7, 2003).

10.8     Pooled Assignment and First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated June
         27, 2003 among the Company, Atwood Oceanics Pacific Limited and Nordea
         Bank Finland Plc and other Financial Institutions (Incorporated herein
         by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of our Form 8-K filed July 30, 2003).

10.9     Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated June 27, 2003 among the
         Company, Atwood Oceanics Pacific Limited and Nordea Bank Finland Plc
         and other Financial Institutions (Incorporated herein by reference to
         Exhibit 99.2 of our Form 8-K filed July 30, 2003).

10.10    Third Amendment to Credit Agreement dated November 12, 2003 among the
         Company, Atwood Oceanics Pacific Limited and Nordea Bank Finland Plc
         and other Financial Institutions. (Incorporated herein of reference to
         Exhibit 99.2 of our Form 8-K filed November 13, 2003).

*13.1    Annual Report to Shareholders.

*21.1    List of Subsidiaries.

*23.1    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

*31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the
         Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

*31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the
         Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

*32.1    Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the
         Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

*32.2    Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the
         Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

         *Filed herewith


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