EXHIBIT 5
 







                                                                 EXHIBIT 23(b)



 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

 
    As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation 
by reference in this registration statement of our reports dated March 14, 
1997 included in RPC, Inc.'s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996 
and to all references to our firm included in this registration statement.
 


Atlanta, Georgia 
November 14, 1997