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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
 
     We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement
of Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. on Form S-3 of our report dated January 22,
1998, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Diamond Offshore Drilling,
Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1997, and to the reference to us under the
heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration
Statement.
 
/s/  DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Houston, Texas
September 15, 1998