1
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D. C.  20549

                                   FORM 10-Q

/X/  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 - For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 1996

     TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES 
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 - For the Transition Period From

                                    to 
- ----------------------------------      ----------------------------------------


                         Commission file number 1-6311
                                                ------

                               TIDEWATER INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



         DELAWARE                                               72-0487776 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                           (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                           Identification Number)



       1440 Canal Street, Suite 2100, New Orleans, Louisiana    70112
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         (Address of principal executive offices)             (Zip Code)



Registrant's telephone number, including area code:      (504) 568-1010 
                                                     ---------------------------

                               NOT APPLICABLE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
                        if changed since last report.


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 of such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.

                                       YES   X       NO           
                                          -------      -------


62,026,097 shares of Tidewater Inc. common stock $.10 par value per share were
outstanding on October 21, 1996.  Registrant has no other class of common stock
outstanding.





                                      1
   2
                         PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements
TIDEWATER INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)


- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               September 30,       March 31, 
ASSETS                                                            1996               1996    
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    
Current assets:                                                                              
 Cash, including temporary cash investments                    $     28,114           28,768 
 Marketable securities                                                6,188            ---   
 Trade and other receivables                                        170,907          144,472 
 Inventories                                                         32,983           31,346 
 Other current assets                                                 3,771            4,350 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total current assets                                            241,963          208,936 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investments in, at equity, and advances to                                                   
 unconsolidated companies                                            19,748           35,861 
Properties and equipment:                                                                    
 Marine equipment                                                 1,270,637        1,210,876 
 Compression equipment                                              316,376          324,069 
 Other                                                               41,967           41,240 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  1,628,980        1,576,185 
 Less accumulated depreciation                                      926,140          916,412 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Net properties and equipment                                    702,840          659,773 
Other assets                                                         73,216           73,630 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               $  1,037,767          978,200 
=============================================================================================
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                         
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current liabilities:                                                                         
 Current maturities of long-term debt                                 ---              2,934 
 Accounts payable and accrued expenses                               76,242           70,546 
 Accrued property and liability losses                               14,347           10,844 
 Income taxes                                                         5,491            1,356 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Total current liabilities                                     96,080           85,680 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred income taxes                                                81,728           76,579 
Accrued property and liability losses                                33,009           34,206 
Other liabilities and deferred credits                               45,316           42,985 
Stockholders' equity:                                                                        
 Common stock of $.10 par value; issued                                                      
    62,022,356 shares at September and                                                       
    61,882,695 shares at March                                        6,202            6,188 
 Additional paid-in capital                                         423,688          421,655 
 Retained earnings                                                  363,012          322,736 
 Unrealized investment gain                                             128            ---   
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    793,030          750,579 
 Less:                                                                                       
 Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment                  10,427           10,771 
 Deferred compensation - restricted stock                               969            1,058 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Total stockholders' equity                                 781,634          738,750 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               $  1,037,767          978,200 
=============================================================================================
                                                           
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
                                                                   




                                       2
   3
TIDEWATER INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                     Quarter Ended                        Six Months Ended                      
                                                      September 30,                        September 30,                        
                                                     --------------                       ----------------                      
                                                 1996               1995               1996              1995   
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                                         
Revenues:
   Marine operations                     $      167,691            132,726            314,330           260,780
   Compression operations                        26,181             28,034             55,436            55,073 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                193,872            160,760            369,766           315,853 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Costs and expenses:
   Marine operations                             96,579             79,834            187,795           161,818
   Compression operations                        14,625             14,870             31,513            28,777
   Depreciation                                  20,816             20,733             40,833            41,379
   General and administrative                    15,823             14,241             30,898            28,755 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                147,843            129,678            291,039           260,729 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                 46,029             31,082             78,727            55,124
Other income (expenses):
   Foreign exchange loss                           (397)               (29)              (254)             (210)
   Gains on sales of assets                         561              1,163              1,995             4,552
   Equity in net earnings of
      unconsolidated companies                    1,176              1,940              2,419             3,036
   Minority interests                              (162)              (298)              (340)             (765)
   Interest and miscellaneous income              1,345              1,218              2,256             1,882
   Interest and other debt costs                   (121)            (1,779)              (534)           (4,244)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                  2,402              2,215              5,542             4,251 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Earnings before income taxes                     48,431             33,297             84,269            59,375
Income taxes                                     15,479             10,866             26,947            19,517 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Net earnings                             $       32,952             22,431             57,322            39,858 
=============================================================================================================== 
Primary and fully-diluted
   earnings per common share:            $          .53                .36                .92               .64 
=============================================================================================================== 
Weighted average common
   shares and equivalents                    62,594,928         62,097,561         62,628,126        62,054,663 
=============================================================================================================== 
Cash dividends declared
   per common share                      $          .15               .125               .275              .225
=============================================================================================================== 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.





                                       3
   4
TIDEWATER INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                  Quarter Ended                    Six Months Ended
                                                                  September 30,                     September 30,   
                                                               --------------------           ----------------------- 
                                                               1996            1995             1996           1995   
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                                                  
Net cash provided by operating activities               $     43,109           41,051           88,776         83,635 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Cash flows from investing activities:                                                                   
   Proceeds from sales of assets                               2,348            5,499            7,427         11,537
   Additions to properties and equipment                     (19,625)         (10,572)         (32,451)       (16,491)
   Purchase of marketable securities                          (6,060)           ---             (6,060)         ---
   Acquisition of joint-venture interest,                                                               
      net of cash acquired                                     ---              ---             (3,435)         ---
   Dividends received from unconsolidated                                                               
      companies, net of additional                                                                      
      investments                                                887            2,406            3,830          3,718
   Dividends paid to minority interests                          (66)             (73)            (724)          (899)
   Other                                                       ---               (129)             ---           (385)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Net cash used in investing activities                  (22,516)          (2,869)         (31,413)        (2,520)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Cash flows from financing activities:                                                                   
   Principal payments on long-term debt                      (17,464)         (24,173)         (43,018)       (65,055)
   Cash dividends paid                                        (9,302)          (6,663)         (17,046)       (11,987)
   Proceeds from issuance of common stock                        317              658            2,047          1,018
   Other                                                       ---                 41              ---             41
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
      Net cash used in financing activities                  (26,449)         (30,137)         (58,017)       (75,983)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Net increase (decrease) in cash,                                                                        
   including temporary cash investments                       (5,856)           8,045             (654)         5,132
Net increase in cash for Hornbeck Offshore                                                              
   Services for the quarter ended 3/31/95                      ---              ---                ---          4,980 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Cash, including temporary cash                                                                          
   investments at beginning of period                         33,970           25,341           28,768         23,274 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Cash, including temporary cash                                                                          
   investments at end of period                         $     28,114           33,386           28,114         33,386 
===================================================================================================================== 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow                                                                    
   information:                                                                                         
      Cash paid during the period for:                                                                  
      Interest                                          $        434            1,369              786          4,304 
      Income taxes                                      $     15,179            9,063           16,590         10,877 
===================================================================================================================== 
Supplemental noncash investing activity:                                                                
   Joint-venture interest acquired:                                                                     
      Fair value of assets acquired                     $      ---              ---             51,305          ---
      Fair value of liabilities assumed                        ---              ---            (47,870)         ---   
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
      Net cash payment                                  $      ---              ---              3,435          ---   
===================================================================================================================== 
                                                              
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.   
                                                                      




                                       4
   5
TIDEWATER INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



(1)  Interim Financial Statements

     The consolidated financial information for the interim periods presented
     herein has not been audited by independent accountants, but in the opinion
     of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring
     adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed
     consolidated balance sheets and the condensed consolidated statements of
     earnings and cash flows at the dates and for the periods indicated have
     been made.  Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily
     indicative of results of operations for the respective full years.

(2)  Earnings per Share Data

     Primary and fully diluted earnings per share data are computed on the
     weighted average number of shares and dilutive equivalent shares of common
     stock (stock options and restricted stock grants) outstanding during each
     period using the treasury stock method.

(3)  Income Taxes

     Income tax expense for interim periods is based on estimates of the
     effective tax rate for the entire fiscal year.  The effective tax rate was
     32% for the quarter and six-month period ended September 30, 1996.  For
     the quarter and six-month period ended September 30, 1995 the effective
     tax rate was 33%.

     The Internal Revenue Service has notified the company of proposed
     deficiencies resulting from the audit of the company's 1992 and 1993 tax
     returns.  The company is in the process of preparing its defenses against
     these claims, and in management's opinion the ultimate outcome of these
     matters will not have a materially adverse effect on the company's
     financial position and results of operations.

 (4) Acquisition of Marine Joint-Venture

     During fiscal 1997's first quarter the company acquired the remaining
     50.1% equity interest in 22 of 29 safety/standby vessels previously owned
     and operated by joint-venture companies in the North Sea.  The acquisition
     was accounted for as a purchase and accordingly, the fair value of the
     assets acquired and liabilities assumed and results of operations have
     been included in the condensed consolidated financial statements effective
     June 1, 1996.





                                       5
   6
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT



The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Tidewater Inc.:

We have reviewed the condensed consolidated balance sheet of Tidewater Inc. and
subsidiaries as of September 30, 1996 and the related condensed consolidated
statements of earnings and cash flows for the three-month and six-month periods
ended September 30, 1996 and 1995.  These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management.

We conducted our review in accordance with standards established by the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.  A review of interim
financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to
financial data and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and
accounting matters.  It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted
in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the objective of
which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken
as a whole.  Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should
be made to the condensed consolidated financial statements referred to above
for them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards, the consolidated balance sheet of Tidewater Inc. as of March 31,
1996, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders'
equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in
our report dated April 29, 1996 we expressed an unqualified opinion on those
consolidated financial statements.  In our opinion the information set forth in
the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 1996 is
fairly presented, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated
balance sheet from which it has been derived.





KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
October 18, 1996





                                       6
   7
                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS


The company provides services and equipment to the international energy
industry through its marine and compression divisions.  Company revenues, net
earnings and cash flows from operations are dependent upon activity levels of
the marine vessel fleet and the natural gas compression rental fleet.  Activity
levels for the marine vessel fleet and the natural gas compression rental fleet
are ultimately dependent upon oil and natural gas prices which, in turn, are
determined by the supply/demand relationship for oil and natural gas.  The
following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

MARINE DIVISION

The Marine division provides a diverse range of services and equipment to the
offshore oil and gas industry.  Fleet size, utilization and vessel day rates
primarily determine the amount of revenues and operating profit because
operating costs and depreciation do not change proportionally with changes in
revenues.  Operating costs consist primarily of crew costs, repair and
maintenance, insurance, fuel, lube and supplies.  Fleet size and utilization
are the major factors which affect crew costs.  The timing and amount of repair
and maintenance costs are influenced by vessel age and scheduled drydockings to
satisfy safety and inspection requirements mandated by regulatory agencies.
Whenever possible, vessel drydockings are done during seasonally slow periods
to minimize any impact on vessel operations and are only done if economically
justified, given the vessel's age and physical condition.  The following tables
compare revenues, operating expenses (excluding general and administrative
expense and depreciation expense) and operating margins of the Marine
division's owned and operated vessel fleet for the quarters and six-month
periods ended September 30 and for the quarter ended June 30, 1996:



                                                                                                        Quarter
                                                  Quarter Ended               Six Months Ended           Ended
                                                  September 30,                 September 30,           June 30,
                                                  -------------               -----------------         --------
        (in thousands)                         1996           1995           1996           1995         1996  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         
Revenues:
  United States                             $ 79,227         59,497        147,423        115,951        68,196
  International                               79,126         66,273        149,479        129,737        70,353 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             158,353        125,770        296,902        245,688       138,549 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses:
  Crew costs                                  44,053         37,133         81,937         71,657        37,884
  Repair and maintenance                      22,803         19,056         49,461         41,255        26,658
  Insurance                                    8,383          8,423         16,314         16,566         7,931
  Fuel, lube and supplies                      7,552          5,880         14,733         11,651         7,181
  Other                                        5,975          4,465         10,762          9,187         4,787 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              88,766         74,957        173,207        150,316        84,441 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating margins                           $ 69,587         50,813        123,695         95,372        54,108 
================================================================================================================
Operating margin percentages                    43.9%          40.4%          41.7%          38.8%         39.1%
================================================================================================================


Fiscal 1997 second quarter and six-month operating margins climbed above fiscal
1996's respective amounts due to the beneficial effects of higher utilization
and average day rates for the worldwide fleet and a larger North Sea fleet
outweighing the adverse effect of higher operating expenses.  Current quarter
operating margins also climbed above the prior quarter amount due to higher
utilization and average day rates for the domestic-based fleet and a full
quarter's results





                                       7
   8
for the North Sea fleet being partially offset by higher operating expenses.
Greater demand and a much more favorable supply/demand relationship for
offshore marine services in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico were primarily responsible
for the increases in utilization and average day rates for the current quarter
and six-month period compared with the respective fiscal 1996 periods, and for
the current quarter compared with the prior quarter.  A larger North Sea fleet
is due to fiscal 1997's first quarter acquisition of several safety/standby
vessels.  Higher operating expenses for the current quarter and six-month
period compared with fiscal 1996's respective periods and for the current
quarter compared with the preceding quarter resulted primarily from increased
activity for the domestic-based fleet, the expansion of the North Sea fleet and
increased costs associated with retaining qualified vessel personnel and
attracting and training new vessel personnel.  Higher operating expenses for
the quarter and six-month period ended September 30, 1996 compared with the
quarter and six-month period ended September 30, 1995 were also due to higher
repair and maintenance costs resulting from a greater number of vessel
drydockings.

Revenues, operating expenses (excluding general and administrative expense and
depreciation expense) and operating margins of brokered vessels, shipyard and
other activities for the quarters and six-month periods ended September 30 and
for the quarter ended June 30, 1996 were:



                                                                                                       Quarter      
                                                  Quarter Ended               Six Months Ended          Ended       
                                                  September 30,                 September 30,          June 30,     
                                                  -------------               -----------------        --------     
          (In thousands)                       1996           1995           1996           1995          1996  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           
Revenues                                    $  9,338          6,956         17,428         15,092         8,090
Expenses                                       7,813          4,877         14,588         11,502         6,775 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Margins                                     $  1,525          2,079          2,840          3,590         1,315 
================================================================================================================


Marine division operating profit for the quarters and six-month periods ended
September 30 and for the quarter ended June 30, 1996 consist of the following:



                                                                                                                 Quarter
                                                          Quarter Ended            Six Months Ended               Ended
                                                          September 30,              September 30,               June 30,
                                                          -------------            -----------------             --------
          (In thousands)                               1996          1995        1996             1995             1996  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   
Owned and operated vessels:
  United States                                     $ 26,204        12,781      42,066           21,294           15,862
  International                                       18,695        15,767      35,044           28,590           16,349 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      44,899        28,548      77,110           49,884           32,211
Gains from asset sales                                   161         1,111         877            4,226              716
Brokered vessels, shipyard and other                   1,278         1,824       2,396            3,180            1,118 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating profit                                    $ 46,338        31,483      80,383           57,290           34,045 
=========================================================================================================================


Marine fleet utilization is determined primarily by market conditions and to a
lesser extent by drydocking requirements.  Utilization of the domestic-based
fleet, which operates in U.S. waters, is primarily influenced by offshore
activity related to the exploration, development and production of natural gas
in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico; whereas, utilization of the international-based
fleet, which operates in waters other than the United States, is primarily
influenced by offshore activity related to the exploration, development and
production of oil.

Marine vessel day rates are determined by the demand created through the level
of offshore exploration, development and production spending by energy
exploration and production companies relative to the supply of offshore service
vessels.  Suitability of equipment and the degree of service provided also
influence vessel day rates.  The following two tables compare day-





                                       8
   9
based Marine fleet utilization percentages and average day rates by vessel
class and in total for the quarters and six- month periods ended September 30
and for the quarter ended June 30, 1996:



                                                                                                       Quarter
                                                  Quarter Ended               Six Months Ended          Ended
                                                   September 30,               September 30,           June 30,
                                                  -------------               ----------------         ---------
                                                1996           1995          1996           1995          1996  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           
UTILIZATION:
- ----------- 
  Domestic-based fleet
  --------------------
  Towing-supply/supply                         90.2%            85.6          90.8           86.2          91.3
  Crew/utility                                 94.1             79.5          92.5           80.6          90.9
  Offshore tugs                                67.0             64.8          64.8           56.2          62.4
  Other                                        61.9             64.8          55.1           54.6          48.8
  Total                                        85.1%            79.9          84.3           78.5          83.6
  International-based fleet
  -------------------------
  Towing-supply/supply                         88.1%            87.9          87.8           87.3          87.5
  Crew/utility                                 85.4             85.0          87.9           85.8          90.5
  Offshore tugs                                70.3             71.2          72.8           71.7          75.4
  Safety/standby                               78.2            ---            79.6          ---            84.4
  Other                                        74.4             48.3          75.3           42.9          76.2
  Total                                        82.1%            78.2          83.0           77.2          84.0
  Worldwide fleet
  ---------------
  Towing-supply/supply                         89.1%            86.9          89.1           86.8          89.2
  Crew/utility                                 90.1             81.7          90.4           82.7          90.7
  Offshore tugs                                68.8             68.4          69.3           64.6          69.7
  Safety/standby                               78.2            ---            79.6          ---            84.4
  Other                                        71.7             51.6          70.7           45.3          69.7
  Total                                        83.3%            79.0          83.6           77.8          83.8 
================================================================================================================
AVERAGE VESSEL DAY RATES:
- ------------------------ 
  Domestic-based fleet 
  ---------------------
  Towing-supply/supply                       $ 5,049          3,495          4,660          3,422         4,278
  Crew/utility                                 1,512          1,354          1,468          1,348         1,424
  Offshore tugs                                5,355          4,584          5,185          4,860         4,994
  Other                                        3,050          2,868          3,100          2,972         3,158
  Total                                      $ 4,317          3,178          4,047          3,147         3,773
  International-based fleet 
  --------------------------
  Towing-supply/supply                       $ 3,838          3,670          3,768          3,657         3,695
  Crew/utility                                 1,735          1,767          1,731          1,825         1,728
  Offshore tugs                                2,916          2,705          2,809          2,671         2,708
  Safety/standby                               4,907          ---            4,975          ---           5,194
  Other                                          662            727            690            727           719
  Total                                      $ 3,144          2,987          3,044          3,006         2,939
  Worldwide fleet
  ---------------
  Towing-supply/supply                       $ 4,387          3,590          4,178          3,548         3,965
  Crew/utility                                 1,610          1,526          1,586          1,547         1,562
  Offshore tugs                                3,971          3,498          3,788          3,549         3,602
  Safety/standby                               4,907          ---            4,975          ---           5,194
  Other                                        1,109          1,265          1,116          1,279         1,123
  Total                                      $ 3,639          3,075          3,471          3,071         3,298 
================================================================================================================


Additional investment in the vessel fleet for the current six-month period
totaled $25.3 million, including the purchases of two towing-supply/supply
vessels, two offshore tugs and a crewboat for $14.8 million.  The remainder of
additions for the current six-month period of $10.5 million





                                       9
   10
were for additions to and/or modifications of the existing vessel fleet.  In
the prior quarter the remaining 50.1% equity interest in 22 of 29
safety/standby vessels, previously operated by joint-venture companies in the
North Sea, was acquired and increased the size of the international-based
fleet.  In prior periods these vessels were classified as joint-venture owned.
The average size of the domestic-based fleet fell from September 1995 to
September 1996 due to vessel sales, the return of previously leased vessels to
their owners and the withdrawal of several vessels from active service in
fiscal 1997's first quarter because of age and anticipated higher repair and
maintenance costs.  The following table compares the average number of vessels
by class and geographic distribution for the quarters and six- month periods
ended September 30 and for the quarter ended June 30, 1996:



                                                           Quarter                 Six Months          Quarter
                                                            Ended                    Ended              Ended
                                                          September 30,            September 30,       June 30,
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    1996          1995        1996         1995          1996
                                                    ----          ----        ----         ----          ----
                                                                                            
Domestic-based fleet:
- -------------------- 
 Towing-supply/supply                                137           148         138          149            139
 Crew/utility                                         42            52          42           52             43
 Offshore tugs                                        43            42          42           43             41
 Other                                                13            13          14           13             15 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total                                               235           255         236          257            238 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
International-based fleet:
- ------------------------- 
 Towing-supply/supply                                169           170         168          170            169
 Crew/utility                                         36            35          36           35             35
 Offshore tugs                                        53            52          53           50             53
 Safety/standby*                                      26           ---          19          ---              9
 Other                                                49            51          47           51             47 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total                                               333           308         323          306            313 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Owned or chartered vessels
    included in marine revenues                      568           563         559          563            551
 Vessels withdrawn from active service                22            15          23           15             24
 Joint-venture owned vessels                          47            76          57           76             66 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total                                            637           654         639          654            641 
===============================================================================================================
Worldwide fleet:
- --------------- 
 Towing-supply/supply                                345           355         349          356            351
 Crew/utility                                         89            96          89           96             91
 Offshore tugs                                       102            97         101           96            100
 Safety/standby*                                      26            29          26           29             24
 Other                                                75            77          74           77             75 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total                                               637           654         639          654            641 
===============================================================================================================


*   Change in number of vessels is the result of the company's acquisition of
    the remaining 50.1% interest in a North Sea joint venture effective 
    June 1, 1996.

COMPRESSION DIVISION

The Compression division provides natural gas compression services and
equipment for a variety of applications primarily in the energy industry.
Rental revenues are determined, for the most part, by utilization and fleet
size.  Utilization is affected by natural gas storage levels and by the number
and age of producing oil and natural gas wells which, in turn, are dependent
upon the price levels of oil and natural gas.  Quality of service, availability
and rental rates for equipment are also major factors which affect utilization.
Operating expenses are generally consistent from period-to- period and usually
vary in the short-term due to fluctuations in the amount of repair and
maintenance expense.  Long- term growth in operating expenses will occur
primarily as a result of increased





                                       10
   11
fleet size and general inflationary factors.  Compression division operating
profit is primarily determined by operating margins from rental gas compression
operations.  The following tables compare revenues, operating expenses
(excluding general and administrative expense and depreciation expense),
operating margins and related statistics for gas compression operations for the
quarters and six-month periods ended September 30 and for the quarter ended
June 30, 1996.



                                                                                                        Quarter
                                                    Quarter Ended             Six Months Ended           Ended
                                                    September 30,               September 30,           June 30,
                                                   ---------------            ----------------          --------
      (In thousands, except statistics)        1996           1995           1996            1995         1996  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         
Revenues:
  Rentals                                    $17,995         18,193         35,797         36,685        17,802
  Repair, service and other                      677          1,633          1,975          3,205         1,298 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              18,672         19,826         37,772         39,890        19,100 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses:
  Wages and benefits                           3,054          3,042          5,973          6,095         2,919
  Repairs and maintenance                      3,243          3,106          6,483          6,391         3,240
  Other                                        1,953          2,082          3,956          4,130         2,003 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               8,250          8,230         16,412         16,616         8,162 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Operating margins                          $10,422         11,596         21,360         23,274        10,938 
================================================================================================================
Operating margin percentages                    55.8%          58.5%          56.5%          58.3%         57.3%
================================================================================================================
Horsepower based statistics:
  Utilization                                   76.3%          71.9%          75.8%          72.1%         75.5%
  Average monthly rental rate                 $16.75          17.79          16.67          17.86         16.58
  Average fleet size                         468,449        473,887        470,278        474,853       472,108 
================================================================================================================


Compared to the corresponding quarter of fiscal 1996, fiscal 1997 second
quarter and six-month operating margins fell as a result of increased
competition which weakened rental rates and entirely offset the positive effect
of higher utilization.

The Compression division also designs, fabricates and installs engineered
compressor systems and sells related parts and equipment.  The following table
compares revenues, costs of sales and sales margins for equipment and parts
sales for the quarters and six-month periods ended September 30 and for the
quarter ended June 30, 1996:



                                                                                                         Quarter
                                                   Quarter Ended               Six Months Ended           Ended
                                                   September 30,                 September 30,           June 30,
                                                   -------------               ---------------          --------
            (In thousands)                     1996           1995           1996            1995         1996  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                          
Revenues                                      $7,509          8,208         17,664         15,183        10,155
Costs of sales                                 6,375          6,640         15,101         12,161         8,726 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Gross profit margins                    $1,134          1,568          2,563          3,022         1,429 
================================================================================================================
Gross profit margin percentages                 15.1%          19.1%          14.5%          19.9%         14.1%
================================================================================================================


Fluctuations in the level of equipment and parts sales for the periods
presented are due to the timing of sales of engineered products.  Fluctuations
in gross profit margin percentages are the result of competitive market forces.
Costs of sales consist primarily of wages and benefits and material costs
associated with the design, fabrication and installation of packaged compressor
systems.

Additional investment in the natural gas compression rental fleet for the
current year-to-date period was $7.2 million and was primarily for
modifications of existing equipment to meet





                                       11
   12
customer requirements.  During the first quarter of fiscal 1997 the Compression
division disposed of all of its air rental equipment which generated proceeds
of $3.5 million and a gain of $.5 million.  Revenues from the rental of air
equipment for the six-month period ended September 30, 1996 were $.7 million.
Gains from sales of assets, excluding air rental equipment, for the current
quarter and six-month period were $.4 million and $.6 million, respectively.
Gains from sales of assets for the corresponding quarter and six-month period
of fiscal 1996 contributed nominally to division operating profits.

CORPORATE

Fiscal 1997 second quarter and six-month financing activities consumed less
cash compared with the respective fiscal 1996 periods due to lower principal
payments on long-term debt.  Principal payments on long-term debt during the
current quarter and six-month periods were primarily for the repayment, prior
to maturity, of outstanding debt assumed in connection with the purchase of the
remaining equity in the joint-venture companies in the North Sea.  Interest
expense in the quarter and six-month periods ended September 30, 1996 was lower
than the corresponding fiscal 1996 periods as a result of the fiscal 1996
fourth quarter prepayments of debt assumed in connection with the fiscal 1996
fourth quarter merger with Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc.

General and administrative expenses for the quarters and six-month periods
ended September 30 and for the quarter ended June 30, 1996 consist of the
following:



                                                                                                        Quarter
                                                    Quarter Ended               Six Months Ended         Ended
                                                    September 30,                 September 30,         June 30,
                                                   ---------------              ---------------         --------
          (In thousands)                       1996           1995           1996            1995         1996  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                          
Personnel                                   $  9,384          8,221         18,185         16,701         8,801
Office and property                            2,867          2,475          5,508          4,840         2,641
Sales and marketing                            1,066            700          1,999          1,552           933
Professional services                          1,357            991          2,625          2,062         1,268
Other                                          1,149          1,854          2,581          3,600         1,432 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             $15,823         14,241         30,898         28,755        15,075 
================================================================================================================


CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS AND INFLATION

Because of its significant international operations, the company is exposed to
currency fluctuations and exchange risks.  To minimize the financial impact of
these items the company attempts to contract a majority of its services in
United States dollars.

Day-to-day operating costs are generally affected by inflation.  However,
because the energy services industry requires specialized goods and services,
general economic inflationary trends may not affect the company's operating
costs.  The major impact on operating costs is the level of offshore
exploration, development and production spending by energy exploration and
production companies.  As this spending increases, prices of goods and services
used by the oil and gas industry and the energy services industry will
increase.  Future improvements in vessel day rates and compressor rental rates
may buffer the company from the inflationary effects on operating costs.


ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

During the ordinary course of business the company's operations are subject to
a wide variety of environmental laws and regulations.  The company attempts to
comply with these laws and regulations in order to avoid costly accidents and
any related environmental damage.





                                       12
   13

                          PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION



Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

A.  The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company was held in New Orleans,
    Louisiana on July 25, 1996.

B.  Listed below are the nominees who were elected directors at the Annual
    Meeting and the name of each other director whose term of office continued
    after the Meeting.



                                                Nominee or Director
                                                Continuing in Office
                                                --------------------
                                             
Robert H. Boh                                   Nominee
               
Donald T. Bollinger                             Nominee

Larry T. Hornbeck                               Nominee

Hugh J. Kelly                                   Nominee
               
Arthur R. Carlson                               Director Continuing in Office
                              
John P. Laborde                                 Director Continuing in Office
                              
William C. O'Malley                             Director Continuing in Office
                              
Paul W. Murrill                                 Director Continuing in Office
                              
Lester Pollack                                  Director Continuing in Office
                              
J. Hugh Roff, Jr.                               Director Continuing in Office


C.  The Company's Stockholders voted as follows with respect to the proposals
    presented at the meeting:

    1.  Robert H. Boh was elected director with 52,234,321 votes cast for and
        400,629 votes withheld;

    2.  Donald T. Bollinger was elected director with 51,947,559 votes cast for
        and 687,391 votes withheld;

    3.  Larry T. Hornbeck was elected director with 51,090,870 votes cast for
        and 1,554,079 votes withheld;

    4.  Hugh J. Kelly was elected director with 52,217,972 votes cast for and
        416,978 votes withheld; and

    5.  The selection of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as the Company's independent
        auditors for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1997 was ratified with
        52,581,949  votes cast for, 10,550 votes against and 42,451
        abstentions.





                                      13
   14
Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

A.  At page 15 of this report is the index for those exhibits required to be
    filed as a part of this report.

B.  The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 19, 1996
    which disclosed its Board of Directors adopted an updated Rights Plan
    designed to supersede a Rights Plan originally adopted April 1990.  As with
    its previously adopted Rights Plan, the new Rights Plan is intended to
    protect stockholder interests in the event the company becomes the subject
    of a takeover initiative that would deny the company's stockholders the
    full value of their investment.  The new Rights, which will be issued to 
    each common stockholder of record on October 1, 1996, will be exercisable
    only if a person acquires, or announces a tender offer which would result
    in ownership of, 15 percent or more of the company's common stock.  The
    board of directors will be authorized in certain circumstances to lower
    this 15 percent threshold to not less than 10 percent. The initial exercise
    price will be $160.00 per Right.  The Rights will expire on November 1,
    2006, unless redeemed or exchanged at an earlier date.
        




                                      14
   15

                                 EXHIBIT INDEX




Exhibit
Number                     Description
- ------                     -----------
      
10.1     Change of Control Agreement dated September 30, 1996 between the Company and  William C. O'Malley.

10.2     Form of Change of Control Agreement dated September 30, 1996 between the Company and four executive officers.

10.3     Form of Change of Control Agreement dated September 30, 1996 between the Company and seven officers.

11       Statement - Computation of Per Share Earnings

27       Financial Data Schedule






                                       15
   16
                                   SIGNATURES




Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Registrant
has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned
thereunto duly authorized.



                                                                    
                                TIDEWATER INC.                           
                                -----------------------------------------
                                (Registrant)                             
                                                                         
                                                                         
                                                                         
                                                                         
Date: October 21, 1996               /s/ William C. O'Malley             
                                -----------------------------------------
                                William C. O'Malley                      
                                Chairman of the Board, President and     
                                Chief Executive Officer                  
                                                                         
                                                                         
                                                                         
                                                                         
                                                                         
Date: October 21, 1996               /s/ Ken C. Tamblyn                  
                                -----------------------------------------
                                Ken C. Tamblyn                           
                                Executive Vice President and             
                                Chief Financial Officer                  
                                                                         
                                                                         



                                       16
   17

                                 EXHIBIT INDEX




Exhibit
Number                     Description
- ------                     -----------
      
10.1     Change of Control Agreement dated September 30, 1996 between the Company and  William C. O'Malley.

10.2     Form of Change of Control Agreement dated September 30, 1996 between the Company and four executive officers.

10.3     Form of Change of Control Agreement dated September 30, 1996 between the Company and seven officers.

11       Statement - Computation of Per Share Earnings

27       Financial Data Schedule