EXHIBIT 23(a)


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-8) and related Prospectus pertaining to the
Tuboscope Vetco International Corporation Employee Qualified Stock Purchase Plan
and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February 21,
1994, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of
Tuboscope Vetco International Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1993, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.



                                               ERNST & YOUNG

Houston, Texas
June 22, 1994