Torch Offshore Awarded ISM Certification

Torch Offshore, Inc. has been awarded ISM Certification by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). The Safety Management System of the Company was audited by the ABS and was deemed to be compliant with all of the requirements of the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and Pollution Prevention (ISM Code) as adopted by the International Maritime Organization. This ISM certification was granted after a thorough audit of the Company's pertinent records, interviews with Company personnel and observation of daily activities. This international certification is a first-time award for the Company and carries significant prestige in the worldwide offshore safety community. Lyle G. Stockstill, Torch Offshore, Inc. Chairman and CEO, commented, "We are extremely proud of the recognition of being ISM certified by the ABS. The Company has always placed a strong emphasis on our Safety Management System and in maintaining a record of safety excellence. Management views safety as a means to not only add value to the quality of our operations internally, but to add value to the customer's project at hand. Having a strong safety record supplements the overall strength of the Company and therefore, we will continue to strive to keep safety an integral part of our daily operations."