EXHIBIT 23(a)
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 33-72150) pertaining to the Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan for 
Key Employees of Tuboscope Vetco International Corporation, the Registration 
Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-72072) pertaining to the Stock Option Plan for 
Non-Employee Directors of Tuboscope Vetco International Corporation, and the 
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-54337) pertaining to the Tuboscope Vetco
International Corporation Employee Qualified Stock Purchase Plan, and each 
related Prospectus, of our report dated February 17, 1995, with respect to the 
consolidated financial statements and schedules for Tuboscope Vetco 
International Corporation included in the annual report (Form 10-K) for the year
ended December 31, 1994.


                                       ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Houston, Texas
March 30, 1995