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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
of our report dated November 14, 1995 on the financial statements of Arethusa
(Off-Shore) Limited for the years ended September 30, 1995, 1994 and 1993
included in this Current Report on Form 8-K of Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.,
into Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.'s previously filed Registration Statement
File No. 333-4282.
 
ARTHUR ANDERSEN & CO.
 
Hamilton, Bermuda
May 13, 1996