Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc. has been named the recipient of the U.S. Department of Interior's Minerals Management Service (MMS) 2001 National SAFE Award (Safety Award for Excellence) for Drilling Contractors. The award, which recognizes outstanding performance in safety and environmental protection, is presented annually to one company in each of four categories: operator with high activity, operator with moderate activity, drilling contractor and production contractor. Drilling contractors are made finalists for the MMS National Award by winning District Safe Awards from the MMS. For 2001, Diamond Offshore was awarded three of the five Gulf of Mexico District SAFE Awards for drilling contractors.