CLIFFS DRILLING CO
S-4, 1996-07-17
DRILLING OIL & GAS WELLS
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<PAGE>   1
 
     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JULY 17, 1996
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              Washington, DC 20549
                             ---------------------
                                    FORM S-4
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                             ---------------------
                            CLIFFS DRILLING COMPANY
 
          (and certain subsidiaries identified in footnote (*) below)
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                            <C>                            <C>
           DELAWARE                         1381                        76-0248934
(State or other jurisdiction of  (Primary Standard Industrial        (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Classification Code Number)      Identification Number)

                                                            EDWARD A. GUTHRIE
                                                        VICE PRESIDENT -- FINANCE
         1200 SMITH STREET, SUITE 300                    CLIFFS DRILLING COMPANY
             HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002                      1200 SMITH STREET, SUITE 300
                (713) 651-9426                             HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002
      (Address, including zip code, and                       (713) 651-9426
    telephone number, including area code,       (Name, address, including zip code, and
 of registrant's principal executive offices)     telephone number, including area code,
                                                          of agent for service)
</TABLE>
 
                                   Copies to:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                           <C>
                                                              T. MARK KELLY
            W. GARNEY GRIGGS, ESQ.                        VINSON & ELKINS L.L.P.
           GRIGGS & HARRISON, P.C.                        2300 FIRST CITY TOWER
          1301 MCKINNEY, SUITE 3200                            1001 FANNIN
             HOUSTON, TEXAS 77010                       HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002-6760
                (713) 651-0600                                (713) 758-4592
</TABLE>
 
     Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the
public: As soon as practicable following the effectiveness of this Registration
Statement.
 
     If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box.  / /
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=================================================================================================
TITLE OF EACH CLASS                           PROPOSED MAXIMUM  PROPOSED MAXIMUM
OF SECURITIES TO BE            AMOUNT TO BE  OFFERING PRICE PER AGGREGATE OFFERING    AMOUNT OF
REGISTERED                      REGISTERED        UNIT(1)           PRICE(1)     REGISTRATION FEE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>             <C>               <C>               <C>
10.25% Senior Notes due
  2003.......................   $150,000,000        100%          $150,000,000       $51,725
- -----------------------------
Guarantees (2)...............        --              --                --               --
=================================================================================================
</TABLE>
 
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.
 
(2) Guarantees by subsidiaries of the Registrant of the payment of the principal
    and interest on the 10.25% Senior Notes due 2003. Pursuant to Rule 457(n),
    no additional fee is required.
                             ---------------------
 
(*) The following subsidiaries of Cliffs Drilling Company are co-registrants
    incorporated in Delaware and having the I.R.S. Employer Identification
    Numbers indicated: (i) Southwestern Offshore Corporation (76-0503027), (ii)
    Cliffs Drilling International, Inc. (76-0236336), (iii) Cliffs Oil and Gas
    Company (74-2139293), (iv) Cliffs Drilling Merger Company (76-0503026) and
    (v) DRL, Inc. (76-0503389).
                             ---------------------
 
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES
AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE
A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
 
                            CLIFFS DRILLING COMPANY
 
                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
 
             BETWEEN ITEMS IN PART I OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
               (FORM S-4) AND PROSPECTUS PURSUANT TO ITEM 501(B)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      ITEM OF FORM S-4                          LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS
      ------------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
<S>   <C>                                               <C>
A. INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION
 1.   Forepart of Registration Statement and Outside
        Front Cover Page of Prospectus................  Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus
 2.   Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of
        Prospectus....................................  Inside Front Cover Page of Prospectus;
                                                        Available Information; Incorporation of
                                                        Certain Documents by Reference; Table
                                                        of Contents
 3.   Risk Factors, Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
        and Other Information.........................  Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus;
                                                        Prospectus Summary; Risk Factors
 4.   Terms of the Transaction........................  Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus;
                                                        Prospectus Summary; Risk Factors;
                                                        Private Placement; Use of Proceeds; The
                                                        Exchange Offer; Description of the
                                                        Notes; Registration Rights Agreement;
                                                        Transfer Restrictions on Old Notes;
                                                        Certain Federal Income Tax
                                                        Considerations; Plan of Distribution
 5.   Pro Forma Financial Information.................  Incorporation of Certain Documents by
                                                        Reference; Pro Forma Condensed
                                                        Consolidated Financial Information
 6.   Material Contracts with the Company Being
        Acquired......................................  *
 7.   Additional Information Required for Reoffering
        by Persons and Parties Deemed to be
        Underwriters..................................  *
 8.   Interests of Named Experts and Counsel..........  *
 9.   Disclosure of Commission Position on
        Indemnification for Securities Act
        Liabilities...................................  *
B. INFORMATION ABOUT THE REGISTRANT
10.   Information with Respect to S-3 Registrants.....  Available Information; Incorporation of
                                                        Certain Documents by Reference;
                                                        Prospectus Summary; Risk Factors;
                                                        Private Placement; Use of Proceeds;
                                                        Capitalization; Pro Forma Condensed
                                                        Consolidated Financial Information;
                                                        Selected Consolidated Financial
                                                        Information
11.   Incorporation of Certain Information by
        Reference.....................................  Incorporation of Certain Documents by
                                                        Reference
12.   Information with Respect to S-2 or S-3
        Registrants...................................  *
13.   Incorporation of Certain Information by
        Reference.....................................  *
14.   Information with Respect to Registrants other
        than S-2 or S-3 Registrants...................  *
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   3
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      ITEM OF FORM S-4                          LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS
      ------------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
<S>   <C>                                               <C>
C. INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY
BEING ACQUIRED
15.   Information with Respect to S-3 Companies.......  *
16.   Information with Respect to S-2 or S-3
        Companies.....................................  *
17.   Information with Respect to Companies other than
        S-2 or S-3 Companies..........................  *
D. VOTING AND MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
18.   Information if Proxies, Consents or
        Authorizations are to be Solicited............  *
19.   Information if Proxies, Consents or
        Authorizations are not to be Solicited in an
        Exchange Offer................................  *
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
* Not applicable or answer is negative.
<PAGE>   4
 
***************************************************************************
*                                                                         *
*  INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A  *
*  REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED     *
*  WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT  *
*  BE SOLD NOR MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE        *
*  REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT    *
*  CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY     *
*  NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH  *
*  SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO            *
*  REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF SUCH STATE. *
*                                                                         *
***************************************************************************
 
       SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED JULY 17, 1996
 
PROSPECTUS
                            CLIFFS DRILLING COMPANY
                               OFFER TO EXCHANGE
                     10.25% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2003, SERIES B
           FOR ALL OUTSTANDING 10.25% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2003, SERIES A
 
        THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M. NEW YORK CITY TIME,
                     ON             , 1996, UNLESS EXTENDED
                             ---------------------
     Cliffs Drilling Company, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), hereby
offers, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this
Prospectus and the accompanying letter of transmittal (the "Letter of
Transmittal," and together with this Prospectus, the "Exchange Offer"), to
exchange $1,000 principal amount of its 10.25% Senior Notes due 2003, Series B
(the "Exchange Notes"), which have been registered under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), pursuant to a Registration Statement
(as defined herein) of which this Prospectus constitutes a part, for each $1,000
principal amount of its outstanding 10.25% Senior Notes due 2003, Series A (the
"Old Notes"), of which $150,000,000 principal amount is outstanding. The form
and terms of the Exchange Notes are identical in all material respects to the
form and terms of the Old Notes except for certain transfer restrictions and
registration rights relating to the Old Notes. The Exchange Notes will evidence
the same debt as the Old Notes and will be issued under and be entitled to the
benefits of the Indenture (as defined herein). The Exchange Notes and the Old
Notes are collectively referred to herein as the "Notes."
 
     The Notes will be senior unsecured obligations of the Company, ranking pari
passu in right of payment with all senior Indebtedness (as defined) of the
Company and senior to all Subordinated Indebtedness (as defined) of the Company.
The Notes will be unconditionally guaranteed (the "Subsidiary Guarantees") on a
senior unsecured basis by the Company's principal subsidiaries (the "Subsidiary
Guarantors"), and the Subsidiary Guarantees will rank pari passu in right of
payment with all senior Indebtedness of the Subsidiary Guarantors and senior to
all Subordinated Indebtedness of the Subsidiary Guarantors. The Subsidiary
Guarantees may be released under certain circumstances. The Notes and Subsidiary
Guarantees will be effectively subordinated to secured Indebtedness of the
Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors, respectively, with respect to the assets
securing such Indebtedness, including any Indebtedness under the Revolving
Credit Facility (as defined), which is secured by liens on substantially all of
the assets of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors. At June 30, 1996, the
Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors had no Indebtedness outstanding under the
Revolving Credit Facility. The Indenture governing the Exchange Notes will
permit the Company and its subsidiaries to incur additional Indebtedness in the
future, subject to certain limitations. See "Description of the Notes."
 
     The Company will accept for exchange any and all Old Notes that are validly
tendered on or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the date the Exchange
Offer expires, which will be             , 1996, unless the Exchange Offer is
extended. See "The Exchange Offer -- Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendment."
Tenders of Old Notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York
City time, on the business day prior to the Expiration Date (as defined herein),
unless previously accepted for exchange. The Exchange Offer is not conditioned
upon any minimum principal amount of Old Notes being tendered for exchange.
However, the Exchange Offer is subject to certain conditions which may be waived
by the Company and to the terms and provisions of the Registration Rights
Agreement (as defined herein). Old Notes may be tendered only in denominations
of $1,000 principal amount and integral multiples thereof. The Company has
agreed to pay the expenses of the Exchange Offer. See "The Exchange Offer."
 
                                                  (Cover continued on next page)
                             ---------------------
 
      SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 15 OF THIS PROSPECTUS FOR A
DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN EVALUATING AN
INVESTMENT IN THE NOTES.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
  EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
       PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
        REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                  The date of this Prospectus is July   , 1996
<PAGE>   5
 
     The Exchange Notes will bear interest at the rate of 10.25% per annum,
payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing
November 15, 1996. Holders of Exchange Notes of record on November 1, 1996 will
receive interest on November 15, 1996 from the date of issuance of the Exchange
Notes, plus an amount equal to the accrued interest on the Old Notes from the
date of issuance of the Old Notes, May 23, 1996, to the date of exchange
thereof. Interest on the Old Notes accepted for exchange will cease to accrue
upon issuance of the Exchange Notes.
 
     The Old Notes were sold by the Company on May 23, 1996 to the Initial
Purchasers (as defined herein) in a transaction not registered under the
Securities Act in reliance upon Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. The Old
Notes were thereupon offered and sold by the Initial Purchasers only to
"qualified institutional buyers" (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities
Act) and to a limited number of institutional "accredited investors" (as defined
in Rule 501(a)(1),(2),(3) or (7) under the Securities Act), each of whom agreed
to comply with certain transfer restrictions and other conditions. Accordingly,
the Old Notes may not be offered, resold or otherwise transferred in the United
States unless registered under the Securities Act or unless an applicable
exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act is available.
The Exchange Notes are being offered hereunder in order to satisfy the
obligations of the Company under the Registration Rights Agreement entered into
with the Initial Purchasers in connection with the offering of the Old Notes.
See "The Exchange Offer" and "Registration Rights Agreement."
 
     Based on no-action letters issued by the staff of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission" or "SEC") to third parties, including
Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation, SEC No-Action Letter (available April 13,
1989), Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc., SEC No-Action Letter (available June 5, 1991)
(the "Morgan Stanley Letter") and Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc., SEC No-Action Letter
(available June 5, 1991), the Company believes that the Exchange Notes issued
pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise
transferred by the respective holders thereof (other than a "Restricted Holder,"
being (i) a broker-dealer who purchased Old Notes exchanged for such Exchange
Notes directly from the Company to resell pursuant to Rule 144A or any other
available exemption under the Securities Act or (ii) a person that is an
affiliate of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities
Act), without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery
provisions of the Securities Act, provided that such Exchange Notes are acquired
in the ordinary course of such holder's business and such holder is not
participating in, and has no arrangement with any person to participate in, the
distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of such Exchange Notes.
Eligible holders wishing to accept the Exchange Offer must represent to the
Company that such conditions have been met. Holders who tender Old Notes in the
Exchange Offer with the intention to participate in a distribution of the
Exchange Notes may not rely upon the Morgan Stanley Letter or similar no-action
letters. See "The Exchange Offer -- General." Each broker-dealer that receives
Exchange Notes for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must
acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of
such Exchange Notes. A broker-dealer that delivers such a prospectus to
purchasers in connection with such resales will be subject to certain of the
civil liability provisions under the Securities Act and will be bound by the
provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement (including certain
indemnification rights and obligations). This Prospectus, as it may be amended
or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection
with resales of Exchange Notes received in exchange for Old Notes where such Old
Notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making
activities or other trading activities. The Company has agreed that it will make
this Prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this Prospectus available to
any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale for a period of up
to 180 days after consummation of the Exchange Offer. See "Plan of
Distribution."
 
     The Company will not receive any proceeds from the Exchange Offer.
 
     The Exchange Notes will constitute a new issue of securities with no
established trading market, and there can be no assurance as to the liquidity of
any markets that may develop for the Exchange Notes or as to the ability of or
price at which the holders of Exchange Notes would be able to sell their
Exchange Notes. Future trading prices of the Exchange Notes will depend on many
factors, including, among others, prevailing interest rates, the Company's
operating results and the market for similar securities. The Company does not
intend to apply for listing of the Exchange Notes on any securities exchange.
Jefferies & Company, Inc. and
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   6
 
ING Baring (U.S.) Securities, Inc. (together, the "Initial Purchasers") have
informed the Company that they currently intend to make a market for the
Exchange Notes. However, they are not so obligated, and any such market making
may be discontinued at any time without notice. Accordingly, no assurance can be
given that an active public or other market will develop for the Exchange Notes
or as to the liquidity of or the trading market for the Exchange Notes.
 
     The Exchange Notes will be available initially only in book-entry form. The
Company expects that the Exchange Notes issued pursuant to this Exchange Offer
will be issued in the form of a Global Note (as defined herein), which will be
deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company (the "Depositary"
or "DTC") and registered in its name or in the name of Cede & Co., its nominee.
Beneficial interests in the Global Note representing the Exchange Notes will be
shown on, and transfers thereof will be effected through, records maintained by
the Depositary and its participants. After the initial issuance of the Global
Note, Exchange Notes in certificated form will be issued in exchange for the
Global Note only on the terms set forth in the Indenture. See "Description of
the Notes -- Book-Entry; Delivery and Form."
 
     THE EXCHANGE OFFER IS NOT BEING MADE TO, NOR WILL THE COMPANY ACCEPT
SURRENDERS FOR EXCHANGE FROM, HOLDERS OF OLD NOTES IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH
THE EXCHANGE OFFER OR THE ACCEPTANCE THEREOF WOULD NOT BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE
SECURITIES OR BLUE SKY LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION.
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             PAGE NO.
                                                                             --------
        <S>                                                                  <C>
        Available Information..............................................      4
        Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference....................      4
        Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Information...................      5
        Prospectus Summary.................................................      6
        Risk Factors.......................................................     15
        The Company........................................................     20
        Private Placement..................................................     21
        Use of Proceeds....................................................     21
        Capitalization.....................................................     21
        Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Information.............     22
        Selected Consolidated Financial Information........................     24
        The Exchange Offer.................................................     26
        Description of Existing Indebtedness...............................     32
        Description of the Notes...........................................     32
        Registration Rights Agreement......................................     60
        Transfer Restrictions on Old Notes.................................     61
        Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations..........................     63
        Plan of Distribution...............................................     64
        Experts............................................................     65
</TABLE>
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   7
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and other information filed by the
Company may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities
maintained by the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza,
Washington, D.C. 20549; and at the following regional offices of the Commission:
7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048; and Citicorp Center,
500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such
material can also be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the
Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549,
at prescribed rates. The Commission maintains a World Wide Web site on the
Internet at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information
statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically
with the Commission. The Company's Common Stock is traded on the
over-the-counter market and is listed on Nasdaq. The Company's reports, proxy
statements and other information concerning the Company can be inspected and
copied at the offices of The National Association of Securities Dealers, 1735 K
Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006. While any Notes that are "restricted
securities" within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) under the Exchange Act remain
outstanding, the Company will make available, upon request, to any holder and
any prospective purchaser of Notes, the information required pursuant to Rule
144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act during any period in which the Company is
not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Any such request should
be directed to the Secretary of the Company, 1200 Smith Street, Suite 300,
Houston, Texas 77002, telephone number (713) 651-9426.
 
     This Prospectus constitutes part of a registration statement on Form S-4
(herein, together with all amendments and exhibits, referred to as the
"Registration Statement") filed by the Company with the Commission under the
Securities Act. This Prospectus omits certain of the information set forth in
the Registration Statement. Reference is hereby made to the Registration
Statement and to the exhibits relating thereto for further information with
respect to the Company and the securities offered hereby. Statements contained
herein concerning the provisions of contracts or other documents are not
necessarily complete, and each such statement is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the copy of the applicable contract or other document filed with
the Commission. Copies of the Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto
are on file at the offices of the Commission and may be obtained upon payment of
the fee prescribed by the Commission, or may be examined without charge at the
public reference facilities of the Commission described above.
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
     The following documents have been filed by the Company with the Commission
pursuant to the Exchange Act (File No. 0-16703) and are incorporated herein by
reference:
 
          (1) The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
     December 31, 1995;
 
          (2) The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
     March 31, 1996;
 
          (3) The Company's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of
     Stockholders held on May 22, 1996; and
 
          (4) The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 6, 1996 (the
     "Form 8-K").
 
     All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the termination of the offering made by this Prospectus shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein and to be a part hereof from the date of filing
thereof. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein,
or in any other subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein, modifies or supersedes such statement. Any
such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so
modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   8
 
     The Company hereby undertakes to provide without charge to each person,
including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this Prospectus has been
delivered, upon the written or oral request of such person, a copy of any or all
of the information that has been incorporated by reference in this Prospectus
(not including exhibits to the information that is incorporated by reference
herein unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference in such
information). Requests for such copies should be directed to the Company at 1200
Smith Street, Suite 300, Houston, Texas 77002, Attention: James E. Mitchell Jr.,
Secretary (telephone number (713) 651-9426). In order to ensure timely delivery
of such documents prior to the Expiration Date, any request should be made by
            , 1996.
 
     NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS AND THE ACCOMPANYING LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE,
SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR THE EXCHANGE AGENT. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS OR THE ACCOMPANYING LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, OR BOTH TOGETHER, NOR ANY
SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT
THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.
NEITHER THIS PROSPECTUS NOR THE ACCOMPANYING LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, OR BOTH
TOGETHER, CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY
OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY BY ANYONE IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH
OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED OR IN WHICH THE PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER
OR SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS
UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION.
 
                DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
 
     This Prospectus includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. All
statements other than statements of historical facts included in this
Prospectus, including without limitation, statements regarding the Company's
financial position, business strategy, budgets, plans and objectives of
management for future operations are forward-looking statements. Although the
Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking
statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will
prove to have been correct. Important factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from the Company's expectations ("Cautionary Statements") are
disclosed under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this Prospectus. All subsequent
written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company, or
persons acting on its behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the
Cautionary Statements.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   9
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to, and
should be read in conjunction with, the more detailed information and
consolidated financial statements (including the notes thereto) incorporated by
reference into this Prospectus. Unless the context otherwise requires, "Company"
refers to Cliffs Drilling Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
     Cliffs Drilling Company is an international contract drilling and
engineering company. The Company is primarily engaged in daywork drilling,
engineering services, and to a lesser extent, the development and operation of
mobile offshore production units ("MOPUs"). The Company has historically
deployed its assets in areas where it can achieve long-term growth and generate
stable cash flows and net income. This strategy has led to four consecutive
years of positive net income, while many other offshore drilling contractors
have experienced significant losses over the comparable period. The Company's
domestic operations are concentrated in the Texas/Louisiana Gulf Coast region
and its foreign operations are concentrated in Venezuela. The Company owns 12
jack-up drilling rigs, 6 land rigs, 5 MOPUs and a 50% interest in a joint
venture which owns one jack-up drilling rig.
 
     The Company and its predecessors have been in the contract drilling
business since 1978. The Company entered the turnkey drilling business in 1982
in an effort to more fully utilize its existing fleet of rigs and complement its
daywork drilling operations. In response to the economic conditions which
adversely affected the domestic contract drilling business during the 1980s, the
Company undertook a strategic plan in 1989 to further diversify its scope of
operations and geographic concentration beyond the traditional domestic daywork
drilling market. The Company's management implemented a proactive approach to
identify, develop and exploit several market segments which provided higher
margins and more reliable operating income and cash flow. To achieve its
strategic objectives, the Company continued to emphasize its turnkey drilling
operations, expanded its well engineering and management services, became a
leader in the development and operation of MOPUs and deployed its drilling rigs
into selected international markets. With the implementation of this strategy,
the Company has positioned itself to benefit from increases in drilling and
production activities in several markets worldwide.
 
INDUSTRY CONDITIONS
 
     Activity in the contract drilling industry and related oil service
businesses has shown signs of improvement over the last two years due to
increased worldwide demand for oil and natural gas. Over the past several years,
the supply of offshore drilling rigs has declined while the demand for such rigs
has increased, resulting in higher utilization rates. In addition, oil and gas
companies have experienced decreases in exploration and production costs from
technological advances such as increased use of 3-D seismic surveys, advances in
drill bits and completion technologies and use of new production techniques such
as MOPUs and subsea completions. In an effort to more quickly realize the
significant gas revenues attainable from shallow water drilling in the Gulf of
Mexico, oil and gas companies are producing reserves at faster rates. These
enhanced production methods increase the net present value of the reserves
produced and significantly shorten the reserve life in the Gulf of Mexico,
thereby necessitating additional drilling. In addition, the U.S. natural gas
market, which had experienced weak market conditions throughout the early 1990s,
has substantially improved in recent months. All of these factors have resulted
in increased demand for offshore rigs in the Gulf of Mexico and an increase in
both utilization and dayrates for jack-up drilling rigs. Management believes the
current market dynamics in the Gulf of Mexico will result in greater utilization
of the Company's rigs and services.
 
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
     As part of its business strategy, the Company has sought to identify
business opportunities that would expand its asset base, increase profitability
and enhance shareholder value. The Company's acquisition criteria, among others,
are to increase operating leverage and diversify geographically.
                                        6
<PAGE>   10
 
     On May 23, 1996, the Company completed the acquisition of 9 jack-up
drilling rigs and a 50% interest in a joint venture which owns an additional
jack-up drilling rig, and their related assets (collectively referred to as the
"Southwestern Rigs") operated by Southwestern Offshore Corporation, a Delaware
corporation ("Southwestern"). Pursuant to an Acquisition Agreement dated May 13,
1996 (the "Acquisition Agreement"), the Southwestern Rigs were acquired as
follows: (a) Cliffs Drilling Asset Acquisition Company (now known as
Southwestern Offshore Corporation), a newly formed Delaware corporation and
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("Newco"), acquired 6 rigs from Viking
Supply Ships A.S. ("Viking"), (b) Newco acquired one rig from Ocean Master III
Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of Liberia ("Ocean"), (c) Newco
acquired one rig from Production Partner Inc., a corporation organized under the
laws of Liberia ("Partner"), (d) Newco acquired a partial indirect interest in
one rig owned by West Indies Drilling Joint Venture (the "Joint Venture")
through the purchase by Newco of the outstanding capital stock of Viking
Trinidad Limited, a corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of
Trinidad and Tobago ("Trinidad") and a partner in the Joint Venture, and (e)
Cliffs Drilling Merger Company, a newly formed Delaware corporation and
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("Merger Sub"), acquired one rig through
the merger of Trivium Investments Limited, a corporation organized under the
laws of the British Virgin Islands ("Trivium"), with and into Merger Sub. As
used herein, the term "Sellers" shall mean Southwestern, Viking, Ocean, Partner
and Trivium.
 
     The purchase price of the Southwestern Rigs was (a) $103.8 million in cash
(after reductions of $6.2 million for required refurbishments of certain
Southwestern Rigs not made prior to closing) plus (b) issuance of 1.2 million
shares of the Company's Common Stock, $.01 par value per share (the "Shares")
and (c) assumption of certain contractual liabilities, including the Company's
guarantee of $4.25 million in indebtedness of the Joint Venture to Citibank N.A.
related to the refurbishment of the jack-up drilling rig owned by the Joint
Venture (together with accrued but unpaid interest thereon and costs of
collection). Pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement, the Company has registered
resale of the Shares.
 
     In part to finance the acquisition of the Southwestern Rigs, the Company
sold the Old Notes on May 23, 1996 to the Initial Purchasers. Of the $144.8
million net proceeds received by the Company in connection with the sale of the
Old Notes, $103.8 million was used to fund the cash portion of the purchase
price for the Southwestern Rigs and $6.2 million was reserved to complete
refurbishments of 2 rigs not completed by Sellers prior to closing. The
Subsidiary Guarantors each guarantee the Old Notes to the extent it is legally
able to do so. See "Private Placement" and "Capitalization."
 
     The acquisition of the Southwestern Rigs significantly expanded the
Company's jack-up fleet and broadened its areas of operation, particularly in
the active Gulf of Mexico. Of the 10 Southwestern Rigs acquired, 7 rigs have
been refurbished by the Sellers in the past four years, and the Company
completed the refurbishment of one rig and expects to commence refurbishment
activities on another rig during July, 1996. Upon completion of the current
upgrade and refurbishment, management believes capital expenditures over the
next several years will be minimal. Eight of these rigs are currently operating
or are expected to operate in the Gulf of Mexico and the other 2 rigs are
operating in Qatar and Trinidad, respectively.
 
     In addition, on May 10, 1996, the Company acquired the jack-up drilling rig
OCEAN MAGALLANES (the "Diamond Rig") from Diamond Offshore Southern Company
("Diamond") for $4.5 million. The Company has renamed this unit CLIFFS DRILLING
NO. 155. The Company has mobilized the Diamond Rig to Venezuela where it is
currently being refurbished and upgraded prior to commencing operations in
Venezuela. The Company has allocated $12 million of the net proceeds from the
sale of the Old Notes for the acquisition, mobilization and refurbishment of the
Diamond Rig. The Company signed a letter of intent with Maraven S.A. ("Maraven")
for the Diamond Rig and expects to sign an initial eight-month contract with
Maraven for use of the Diamond Rig in Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela.
 
     The acquisitions of the Southwestern Rigs and the Diamond Rig are
collectively referred to herein as the "Rig Acquisitions." Newco has changed its
name to "Southwestern Offshore Corporation" and has acquired the jack-up
drilling rig and related assets from Merger Sub which were acquired from
Trivium.
                                        7
<PAGE>   11
 
     On June 27, 1996, the Company and International Nederlanden (U.S.) Capital
Corporation ("ING") modified and amended the Revolving Credit Facility to, among
other things, increase the amount available under such facility to $35 million.
See "Description of Existing Indebtedness."
 
RIG FLEET INFORMATION
 
     The following table provides the status of and information about the
drilling rigs and MOPUs owned and operated by the Company, including those
recently acquired in the Rig Acquisitions, as of July 15, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               YEAR         RATED DEPTH
                                            DELIVERED/    ----------------                    TYPE OF         EXPIRATION
           EQUIPMENT              TYPE(1)   REFURBISHED   WATER   DRILLING   LOCATION(1)      CONTRACT           DATE
- --------------------------------  -------   -----------   -----   --------   -----------   --------------   ---------------
<S>                               <C>       <C>           <C>     <C>        <C>           <C>              <C>
JACK-UP DRILLING RIGS
LASALLE.........................   IC       1982/1996     150'    25,000'     Colombia      Term Daywork    December, 1996
Cliffs Drilling No. 12..........   MC       1980/1994     200'    20,000'       GOM           Workover            N/A
Cliffs Drilling No. 155(2)......   IC       1980/1996     150'    22,000'    Venezuela      Term Daywork      March, 1997
Southwestern 100................   MC       1983/1993     100'    25,000'       GOM         Well-to-Well    September, 1996
Southwestern Marine IV(3).......   MC       1980/1996     110'    25,000'     Trinidad      Term Daywork      June, 1997
Southwestern 150................   IC       1979/1994     150'    20,000'       GOM         Well-to-Well     August, 1996
Southwestern 151................   IC       1981/1993     150'    25,000'       GOM         Well-to-Well     August, 1996
Southwestern 152................   MC       1980/1993     150'    25,000'       GOM         Well-to-Well    September, 1996
Southwestern 153................   MC       1980/1994     150'    25,000'       GOM         Well-to-Well     October, 1996
Southwestern 154................   IC       1979/1996     150'    20,000'       GOM         Well-to-Well      July, 1996
Southwestern 160................   IC       1980/1996     160'    20,000'      Qatar        Term Daywork     August, 1998
Southwestern 180................   MS       1978/1996     184'    25,000'     Shipyard          N/A               N/A
Southwestern 200................   MC       1979/1992     200'    25,000'       GOM         Well-to-Well    September, 1996
LAND DRILLING RIGS
28.......................................   1977/1994       --    25,000'    Venezuela      Term Turnkey    February, 1997
40.......................................   1980/1991       --    25,000'    Venezuela      Term Daywork    September, 1996
41.......................................   1981/1994       --    25,000'    Venezuela      Term Turnkey    February, 1997
42.......................................   1981/1994       --    25,000'    Venezuela      Term Daywork    February, 1997
43.......................................   1981/1991       --    25,000'    Venezuela      Term Daywork    September, 1996
54.......................................   1981/1995       --    30,000'    Venezuela      Term Daywork     August, 1997
MOBILE OFFSHORE PRODUCTION UNITS
Cliffs Drilling No. 4....................   1967/1995     150'         --       GOM        Month-to-Month         N/A
Cliffs Drilling No. 8....................   1977/1993     250'         --       GOM             N/A               N/A
Cliffs Drilling No. 10...................   1979/1993     250'         --       GOM             N/A               N/A
Cliffs Drilling No. 14...................      1980       200'         --       GOM             N/A               N/A
LANGLEY..................................   1965/1996     150'         --     Nigeria       Term Daywork     October, 2001
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Abbreviations:
 
        MC = mat supported cantilever jack-up mobile offshore drilling unit
 
        IC = independent leg cantilever jack-up mobile offshore drilling unit
 
        MS = mat supported slot jack-up mobile offshore drilling unit
 
        GOM = Gulf of Mexico
 
(2) Formerly the OCEAN MAGALLANES and defined herein as the Diamond Rig.
 
(3) Formerly the Southwestern 110, this unit is owned by the Joint Venture in
    which the Company has an indirect ownership interest.
 
OPERATIONS
 
     The Company's three major business segments are daywork drilling,
engineering services and MOPU operations.
 
     Daywork Drilling. The Company began operations as a daywork contract
driller in the Gulf of Mexico and the Texas/Louisiana Gulf Coast region. Because
of depressed conditions in the domestic oil and gas industry during the 1980s
and early 1990s, the Company sold certain drilling rigs and deployed its
remaining
                                        8
<PAGE>   12
 
rigs into selected international markets. These strategic decisions were made to
enable the Company to stabilize cash flows during an extended market downturn.
The Company currently has an established base of term contracts in both drilling
and production operations, a strong cash position and no debt. Upon completion
of all planned rig refurbishments, the Company will operate 6 land rigs in
Venezuela, 9 jack-up rigs in the Gulf of Mexico and one jack-up rig in each of
Venezuela, Colombia, Qatar and Trinidad. Of the 13 jack-up drilling rigs owned
by the Company or in which the Company has an interest, 12 are cantilevered, 5
have top drives and substantially all have been refurbished in the last five
years or are currently in the process of being refurbished as described above.
 
     Engineering Services. Turnkey drilling has been a key element in the
Company's long-term strategy since 1982. The Company believes that its downhole
engineering expertise, extensive operating experience, veteran personnel and
risk management capabilities have allowed the Company to reduce the risks
inherent in turnkey drilling operations. The Company also began providing well
engineering and management services during 1993 as an expansion of this business
segment. Under these arrangements, the Company is responsible for well design
and well site supervision.
 
     MOPU Operations. Since 1989, the Company has pioneered the development and
operation of MOPUs, which allow the Company to participate in the more stable
oil and gas production market. MOPUs are offshore production systems, usually
converted jack-up rigs, from which the drilling equipment is removed and
production equipment is installed. MOPUs generally are contracted on a term
basis for several years and are characterized by relatively high operating
margins, with most of the costs assumed by the customer.
 
                   THE PRIVATE PLACEMENT AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     The Old Notes were sold by the Company on May 23, 1996 to the Initial
Purchasers and were thereupon offered and sold by the Initial Purchasers only to
certain qualified buyers. Of the $144.8 million net proceeds received by the
Company in connection with the sale of the Old Notes, $103.8 million was used to
fund the cash portion of the purchase price for the Southwestern Rigs and $6.2
million was reserved to complete refurbishments of 2 rigs not completed by
Sellers prior to closing. In addition, the Company allocated $12 million of such
net proceeds for the acquisition and refurbishment of the Diamond Rig. See
"Private Placement" and "Capitalization."
 
                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
     The Exchange Offer relates to the exchange of up to $150,000,000 principal
amount of Exchange Notes for up to $150,000,000 principal amount of Old Notes.
The form and terms of the Exchange Notes are identical in all material respects
to the form and terms of the Old Notes except that the Exchange Notes have been
registered under the Securities Act and will not contain certain transfer
restrictions and hence are not entitled to the benefits of the Registration
Rights Agreement relating to the contingent increases in the interest rate
provided for pursuant thereto. The Exchange Notes will evidence the same debt as
the Old Notes and will be issued under and be entitled to the benefits of the
Indenture governing the Old Notes. See "Description of Exchange Notes."
 
The Exchange Offer.........  Each $1,000 principal amount of Exchange Notes will
                               be issued in exchange for each $1,000 principal
                               amount of outstanding Old Notes. As of the date
                               hereof, $150,000,000 principal amount of Old
                               Notes are issued and outstanding. The Company
                               will issue the Exchange Notes to tendering
                               holders of Old Notes on or promptly after the
                               Expiration Date.
 
Resale.....................  The Company believes that the Exchange Notes issued
                               pursuant to the Exchange Offer generally will be
                               freely transferable by the holders thereof
                               without registration or any prospectus delivery
                               requirement under the Securities Act, except for
                               certain Restricted Holders who may be required to
                               deliver copies of this Prospectus in connection
                               with
                                        9
<PAGE>   13
 
                               any resale of the Exchange Notes issued in
                               exchange for such Old Notes. See "The Exchange
                               Offer -- General" and "Plan of Distribution."
 
Expiration Date............  5:00 p.m., New York City time, on             ,
                               1996, unless the Exchange Offer is extended, in
                               which case the term "Expiration Date" means the
                               latest date to which the Exchange Offer is
                               extended. See "The Exchange Offer -- Expiration
                               Date; Extensions; Amendments."
 
Interest on the Notes......  The Exchange Notes will bear interest payable
                               semi-annually on May 15 and November 15 of each
                               year, commencing November 15, 1996. Holders of
                               Exchange Notes of record on November 1, 1996 will
                               receive interest on November 15, 1996 from the
                               date of issuance of the Exchange Notes, plus an
                               amount equal to the accrued interest on the Old
                               Notes from the date of issuance of the Old Notes,
                               May 23, 1996, to the date of exchange thereof.
                               Consequently, assuming the Exchange Offer is
                               consummated prior to the record date in respect
                               of the November 15, 1996 interest payment for the
                               Old Notes, holders who exchange their Old Notes
                               for Exchange Notes will receive the same interest
                               payment on November 15, 1996 that they would have
                               received had they not accepted the Exchange
                               Offer. Interest on the Old Notes accepted for
                               exchange will cease to accrue upon issuance of
                               the Exchange Notes. See "The Exchange
                               Offer -- Interest on the Exchange Notes."
 
Procedures for Tendering
Old Notes..................  Each holder of Old Notes wishing to accept the
                               Exchange Offer must complete, sign and date the
                               Letter of Transmittal, or a facsimile thereof, in
                               accordance with the instructions contained herein
                               and therein, and mail or otherwise deliver such
                               Letter of Transmittal, or such facsimile,
                               together with the Old Notes to be exchanged and
                               any other required documentation to the Exchange
                               Agent at the address set forth herein and therein
                               or effect a tender of Old Notes pursuant to the
                               procedures for book-entry transfer as provided
                               for herein. See "The Exchange Offer -- Procedures
                               for Tendering."
 
Special Procedures for
Beneficial Holders.........  Any beneficial holder whose Old Notes are
                               registered in the name of a broker, dealer,
                               commercial bank, trust company or other nominee
                               and who wishes to tender in the Exchange Offer
                               should contact such registered holder promptly
                               and instruct such registered holder to tender on
                               the beneficial holder's behalf. If such
                               beneficial holder wishes to tender directly, such
                               beneficial holder must, prior to completing and
                               executing the Letter of Transmittal and
                               delivering the Old Notes, either make appropriate
                               arrangements to register ownership of the Old
                               Notes in such holder's name or obtain a properly
                               completed bond power from the registered holder.
                               The transfer of record ownership may take
                               considerable time. See "The Exchange
                               Offer -- Procedures for Tendering."
 
Guaranteed Delivery
  Procedures...............  Holders of Old Notes who wish to tender their Old
                               Notes and whose Old Notes are not immediately
                               available or who cannot deliver their Old Notes
                               and a properly completed Letter of Transmittal or
                               any other documents required by the Letter of
                               Transmittal to the Exchange
                                       10
<PAGE>   14
 
                               Agent prior to the Expiration Date, or who cannot
                               complete the procedure for book-entry transfer on
                               a timely basis, may tender their Old Notes
                               according to the guaranteed delivery procedures
                               set forth in "The Exchange Offer -- Guaranteed
                               Delivery Procedures."
 
Withdrawal Rights..........  Tenders of Old Notes may be withdrawn at any time
                               prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the
                               business day prior to the Expiration Date, unless
                               previously accepted for exchange. See "The
                               Exchange Offer -- Withdrawal of Tenders."
 
Termination of the Exchange
  Offer....................  The Company may terminate the Exchange Offer if it
                               determines that the Exchange Offer violates any
                               applicable law or interpretation of the staff of
                               the SEC. Holders of Old Notes will have certain
                               rights against the Company under the Registration
                               Rights Agreement should the Company fail to
                               consummate the Exchange Offer. See "The Exchange
                               Offer -- Termination" and "Registration Rights
                               Agreement."
 
Acceptance of Old Notes and
  Delivery of Exchange
  Notes....................  Subject to certain conditions (as summarized above
                               in "Termination of the Exchange Offer" and
                               described more fully in "The Exchange
                               Offer -- Termination"), the Company will accept
                               for exchange any and all Old Notes which are
                               properly tendered in the Exchange Offer prior to
                               5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration
                               Date. The Exchange Notes issued pursuant to the
                               Exchange Offer will be delivered promptly
                               following the Expiration Date. See "The Exchange
                               Offer -- General."
 
Exchange Agent.............  Fleet National Bank is serving as exchange agent
                               (the "Exchange Agent") in connection with the
                               Exchange Offer. The mailing address of the
                               Exchange Agent is: Fleet National Bank, 777 Main
                               Street, MSN CT/MO/0224, Hartford, Connecticut
                               06115, Attention: Corporate Trust Operations.
                               Hand deliveries and deliveries by overnight
                               courier should be addressed to Fleet National
                               Bank, 777 Main Street, MSN CT/MO/0224, Hartford,
                               Connecticut 06115, Attention: Corporate Trust
                               Operations. For information with respect to the
                               Exchange Offer, the telephone number for the
                               Exchange Agent is (860) 986-1271 and the
                               facsimile number for the Exchange Agent is (860)
                               986-7908. See "The Exchange Offer -- Exchange
                               Agent."
 
Certain Tax Consequences...  The exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer will
                               generally not be a taxable event for federal
                               income tax purposes. See "Certain Federal Income
                               Tax Considerations."
 
Use of Proceeds............  There will be no cash proceeds payable to the
                               Company from the issuance of the Exchange Notes
                               pursuant to the Exchange Offer. See "Use of
                               Proceeds." For a discussion of the use of the net
                               proceeds received by the Company from the sale of
                               the Old Notes, see "Private Placement."
                                       11
<PAGE>   15
 
                 TERMS OF THE OLD NOTES AND THE EXCHANGE NOTES
 
Securities Offered.........  $150 million principal amount of 10.25% Senior
                               Notes due 2003.
 
Maturity Date..............  May 15, 2003.
 
Interest Rate and Payment
  Dates....................  The Notes will bear interest at a rate of 10.25%
                               per annum. Interest on the Notes will accrue from
                               the date of issuance thereof and will be payable
                               semi-annually in cash in arrears on May 15 and
                               November 15 of each year, commencing November 15,
                               1996.
 
Optional Redemption........  The Notes will be redeemable at the option of the
                               Company, in whole or in part, at any time on or
                               after May 15, 2000, at the redemption prices set
                               forth herein, together with accrued and unpaid
                               interest to the date of redemption. In the event
                               the Company consummates a Public Equity Offering
                               on or prior to May 15, 1999, the Company may at
                               its option use all or a portion of the proceeds
                               from such offering to redeem up to $37.5 million
                               principal amount of the Notes at a redemption
                               price equal to 110% of the aggregate principal
                               amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid
                               interest to the date of redemption, provided that
                               at least $112.5 million in aggregate principal
                               amount of Notes remain outstanding immediately
                               after such redemption. See "Description of the
                               Notes -- Redemption."
 
Change of Control..........  Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each
                               holder of Notes will have the right to require
                               the Company to purchase all or a portion of such
                               holder's Notes at a price equal to 101% of the
                               aggregate principal amount thereof, together with
                               accrued and unpaid interest to the date of
                               purchase. See "Description of the
                               Notes -- Certain Covenants -- Change of Control."
 
Certain Covenants..........  The Indenture relating to the Notes contains
                               certain covenants, including covenants which
                               limit: (i) indebtedness; (ii) restricted
                               payments; (iii) issuances and sales of capital
                               stock of restricted subsidiaries; (iv)
                               sale/leaseback transactions; (v) transactions
                               with affiliates; (vi) liens; (vii) asset sales;
                               (viii) dividends and other payment restrictions
                               affecting restricted subsidiaries; (ix) conduct
                               of business; and (x) mergers, consolidations and
                               sales of assets. See "Description of the
                               Notes -- Certain Covenants" and "-- Merger,
                               Consolidation and Sale of Assets."
 
Guarantees.................  The Notes will be unconditionally guaranteed on a
                               senior unsecured basis by each of the Company's
                               principal subsidiaries, and such Subsidiary
                               Guarantees will rank pari passu in right of
                               payment with all senior Indebtedness of the
                               Subsidiary Guarantors and senior to all
                               Subordinated Indebtedness of the Subsidiary
                               Guarantors. At June 30, 1996, the Subsidiary
                               Guarantors had no outstanding Indebtedness under
                               the Revolving Credit Facility. The Subsidiary
                               Guarantees may be released under certain
                               circumstances. See "Description of the
                               Notes -- Subsidiary Guarantees of Notes."
 
Ranking....................  The Notes will be senior unsecured obligations of
                               the Company, ranking pari passu in right of
                               payment with all senior Indebtedness of the
                               Company and senior to all Subordinated
                               Indebtedness of the Company. The Notes and the
                               Subsidiary Guarantees, however, will be
                               effectively subordinated to secured Indebtedness
                               of the Company and
                                       12
<PAGE>   16
 
                               the Subsidiary Guarantors, respectively, with
                               respect to the assets securing such Indebtedness,
                               including any Indebtedness under the Revolving
                               Credit Facility, which is secured by liens on
                               substantially all of the assets of the Company
                               and the Subsidiary Guarantors. At June 30, 1996,
                               the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors had no
                               outstanding Indebtedness under the Revolving
                               Credit Facility. Subject to certain limitations,
                               the Company and its Subsidiaries may incur
                               additional Indebtedness in the future. See
                               "Description of the Notes -- Ranking."
 
Transfer Restrictions......  The Old Notes have not been registered under the
                               Securities Act and unless so registered may not
                               be offered or sold except pursuant to an
                               exemption from, or in a transaction not subject
                               to, the registration requirements of the
                               Securities Act. See "Transfer Restrictions on Old
                               Notes." The Exchange Notes would in general be
                               freely tradeable after the Exchange Offer. See
                               "The Exchange Offer" and "Plan of Distribution."
 
Exchange Offer.............  Pursuant to a registration rights agreement (the
                               "Registration Rights Agreement") by and among the
                               Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the
                               Initial Purchasers, the Company agreed (i) to
                               file a registration statement with the SEC (the
                               "Exchange Offer Registration Statement") with
                               respect to the Exchange Offer to exchange Old
                               Notes for Exchange Notes within 60 days after the
                               date of original issuance of the Old Notes (which
                               was May 23, 1996) and (ii) to use its best
                               efforts to cause such registration statement to
                               become effective under the Securities Act within
                               120 days after such issue date. The Registration
                               Statement of which this Prospectus is a part
                               constitutes such Exchange Offer Registration
                               Statement. In the event that applicable law or
                               interpretations of the staff of the SEC do not
                               permit the Company to file the Exchange Offer
                               Registration Statement or to effect the Exchange
                               Offer, or if certain holders of the Notes notify
                               the Company that they are not permitted to
                               participate in, or would not receive freely
                               tradeable Notes pursuant to, the Exchange Offer,
                               the Company will use its best efforts to cause to
                               become effective a registration statement (the
                               "Shelf Registration Statement") with respect to
                               the resale of the Notes and to keep the Shelf
                               Registration Statement effective until three
                               years after the date of original issuance of the
                               Notes. The interest rate on the Notes is subject
                               to increase under certain circumstances if the
                               Company is not in compliance with its obligations
                               under the Registration Rights Agreement. See
                               "Registration Rights Agreement."
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     An investment in the Notes involves certain risks that a potential investor
should carefully evaluate prior to making an investment in the Notes. See "Risk
Factors."
                                       13
<PAGE>   17
 
                 SUMMARY HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
     The following table sets forth selected historical consolidated financial
information of the Company and should be read in conjunction with the
Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company, including the notes thereto,
and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations, incorporated by reference herein, and the information under the
captions "Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Information" included
elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               THREE MONTHS      
                                                                     YEAR ENDED                   ENDED
                                                                    DECEMBER 31,                 MARCH 31,
                                                            -----------------------------    ------------------
                                                             1993       1994       1995       1995       1996
                                                            -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
                                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS:
Revenues..................................................  $65,538    $83,693    $83,289    $14,282    $29,078
Costs and Expenses:
  Operating Expenses......................................   35,171     50,907     67,713      9,439     21,846
  Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization................   17,438     14,008      7,271      2,073      1,503
  Contract Termination Provision..........................      577      5,193         --         --         --
  General and Administrative Expense .....................    4,807      5,114      5,289      1,352      1,398
                                                            -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Operating Income..........................................    7,545      8,471      3,016      1,418      4,331
Other Income (Expense)(1).................................   (3,919)    (2,415)     2,430       (298)      (631)
                                                            -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Net Income................................................    3,626      6,056      5,446      1,120      3,700
Dividends Applicable to Preferred Stock(2)................   (2,659)    (2,659)    (2,659)      (665)       (31)
                                                            -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Net Income Applicable to Common and Common Equivalent
  Shares..................................................  $   967    $ 3,397    $ 2,787    $   455    $ 3,669
                                                            =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
Net Income Per Share......................................  $  0.21    $  0.80    $  0.68    $  0.11    $  0.62
                                                            =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
Weighted Average Number of Common and Common Equivalent
  Shares Outstanding(2)...................................    4,514      4,223      4,108      4,092      5,876
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED):
EBITDA(3).................................................  $23,682    $26,873    $15,322    $ 3,598    $ 7,221
Capital Expenditures......................................  $12,668    $ 9,100    $13,437    $ 2,881    $ 2,810
Ratio of EBITDA to Total Interest.........................     17.5x      32.5x      77.0x     112.4x     277.7x
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges(4).....................      4.0x       8.7x      31.8x      33.5x     139.8x
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               
                                                                AT DECEMBER 31, 1995         AT MARCH 31, 1996 
                                                            ----------------------------    -------------------
                                                                                                (UNAUDITED)        
<S>                                                                    <C>                       <C>
SUMMARY BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and Cash Equivalents.................................             $26,405                   $ 21,936
Other Working Capital.....................................               7,454                     13,333
Property and Equipment, Net...............................              65,950                     67,010
Total Assets..............................................             128,962                    128,540
Notes Payable, Long-Term..................................                  --                         --
Total Shareholders' Equity(2)(5)..........................             $74,015                   $105,020
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Includes items of other income and expense, interest expense and income
    taxes. Includes litigation settlement and expenses of $3.7 million in 1993,
    net exchange rate losses of $1.2 million in 1994, net gains on disposition
    of assets of $2.7 million and net exchange rate gains of $2.6 million in
    1995 and net exchange rate gains of $1.1 million in the first quarter of
    1996.
 
(2) On January 17, 1996, the Company issued 2,113,557 shares of Common Stock
    upon conversion of 1,115,988 shares of its 1,150,000 outstanding shares of
    $2.3125 Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock").
    The remaining 34,012 shares were redeemed for cash in the amount of $25.69
    per share plus $0.22 per share in accrued dividends thereon at a cost to the
    Company of approximately $.9 million.
 
(3) EBITDA represents net income before depreciation, depletion, amortization,
    contract termination provision, interest expense and income taxes. EBITDA is
    frequently used by securities analysts and is presented here to provide
    additional information about the Company's operations. EBITDA is not a
    measurement presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting
    principles ("GAAP") and should not be considered as an alternative to net
    income as a measure of operating results or as an alternative to cash flows
    as a better measure of liquidity.
 
(4) For purposes of these calculations, earnings consist of income before income
    taxes plus fixed charges, excluding capitalized interest. Fixed charges
    consist of interest expense, including capitalized interest, and a portion
    of rent considered to represent interest cost.
 
(5) The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock.
                                       14
<PAGE>   18
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     In addition to the other information set forth elsewhere in this Prospectus
and the documents incorporated herein by reference, the following factors should
be carefully evaluated prior to making an investment in the Notes:
 
RELIANCE ON OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY
 
     Demand for the Company's services depends primarily upon the level of
spending by oil and gas companies for exploration, development and production
activities. Activity in the contract drilling industry and related oil service
businesses was severely depressed from 1982 until 1992 due to volatility in oil
prices and depressed natural gas prices. As demonstrated during this period, any
prolonged reduction in oil and natural gas prices will depress the level of
exploration, development and production activity and result in a corresponding
decline in the demand for the Company's services and, therefore, have a material
adverse effect on the Company's revenues and profitability. It is not possible
to predict whether contract drilling rig utilization and dayrates will maintain
levels sufficient to ensure acceptable operating results in future periods. The
Company's future success will depend in part upon general economic conditions in
the oil and gas industry, which cannot be predicted with certainty.
 
COMPETITION
 
     The contract drilling industry is a highly competitive and cyclical
business characterized by high capital and maintenance costs. The Company
competes with numerous other drilling contractors, some of which have
substantially greater financial and other resources than the Company.
Competition for drilling contracts will likely continue to be intense in the
foreseeable future. Competitive factors in the energy service industry include
price, technical and engineering expertise, work force experience, rig
suitability, safety record, efficiency, condition of equipment, reputation and
customer relations. If demand for drilling rigs increases in the future, rig
availability may also become a competitive factor.
 
SUBSTANTIAL INDEBTEDNESS AND RESTRICTIONS
 
     At June 30, 1996, the Company had $150 million of outstanding indebtedness
(including the Old Notes) and $4.7 million reserved pursuant to existing letters
of credit under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company's level of
indebtedness will have several important effects on its future operations,
including (i) a substantial portion of the Company's cash flow from operations
must be dedicated to the payment of interest on its indebtedness and will not be
available for other purposes, (ii) covenants contained in the Company's
Indenture relating to the Notes (the "Indenture") or the Revolving Credit
Facility will require the Company to meet certain financial tests, and other
restrictions will limit its ability to borrow additional funds or to dispose of
assets and may affect the Company's flexibility in planning for, and reacting
to, changes in its business, including possible acquisition activities, and
(iii) the Company's ability to obtain additional financing in the future for
working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, general corporate or other
purposes may be impaired. The Company's ability to meet its debt service
obligations and to reduce its total indebtedness will be dependent upon the
Company's future performance, which will be subject to general economic
conditions and to financial, business and other factors affecting the operations
of the Company, many of which are beyond its control. There can be no assurance
that the Company's business will continue to generate cash flow at or above
current levels. If the Company is unable to generate sufficient cash flow from
operations in the future to service its debt, it may be required to refinance
all or a portion of its indebtedness, including the Notes, or to obtain
additional financing. There can be no assurance that any such refinancing would
be possible or that any additional financing could be obtained.
 
EFFECTIVE SUBORDINATION
 
     The Company has established a Revolving Credit Facility pursuant to which
it may currently borrow up to $35 million on a revolving credit basis. The
Revolving Credit Facility is secured by liens on substantially all of the assets
of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors. Accordingly, the lender under the
Revolving
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   19
 
Credit Facility will have claims with respect to the assets constituting
collateral for any indebtedness thereunder that will be prior to the claims of
holders of the Notes. See "Description of Existing Indebtedness." In the event
of a default on the Notes, or a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of the
Company, such assets will be available to satisfy obligations with respect to
the indebtedness secured thereby before any payment therefrom could be made on
the Notes. Thus, the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees will be effectively
subordinated to claims of lender under the Revolving Credit Facility to the
extent of such pledged collateral.
 
REPURCHASE OF NOTES UPON A CHANGE OF CONTROL
 
     Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company must offer to
purchase all Notes then outstanding at a purchase price equal to 101% of the
principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of
purchase. See "Description of the Notes -- Certain Covenants -- Change of
Control." The occurrence of a Change of Control may result in the lender under
the Revolving Credit Facility having the right to require the Company to repay
all Indebtedness outstanding thereunder. There can be no assurance that the
Company will have available funds sufficient to repay all Indebtedness owing
under the Revolving Credit Facility or to fund the purchase of the Notes upon a
Change of Control. In the event a Change of Control occurs at a time when the
Company does not have available funds sufficient to pay for all of the Notes
delivered by Holders seeking to accept the Company's repurchase offer, an Event
of Default would occur under the Indenture.
 
OPERATING HISTORY AND WORKING CAPITAL NEEDS
 
     The Company was not profitable from 1988 through 1991 as a result of
depressed economic conditions in the oil and gas and oilfield service
industries. To the extent that cash in excess of cash on hand and cash generated
from operations is needed in the near term for working capital and capital
expenditures, it is expected that the Company would draw on the Revolving Credit
Facility or seek other debt or equity financing in the private or public
markets. Additional liquidity might also be generated through the sale of
operating assets or through the reduction of capital expenditures, although any
such sale or reduction may have an adverse effect on the Company's results of
operations. The ability of the Company to sell debt or equity securities or
assets would depend on conditions then prevailing in the relevant market and, in
the case of any offering of debt or equity securities, the Company's results of
operations, financial condition and business prospects. There can be no
assurance that the Company could, if the need arose, effect any such sale of
debt or equity securities or assets on terms that were acceptable to the
Company. In addition, the Indenture limits the ability of the Company to incur
additional Indebtedness or to enter into mergers, asset sales or consolidations.
See "Description of the Notes -- Certain Covenants" and "-- Merger,
Consolidation and Sale of Assets."
 
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH TURNKEY DRILLING
 
     Under a turnkey drilling contract, the Company contracts to drill a well to
a contract depth under specified conditions for a fixed price. In addition, the
Company provides technical expertise and engineering services, as well as most
of the equipment required for the well, and is compensated when the contract
terms have been satisfied. On a turnkey well, the Company from time to time
operates rigs subcontracted from other drilling contractors on a dayrate basis.
The Company also subcontracts substantially all of the related services and
manages the drilling process. The risks to the Company on a turnkey drilling
contract are substantially greater than on a well drilled on a daywork basis
because the Company assumes most of the risks associated with drilling
operations generally assumed by the operator in a daywork contract, including
risk of blowout, loss of hole, stuck drill stem, machinery breakdowns, abnormal
drilling conditions and risks associated with subcontractors' services, supplies
and personnel. The Company has obtained insurance coverage in the past to reduce
these risks inherent in turnkey drilling operations. Should such coverage not be
available in the future, it would have a material adverse effect on the
Company's turnkey drilling operations. See "-- Risks and Insurance."
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   20
 
RISKS AND INSURANCE
 
     The Company's operations are subject to the many hazards inherent in the
drilling business, including, for example, blowouts, cratering, fires,
explosions and adverse weather and seas. These hazards could cause personal
injury, suspend drilling operations or seriously damage or destroy the equipment
involved and could cause substantial damage to producing formations and
surrounding areas. Damage to the environment could also result from the
Company's operations, particularly through oil spillage and extensive,
uncontrolled fires. As a protection against operating hazards, the Company
maintains broad insurance coverage, including all risks physical damage,
employer's liability, comprehensive general liability or commercial contract
indemnity and workers' compensation insurance. The Company's third party
liability insurance coverage is approximately $100 million per occurrence. The
Company also maintains insurance coverage on an annual basis to protect against
certain hazards inherent in its turnkey contract drilling and oil and gas
operations. This insurance was most recently renewed on June 1, 1996, and is
scheduled for renewal on October 1, 1997. The Company believes that it is
adequately insured for public liability and property damage to others with
respect to its operations. However, such insurance may not be sufficient to
protect the Company against liability for all consequences of well disasters,
extensive fire damage or damage to the environment. The Company also carries
insurance to cover physical damage to or loss of its drilling rigs and MOPUs and
a limited amount of insurance against loss of earnings resulting from damage to
one of its jack-up drilling rigs. In view of difficulties that may be
encountered in renewing such insurance at reasonable rates, no assurance can be
given that the Company will be able to maintain the type and amount of coverage
that it considers adequate. The occurrence of a significant event for which the
Company is not fully insured could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial position and results of operations.
 
RISKS INHERENT IN FOREIGN OPERATIONS
 
     A significant percentage of the Company's revenues is derived from foreign
sources or from services performed abroad. For the fiscal year ended December
31, 1995, 63% of the Company's consolidated revenues were derived from foreign
operations, principally in Venezuela. Foreign operations and export sales are
subject in varying degrees to risks inherent in doing business abroad. Such
risks include the possibility of unfavorable changes in tax or other laws;
partial or total expropriation; currency exchange rate fluctuations and
restrictions on currency repatriation; the disruption of operations from labor
and political disturbances, insurrection or war; and the requirements of partial
local ownership of operations in certain countries. Foreign governments may from
time to time suspend or curtail drilling operations or leasing activities when
such operations are considered to be detrimental to the environment or to
jeopardize public safety.
 
RELIANCE ON SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS
 
     The Company's 3 largest customers for the year ended December 31, 1995,
Corpoven, S.A. ("Corpoven"), Maraven and Texaco Exploration & Production, Inc.,
accounted for approximately 66% of the Company's consolidated revenues. The
Company's 4 largest customers for the year ended December 31, 1994, Corpoven,
Maraven, Dresser-Rand Company and Cliffs Neddrill Central Turnkey International,
a joint venture in which the Company has a 1/3 ownership interest, accounted for
approximately 78% of the Company's consolidated revenues. The Company's 3
largest customers for the year ended December 31, 1993, Dresser-Rand Company,
Maraven and Marathon Oil Company, accounted for approximately 63% of the
Company's consolidated revenues. In addition, although during the last 3 years,
Southwestern decreased its dependence on individual customers, reliance on such
customers remains significant. In 1993, a single customer accounted for
approximately 77% of the total revenues of Southwestern and another customer
accounted for 15% of revenues. By 1994, the three largest customers of
Southwestern accounted for 24%, 16% and 10%, respectively, of its total
revenues. During 1995, the 2 largest customers of Southwestern each accounted
for 15% of its total revenues. The loss of any significant customer by the
Company or Newco could, at least on a short term basis, have a material adverse
impact on the Company's results of operations.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   21
 
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
 
     The drilling of oil and gas wells is subject to various federal, state,
local and foreign laws, rules and regulations. The Company, as an owner or
operator of domestic offshore facilities, may be liable for the costs of removal
and damages arising out of a pollution incident to the extent set forth in the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended by the U.S. Oil Pollution Act of
1990 and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. In addition, the Company may
also be subject to other civil claims arising out of any such incident. Certain
of the Company's facilities are also subject to regulations of the Environmental
Protection Agency ("EPA") that require the preparation and implementation of
spill prevention control and countermeasure plans relating to possible discharge
of oil into navigable waters. The Company supplements its activities in this
regard by membership in the Clean Gulf Association, which provides pollution
control facilities to its members. Other regulations of the EPA may require the
Company to take certain precautions in storing, handling and transporting
certain hazardous wastes. State statutory provisions relating to oil and natural
gas generally include requirements as to well spacing, waste prevention,
production limitations, pollution prevention and clean-up, obtaining drilling
permits and similar matters. The Company believes that it is in compliance in
all material respects with such laws, rules and regulations and that such
compliance has not had any material adverse effect on its operations or
financial condition.
 
     The drilling industry is dependent on the demand for services from the oil
and gas exploration industry and, accordingly, is affected by changing tax laws,
price controls and other laws relating to the energy business. The Company's
business is affected generally by political developments and by federal, state,
local and foreign laws, rules and regulations which may relate directly to the
oil and gas industry. The adoption of laws, rules and regulations, both domestic
and foreign, which curtail exploration and development drilling for oil and gas
for economic, environmental and other policy reasons may adversely affect the
Company's operations by limiting available drilling and production
opportunities.
 
     MOPUs and MOPU operations are subject to certain federal, state, local and
foreign laws, rules and regulations relating to engineering, design, structural,
safety, operational and inspection standards or requirements, and changes in
such standards or requirements could adversely affect the Company's MOPU
operations.
 
FRAUDULENT CONVEYANCE
 
     Various fraudulent conveyance laws enacted for the protection of creditors
may apply to the Subsidiary Guarantors' issuance of the Subsidiary Guarantees.
To the extent that a court were to find that (x) a Subsidiary Guarantee was
incurred by a Subsidiary Guarantor with intent to hinder, delay or defraud any
present or future creditor or the Subsidiary Guarantor contemplated insolvency
with a design to prefer one or more creditors to the exclusion in whole or in
part of others or (y) a Subsidiary Guarantor did not receive fair consideration
or reasonably equivalent value for issuing its Subsidiary Guarantee and such
Subsidiary Guarantor (i) was insolvent, (ii) was rendered insolvent by reason of
the issuance of such Subsidiary Guarantee, (iii) was engaged or about to engage
in a business or transaction for which the remaining assets of such Subsidiary
Guarantor constituted unreasonably small capital to carry on its business or
(iv) intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond its
ability to pay such debts as they matured, the court could avoid or subordinate
such Subsidiary Guarantee in favor of the Subsidiary Guarantor's creditors.
Among other things, a legal challenge of a Subsidiary Guarantee on fraudulent
conveyance grounds may focus on the benefits, if any, realized by the Subsidiary
Guarantor as a result of the issuance by the Company of the Notes. The Indenture
will contain a savings clause, which generally will limit the obligations of
each Subsidiary Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee to the maximum amount
as will, after giving effect to all of the liabilities of such Subsidiary
Guarantor, result in such obligations not constituting a fraudulent conveyance.
To the extent a Subsidiary Guarantee of any Subsidiary Guarantor was avoided as
a fraudulent conveyance or held unenforceable for any other reason, holders of
the Notes would cease to have any claim against such Subsidiary Guarantor and
would be creditors solely of the Company and any Subsidiary Guarantor whose
Subsidiary Guarantee was not avoided or held unenforceable. In such event, the
claims of the holders of the Notes against the issuer of an invalid Subsidiary
Guarantee would be subject to the prior payment of all liabilities of such
Subsidiary Guarantor. There can be no assurance that, after providing for all
prior claims,
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   22
 
there would be sufficient assets to satisfy the claims of the holders of the
Notes relating to any avoided portions of any of the Subsidiary Guarantees.
 
     The measure of insolvency for purposes of the foregoing considerations will
vary depending upon the law applied in any such proceeding. Generally, however,
a Subsidiary Guarantor may be considered insolvent if the sum of its debts,
including contingent liabilities, was greater than the fair marketable value of
all of its assets at a fair valuation or if the present fair marketable value of
its assets was less than the amount that would be required to pay its probable
liability on its existing debts, including contingent liabilities, as they
become absolute and mature.
 
     Based upon financial and other information, the Company and the Subsidiary
Guarantors believe that the Subsidiary Guarantees are being incurred for proper
purposes and in good faith and that the Company and each Subsidiary Guarantor is
solvent and will continue to be solvent after issuing its Subsidiary Guarantee,
will have sufficient capital for carrying on its business after such issuance
and will be able to pay its debts as they mature. There can be no assurance,
however, that a court passing on such standards would agree with the Company.
See "Description of the Notes -- Subsidiary Guarantees of Notes."
 
ABSENCE OF A PUBLIC MARKET FOR THE EXCHANGE NOTES
 
     The Exchange Notes will constitute a new issue of securities with no
established trading market, and there can be no assurance as to the liquidity of
any markets that may develop for the Exchange Notes or, the ability or price at
which the holders of Exchange Notes would be able to sell their Exchange Notes.
Future trading prices of the Exchange Notes will depend on many factors,
including, among others, prevailing interest rates, the Company's operating
results and the market for similar securities. The Company does not intend to
apply for listing of the Exchange Notes on any securities exchange. The Initial
Purchasers have informed the Company that they currently intend to make a market
for the Exchange Notes. However, they are not so obligated, and any such market
making may be discontinued at any time without notice. In addition, such market
making activity will be subject to the limits imposed by the Securities Act and
the Exchange Act and may be limited during the Exchange Offer or the pendency of
the Shelf Registration Statement. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that an
active public or other market will develop for the Exchange Notes or as to the
liquidity of or the trading market for the Exchange Notes.
 
CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO EXCHANGE
 
     Untendered Old Notes not exchanged for Exchange Notes pursuant to the
Exchange Offer will remain subject to the existing restrictions upon transfer of
such Old Notes. See "Transfer Restrictions on Old Notes." Because the Company
anticipates that most holders of Old Notes will elect to exchange such Old Notes
for Exchange Notes due to the general lack of restrictions on the resale of
Exchange Notes under the Securities Act, the Company anticipates that the
liquidity of the market for any Old Notes remaining after the consummation of
the Exchange Offer may be substantially limited. Additionally, holders (other
than Restricted Holders) of any Old Notes not tendered in the Exchange Offer
prior to the Expiration Date will not be entitled to require the Company to file
the Shelf Registration Statement and the stated interest rate on such Old Notes
will remain at its initial level of 10.25%. See "Registration Rights Agreement."
 
DIFFICULTY TO EFFECT A CHANGE IN CONTROL
 
     The Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and the provisions of
the Delaware General Corporation Law limit the liability of directors and make
it more difficult to change control of the Company and replace incumbent
management. Also, the Indenture requires the Company to offer to redeem the
Notes upon a change of control (as defined therein). See "Description of the
Notes -- Certain Covenants -- Change of Control."
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   23
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
     The Company is an international contract drilling and engineering company
primarily engaged in daywork drilling, engineering services, and to a lesser
extent, the development and operation of MOPUs. The Company has historically
deployed its assets in areas where it can achieve long-term growth and generate
stable cash flows and net income. This strategy has led to four consecutive
years of positive net income, while many other offshore drilling contractors
have experienced significant losses over the comparable period. The Company's
domestic operations are concentrated in the Texas/Louisiana Gulf Coast region
and its foreign operations are concentrated in Venezuela. The Company owns 12
jack-up drilling rigs, 6 land rigs, 5 MOPUs and a 50% interest in a joint
venture which owns one jack-up drilling rig.
 
     The Company and its predecessors have been in the contract drilling
business since 1978. The Company entered the turnkey drilling business in 1982
in an effort to more fully utilize its existing fleet of rigs and complement its
daywork drilling operations. In response to the economic conditions which
adversely affected the domestic contract drilling business during the 1980s, the
Company undertook a strategic plan in 1989 to further diversify its scope of
operations and geographic concentration beyond the traditional domestic daywork
drilling market. The Company's management implemented a proactive approach to
identify, develop and exploit several market segments which provided higher
margins and more reliable operating income and cash flow. To achieve its
strategic objectives, the Company continued to emphasize its turnkey drilling
operations, expanded its well engineering and management services, became a
leader in the development and operation of MOPUs and deployed its drilling rigs
into selected international markets. With the implementation of this strategy,
the Company has positioned itself to benefit from increases in drilling and
production activities in several markets worldwide.
 
     As part of its business strategy, the Company has sought to identify
business opportunities that would expand its asset base, increase profitability
and enhance shareholder value. The Company's acquisition criteria, among others,
are to increase operating leverage and diversify geographically.
 
     On May 23, 1996, the Company completed the acquisition of the Southwestern
Rigs from Sellers. The purchase price of the Southwestern Rigs was (a) $103.8
million in cash (after reductions of $6.2 million for required refurbishments of
certain Southwestern Rigs not made prior to closing) financed by the issuance of
the Notes, plus (b) issuance of the Shares and (c) assumption of certain
contractual liabilities, including the Company's guarantee of $4.25 million in
indebtedness of the Joint Venture to Citibank N.A. related to the refurbishment
of the jack-up drilling rig owned by the Joint Venture (together with accrued
but unpaid interest thereon and costs of collection). Pursuant to the
Acquisition Agreement, the Company has registered resale of the Shares.
 
     In addition, on May 10, 1996, the Company acquired the Diamond Rig from
Diamond for $4.5 million. The Company renamed this unit the CLIFFS DRILLING NO.
155 and has mobilized the rig to Venezuela where it is currently being
refurbished and upgraded prior to commencing operations in Venezuela. The
Company has allocated $12 million of the net proceeds from the sale of the Old
Notes for the acquisition, mobilization and refurbishment of the Diamond Rig.
 
     The Company is a Delaware corporation with principal executive offices
located at 1200 Smith Street, Suite 300, Houston, Texas 77002 and its telephone
number is (713) 651-9426.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   24
 
                               PRIVATE PLACEMENT
 
     On May 23, 1996, the Company completed the private sale to the Initial
Purchasers of $150,000,000 principal amount of the Old Notes at a price of 97%
of the principal amount thereof in a transaction not registered under the
Securities Act in reliance upon Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. The Initial
Purchasers thereupon offered and resold the Old Notes only to qualified
institutional buyers and a limited number of institutional accredited investors
at an initial price to such purchasers of 100% of the principal amount thereof.
Of the $144.8 million net proceeds received by the Company in connection with
the sale of the Old Notes, $103.8 million was used to fund the cash portion of
the purchase price for the Southwestern Rigs and $6.2 million was reserved to
complete refurbishments of 2 rigs not completed by Sellers prior to closing. In
addition, the Company allocated $12 million of such net proceeds for the
acquisition, mobilization and refurbishment of the Diamond Rig. See
"Capitalization."
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     The Company will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the
Exchange Notes offered hereby. In consideration for issuing the Exchange Notes
as contemplated in this Prospectus, the Company will receive in exchange a like
principal amount of Old Notes, the terms of which are identical in all material
respects to the Exchange Notes. The Old Notes surrendered in exchange for the
Exchange Notes will be retired and canceled and cannot be reissued. Accordingly,
issuance of the Exchange Notes will not result in any change in capitalization
of the Company.
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
     The following table sets forth as of March 31, 1996 (i) the capitalization
of the Company and (ii) the as adjusted capitalization of the Company after
giving effect to the Rig Acquisitions and the sale of the Old Notes. The table
should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the
Company, including the notes thereto, and Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, incorporated by reference
herein, and the information under the caption "Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated
Financial Information" included in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           AT MARCH 31, 1996
                                                                        ------------------------
                                                                         ACTUAL      AS ADJUSTED
                                                                        --------     -----------
                                                                              (UNAUDITED)
                                                                           (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT
                                                                              SHARE INFORMATION)
<S>                                                                     <C>          <C>
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt.....................................  $     --      $      --
Long-Term Debt
  10.25% Senior Notes due 2003........................................        --        150,000
Shareholders' Equity
  Common Stock, $.01 Par Value, 15,000,000 Shares Authorized,
     6,631,661 and 7,831,661 Shares Issued and 6,189,930 and 7,389,930
     Shares Outstanding for Actual and As Adjusted, Respectively......        66             78
Paid-in Capital.......................................................   127,085        149,288
Retained Earnings (Deficit)...........................................   (16,439)       (16,439)
Less: Notes Receivable from Officers for Restricted Stock.............      (232)          (232)
      Restricted Stock................................................       (27)           (27)
      Treasury Stock, at Cost, 441,731 Shares.........................    (5,433)        (5,433)
                                                                        --------       --------
          Total Shareholders' Equity..................................   105,020        127,235
                                                                        --------       --------
          Total Capitalization........................................  $105,020      $ 277,235
                                                                        ========       ========
</TABLE>
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   25
 
             PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
            (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS AND PER SHARE INFORMATION)
 
     The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial
information is derived from the historical consolidated financial statements of
the Company incorporated herein by reference, data derived from the historical
consolidated financial statements of Southwestern incorporated herein by
reference, and assumptions deemed appropriate by the Company, including the full
principal amount of the Notes and the related interest thereon. The unaudited
Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Information does not reflect the
Diamond Rig acquisition or any potential land rig acquisitions.
 
     The unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for
the year ended December 31, 1995 and the three months ended March 31, 1995 and
1996 reflect (i) the Rig Acquisitions and (ii) the sale of the Old Notes,
including interest thereon, and the application of the estimated net proceeds
therefrom, as if such transactions had occurred on January 1, 1995. The
unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 1996
reflects (i) the Rig Acquisitions (including the issuance of the Shares valued
at an average price of $18.51 per share in connection with the Southwestern Rigs
acquisition) and (ii) the sale of the Old Notes and application of the estimated
net proceeds therefrom, as if such transactions had occurred on March 31, 1996.
The unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Information should be
read in conjunction with the notes thereto and the Consolidated Financial
Statements of the Company and Southwestern (including the notes thereto)
incorporated herein by reference.
 
     The unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Information do not
purport to be indicative of the financial position or results of operations that
would actually have occurred if the transactions described had occurred as
presented in such statements or that may be obtained in the future. In addition,
future results may vary significantly from the results reflected in such
statements due to general economic conditions, changes in prices received for
crude oil and natural gas, increases in crude oil and natural gas supplies,
increases in rigs available for service, future activity of the Company and
other factors. See "Risk Factors."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   PRO FORMA
                                                              PRO FORMA       THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                              YEAR ENDED           MARCH 31,
                                                             DECEMBER 31,     -------------------
                                                                 1995          1995        1996
                                                             ------------     -------     -------
<S>                                                          <C>              <C>         <C>
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS:
Revenues...................................................    $108,854       $18,668     $38,504
Costs and Expenses:
  Operating Expenses.......................................      89,800        13,827      28,396
  Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization.................      12,556         3,263       2,845
  General and Administrative Expense.......................       7,089         1,790       1,852
                                                               --------       -------     -------
Operating Income (Loss)....................................        (591)         (212)      5,411
Other Income (Expense)(1)..................................      (7,346)       (2,541)     (3,718)
                                                               --------       -------     -------
Net Income (Loss)..........................................      (7,937)       (2,753)      1,693
Dividends Applicable to Preferred Stock(2).................      (2,659)         (665)        (31)
                                                               --------       -------     -------
Net Income (Loss) Applicable to Common and Common
  Equivalent Shares(3).....................................    $(10,596)      $(3,418)    $ 1,662
                                                               ========       =======     =======
Net Income (Loss) Per Share(3).............................    $  (2.00)      $ (0.65)    $  0.23
                                                               ========       =======     =======
Weighted Average Number of Common and Common Equivalent
  Shares Outstanding(2)....................................       5,308         5,292       7,076
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
EBITDA(4)..................................................    $ 17,000       $ 3,158     $ 9,643
Ratio of EBITDA to Consolidated Interest Expense(3)(4).....        1.1x          0.8x        2.4x
</TABLE>
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   26
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  AT MARCH 31,
                                                                                      1996
                                                                                  ------------
<S>                                                                               <C>
SUMMARY BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and Cash Equivalents(5)....................................................    $ 56,536
Other Working Capital...........................................................      13,333
Property and Equipment, Net.....................................................     196,254
Total Assets....................................................................     300,755
Notes Payable, Long-Term........................................................     150,000
Total Shareholders' Equity......................................................    $127,235
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Includes items of other income and expense, interest expense and income
    taxes. Includes net gains on disposition of assets of $2.7 million and net
    exchange rate gains of $2.6 million in 1995 and net exchange rate gains of
    $1.1 million in the first quarter of 1996.
 
(2) On January 17, 1996, the Company issued 2,113,557 shares of Common Stock
    upon conversion of 1,115,988 shares of its 1,150,000 shares of Preferred
    Stock. The remaining 34,012 shares were redeemed for cash in the amount of
    $25.69 per share plus $0.22 per share in accrued dividends thereon at a cost
    to the Company of approximately $.9 million.
 
(3) The historical results of Southwestern include the results of operations of
    the rigs that were available for service during the indicated periods.
    During the year ended December 31, 1995 and the quarters ended March 31,
    1995 and 1996, 40% of the Southwestern Rigs were not available for service
    as a result of being cold stacked or refurbished.
 
(4) EBITDA represents net income before depreciation, depletion, amortization,
    interest expense and income taxes. EBITDA is frequently used by securities
    analysts and is presented here to provide additional information about the
    Company's operations. EBITDA is not a measurement presented in accordance
    with GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income as a
    measure of operating results or as an alternative to cash flows as a better
    measure of liquidity. Consolidated Interest Expense excludes $.7 million for
    the year ended December 31, 1995 and $.2 million for the three months ended
    March 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively, of non-cash amortization of debt
    issue costs. See "Description of the Notes."
 
(5) Includes cash and cash equivalents from the issuance of the Notes which is
    reserved to acquire and refurbish the Diamond Rig and for general corporate
    purposes including potential land rig acquisitions.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   27
 
                  SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
            (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT RATIOS AND PER SHARE INFORMATION)
 
     The historical financial data presented below for and as of the end of the
five years ended December 31, 1995 are derived from the Company's audited
Consolidated Financial Statements. Such financial statements were audited by
Ernst & Young LLP. The information in this table should be read in conjunction
with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company, including the notes
thereto, and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations, incorporated herein by reference.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                      MARCH 31,
                                              ---------------------------------------------------    ------------------
                                               1991       1992       1993       1994       1995       1995       1996
                                              -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
                                                                                                         (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS:
Revenues....................................  $84,503    $76,838    $65,538    $83,693    $83,289    $14,282    $29,078
Costs and Expenses:
  Operating Expenses........................   70,725     57,646     35,171     50,907     67,713      9,439     21,846
  Depreciation, Depletion and
    Amortization............................    9,369     12,883     17,438     14,008      7,271      2,073      1,503
  Contract Termination Provision............       --         --        577      5,193         --         --         --
  Write-down in Carrying Value of Oil and
    Gas Properties..........................    4,000      1,500         --         --         --         --         --
  General and Administrative Expense........    4,352      4,512      4,807      5,114      5,289      1,352      1,398
                                              -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Operating Income (Loss).....................   (3,943)       297      7,545      8,471      3,016      1,418      4,331
Other Income (Expense)(1)...................       61      2,721     (3,919)    (2,415)     2,430       (298)      (631)
                                              -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Net Income (Loss)...........................   (3,882)     3,018      3,626      6,056      5,446      1,120      3,700
Dividends Applicable to Preferred
  Stock(2)..................................   (2,660)    (2,659)    (2,659)    (2,659)    (2,659)      (665)       (31)
                                              -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Net Income (Loss) Applicable to Common and
  Common Equivalent Shares..................  $(6,542)   $   359    $   967    $ 3,397    $ 2,787    $   455    $ 3,669
                                              =======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
Net Income (Loss) per Share.................  $ (2.19)   $  0.11    $  0.21    $  0.80    $  0.68    $  0.11    $  0.62
                                              =======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
Weighted Average Number of Common and Common
  Equivalent Shares Outstanding(2)..........    2,992      3,257      4,514      4,223      4,108      4,092      5,876
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED):
EBITDA(3)...................................  $10,834    $18,766    $23,682    $26,873    $15,322    $ 3,598    $ 7,221
Capital Expenditures........................  $33,316    $21,878    $12,668    $ 9,100    $13,437    $ 2,881    $ 2,810
Ratio of EBITDA to Total Interest...........     6.8x       7.1x      17.5x      32.5x      77.0x     112.4x     277.7x
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges(4).......      N/A       1.6x       4.0x       8.7x      31.8x      33.5x     139.8x
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                       
                                                                AT DECEMBER 31,                         AT MARCH 31,   
                                              ---------------------------------------------------           1996       
                                               1991       1992       1993       1994       1995      ------------------
                                              -------    -------    -------    -------    -------       (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
SUMMARY BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working Capital............................   $ 5,637    $24,830    $20,402    $19,331    $33,859         $ 35,269
Property and Equipment, Net................    99,023    101,178     86,506     71,248     65,950          67,010
Total Assets...............................   143,283    150,203    133,523    120,167    128,962         128,540
Notes Payable, Long-Term...................    27,000     28,348     13,108         --         --            --
Total Shareholders' Equity(2)(5)...........   $52,229    $71,446    $72,494    $70,881    $74,015         $105,020
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Includes items of other income and expense, interest expense and income
    taxes. Includes net gains on disposition of assets of $5.0 million in 1992,
    litigation settlement and expenses of $3.7 million in 1993, net exchange
    rate losses of $1.2 million in 1994, net gains on disposition of assets of
    $2.7 million and net exchange rate gains of $2.6 million in 1995, and net
    exchange rate gains of $1.1 million in the first quarter of 1996.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   28
 
(2) On January 17, 1996, the Company issued 2,113,557 shares of Common Stock
    upon conversion of 1,115,988 shares of its 1,150,000 outstanding shares of
    Preferred Stock. The remaining 34,012 shares were redeemed for cash in the
    amount of $25.69 per share plus $0.22 per share in accrued dividends thereon
    at a cost to the Company of approximately $.9 million.
 
(3) EBITDA represents net income before depreciation, depletion, amortization,
    contract termination provision, write-down in carrying value of oil and gas
    properties, interest expense and income taxes. EBITDA is frequently used by
    securities analysts and is presented here to provide additional information
    about the Company's operations. EBITDA is not a measurement presented in
    accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net
    income as a measure of operating results or as an alternative to cash flows
    as a better measure of liquidity.
 
(4) For purposes of these calculations, earnings consist of income before income
    taxes plus fixed charges, excluding capitalized interest. Fixed charges
    consist of interest expense, including capitalized interest, and a portion
    of rent considered to represent interest cost. Earnings were not sufficient
    during 1991 to cover fixed charges. The 1991 deficiency totaled $4.1
    million.
 
(5) The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   29
 
                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
GENERAL
 
     In connection with the sale of the Old Notes, the purchasers thereof became
entitled to the benefits of certain registration rights under the Registration
Rights Agreement. The Exchange Notes are being offered hereunder in order to
satisfy the obligations of the Company under the Registration Rights Agreement.
See "Registration Rights Agreement."
 
     For each $1,000 principal amount of Old Notes surrendered to the Company
pursuant to the Exchange Offer, the holder of such Old Notes will receive $1,000
principal amount of Exchange Notes. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions
set forth in this Prospectus and in the accompanying Letter of Transmittal, the
Company will accept all Old Notes properly tendered prior to 5:00 p.m., New York
City time, on the Expiration Date. Holders may tender some or all of their Old
Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer in integral multiples of $1,000 principal
amount.
 
     Under existing interpretations of the staff of the SEC, including Exxon
Capital Holdings Corporation, SEC No-Action Letter (available April 13, 1989),
the Morgan Stanley Letter and Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc., SEC No-Action Letter
(available June 5, 1991), the Company believes that the Exchange Notes would in
general be freely transferable after the Exchange Offer without further
registration under the Securities Act by the respective holders thereof (other
than a "Restricted Holder," being (i) a broker-dealer who purchased Old Notes
exchanged for such Exchange Notes directly from the Company to resell pursuant
to Rule 144A or any other available exemption under the Securities Act or (ii) a
person that is an affiliate of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under
the Securities Act), without compliance with the registration and prospectus
delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that such Exchange Notes are
acquired in the ordinary course of such holder's business and such holder is not
participating in, and has no arrangement with any person to participate in, the
distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of such Exchange Notes.
Eligible holders wishing to accept the Exchange Offer must represent to the
Company that such conditions have been met. Any holder of Old Notes who tenders
in the Exchange Offer for the purpose of participating in a distribution of the
Exchange Notes could not rely on the interpretation by the staff of the SEC
enunciated in the Morgan Stanley Letter and similar no-action letters, and must
comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction.
 
     Each holder of Old Notes who wishes to exchange Old Notes for Exchange
Notes in the Exchange Offer will be required to make certain representations,
including that (i) it is neither an affiliate of the Company nor a broker-dealer
tendering Old Notes acquired directly from the Company for its own account, (ii)
any Exchange Notes to be received by it are being acquired in the ordinary
course of its business and (iii) it is not participating in, and it has no
arrangement with any person to participate in, the distribution (within the
meaning of the Securities Act) of the Exchange Notes. In addition, in connection
with any resales of Exchange Notes, any broker-dealer (a "Participating
Broker-Dealer") who acquired Old Notes for its own account as a result of
market-making activities or other trading activities must acknowledge that it
will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in
connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes. The staff of the SEC has
taken the position in no-action letters issued to third parties including
Shearman & Sterling, SEC No-Action Letter (available July 2, 1993), that
Participating Broker-Dealers may fulfill their prospectus delivery requirements
with respect to the Exchange Notes (other than a resale of an unsold allotment
from the original sale of Old Notes) with this Prospectus, as it may be amended
or supplemented from time to time. Under the Registration Rights Agreement, the
Company is required to allow Participating Broker-Dealers to use this
Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, in
connection with the resale of such Exchange Notes. See "Plan of Distribution."
 
     The Exchange Offer shall be deemed to have been consummated upon the
earlier to occur of (i) the Company having exchanged Exchange Notes for all
outstanding Old Notes (other than Old Notes held by a Restricted Holder)
pursuant to the Exchange Offer and (ii) the Company having exchanged, pursuant
to the Exchange Offer, Exchange Notes for all Old Notes that have been tendered
and not withdrawn on the date that is 30 days following the commencement of the
Exchange Offer. In such event, holders of Old Notes
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   30
 
seeking liquidity in their investment would have to rely on exemptions to
registration requirements under the securities laws, including the Securities
Act.
 
     As of the date of this Prospectus, $150,000,000 principal amount of Old
Notes are issued and outstanding. In connection with the issuance of the Old
Notes, the Company arranged for the Old Notes to be eligible for trading in the
Private Offering, Resale and Trading through Automated Linkages (PORTAL) Market,
the National Association of Securities Dealers' screen based, automated market
trading of securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A.
 
     The Company shall be deemed to have accepted for exchange validly tendered
Old Notes when, as and if the Company has given oral or written notice thereof
to the Exchange Agent. See "-- Exchange Agent." The Exchange Agent will act as
agent for the tendering holders of Old Notes for the purpose of receiving
Exchange Notes from the Company and delivering Exchange Notes to such holders.
If any tendered Old Notes are not accepted for exchange because of an invalid
tender or the occurrence of certain other events set forth herein, certificates
for any such unaccepted Old Notes will be returned, without expense, to the
tendering holder thereof as promptly as practicable after the Expiration Date.
Holders of Old Notes who tender in the Exchange Offer will not be required to
pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions in the Letter
of Transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of Old Notes
pursuant to the Exchange Offer. The Company will pay all charges and expenses,
other than certain applicable taxes, in connection with the Exchange Offer. See
"-- Fees and Expenses."
 
     This Prospectus, together with the accompanying Letter of Transmittal, is
being sent to all registered holders as of the date of this Prospectus.
 
EXPIRATION DATE; EXTENSIONS; AMENDMENTS
 
     The term "Expiration Date" shall mean             , 1996 unless the
Company, in its sole discretion, extends the Exchange Offer, in which case the
term "Expiration Date" shall mean the latest date to which the Exchange Offer is
extended. In order to extend the Expiration Date, the Company will notify the
Exchange Agent of any extension by oral or written notice and will mail to the
record holders of Old Notes an announcement thereof, each prior to 9:00 a.m.,
New York City time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled
Expiration Date. Such announcement may state that the Company is extending the
Exchange Offer for a specified period of time. The Company reserves the right
(i) to delay acceptance of any Old Notes, to extend the Exchange Offer or to
terminate the Exchange Offer and to refuse to accept Old Notes not previously
accepted, if any of the conditions set forth herein under "-- Termination" shall
have occurred and shall not have been waived by the Company (if permitted to be
waived by the Company), by giving oral or written notice of such delay,
extension or termination to the Exchange Agent, and (ii) to amend the terms of
the Exchange Offer in any manner deemed by it to be advantageous to the holders
of the Old Notes. Any such delay in acceptance, extension, termination or
amendment will be followed as promptly as practicable by oral or written notice
thereof. If the Exchange Offer is amended in a manner determined by the Company
to constitute a material change, the Company will promptly disclose such
amendment in a manner reasonably calculated to inform the holders of the Old
Notes of such amendment. Without limiting the manner in which the Company may
choose to make public announcements of any delay in acceptance, extension,
termination or amendment of the Exchange Offer, the Company shall have no
obligation to publish, advertise, or otherwise communicate any such public
announcement, other than by making a timely release to the Dow Jones News
Service.
 
INTEREST ON THE EXCHANGE NOTES
 
     The Exchange Notes will bear interest payable semi-annually on May 15 and
November 15 of each year, commencing November 15, 1996. Holders of Exchange
Notes of record on November 1, 1996 will receive interest on November 15, 1996
from the date of issuance of the Exchange Notes, plus an amount equal to the
accrued interest on the Old Notes from the date of issuance of the Old Notes,
May 23, 1996, to the date of exchange thereof. Consequently, assuming the
Exchange Offer is consummated prior to the record date in respect of the
November 15, 1996 interest payment for the Old Notes, holders who exchange their
Old Notes
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   31
 
for Exchange Notes will receive the same interest payment on November 15, 1996
that they would have received had they not accepted the Exchange Offer. Interest
on the Old Notes accepted for exchange will cease to accrue upon issuance of the
Exchange Notes.
 
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING
 
     To tender in the Exchange Offer, a holder must complete, sign and date the
Letter of Transmittal, or a facsimile thereof, have the signatures thereon
guaranteed if required by the Letter of Transmittal, and mail or otherwise
deliver such Letter of Transmittal or such facsimile, together with the Old
Notes and any other required documents, to the Exchange Agent prior to 5:00
p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. The tender by a holder of Old
Notes will constitute an agreement between such holder and the Company in
accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and in
the Letter of Transmittal. Delivery of all documents must be made to the
Exchange Agent at its address set forth herein. Holders may also request that
their respective brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust companies or nominees
effect such tender for such holders. The method of delivery of Old Notes and the
Letter of Transmittal and all other required documents to the Exchange Agent is
at the election and risk of the holders. Instead of delivery by mail, it is
recommended that holders use an overnight or hand delivery service. In all
cases, sufficient time should be allowed to assure timely delivery. No Letter of
Transmittal or Old Notes should be sent to the Company. Only a holder of Old
Notes may tender such Old Notes in the Exchange Offer. The term "holder" with
respect to the Exchange Offer means any person in whose name Old Notes are
registered on the books of the Company or any other person who has obtained a
properly completed stock power from the registered holder.
 
     Any beneficial holder whose Old Notes are registered in the name of such
holder's broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and who
wishes to tender should contact such registered holder promptly and instruct
such registered holder to tender on behalf of the registered holder. If such
beneficial holder wishes to tender directly, such beneficial holder must, prior
to completing and executing the Letter of Transmittal and delivering his Old
Notes, either make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the Old
Notes in such holder's name or obtain a properly completed bond power from the
registered holder. The transfer of record ownership may take considerable time.
If the Letter of Transmittal is signed by the record holder(s) of the Old Notes
tendered thereby, the signature must correspond with the name(s) written on the
face of the Old Notes without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever.
If the Letter of Transmittal is signed by a participant in DTC, the signature
must correspond with the name as it appears on the security position listing as
the holder of the Old Notes. Signatures on a Letter of Transmittal or a notice
of withdrawal, as the case may be, must be guaranteed by a member firm of a
registered national securities exchange or of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc., a commercial bank or trust company having an office or
correspondent in the United States or an "eligible guarantor institution" within
the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the Exchange Act (an "Eligible Institution")
unless the Old Notes tendered pursuant thereto are tendered (i) by a registered
holder (or by a participant in DTC whose name appears on a security position
listing as the owner) who has not completed the box entitled "Special Issuance
Instructions" or "Special Delivery Instructions" on the Letter of Transmittal
and the Exchange Notes are being issued directly to such registered holder (or
deposited into the participant's account at DTC) or (ii) for the account of an
Eligible Institution. If the Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other
than the registered holder of any Old Notes listed therein, such Old Notes must
be endorsed or accompanied by appropriate bond powers which authorize such
person to tender the Old Notes on behalf of the registered holder, in either
case signed as the name of the registered holder or holders appears on the Old
Notes. If the Letter of Transmittal or any Old Notes or bond powers are signed
by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers
of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such
persons should so indicate when signing, and unless waived by the Company,
evidence satisfactory to the Company of their authority to so act must be
submitted with the Letter of Transmittal.
 
     A tender will be deemed to have been received as of the date when the
tendering holder's duly signed Letter of Transmittal accompanied by Old Notes
(or a timely confirmation received of a book-entry transfer of Old Notes into
the Exchange Agent's account at DTC) or a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery from an
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   32
 
Eligible Institution is received by the Exchange Agent. Issuances of Exchange
Notes in exchange for Old Notes tendered pursuant to a Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery by an Eligible Institution will be made only against delivery of the
Letter of Transmittal (and any other required documents) and the tendered Old
Notes (or a timely confirmation received of a book-entry transfer of Old Notes
into the Exchange Agent's account at DTC) with the Exchange Agent.
 
     All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of
receipt), acceptance and withdrawal of the tendered Old Notes will be determined
by the Company in its sole discretion, which determination will be final and
binding. The Company reserves the absolute right to reject any and all Old Notes
not properly tendered or any Old Notes the Company's acceptance of which would,
in the opinion of the Company or its counsel, be unlawful. The Company also
reserves the absolute right to waive any conditions of the Exchange Offer or
defects or irregularities in tender as to particular Old Notes. The Company's
interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer (including the
instructions in the Letter of Transmittal) shall be final and binding on all
parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders
of Old Notes must be cured within such time as the Company shall determine.
Neither the Company, the Exchange Agent nor any other person shall be under any
duty to give notification of defects or irregularities with respect to tenders
of Old Notes nor shall any of them incur any liability for failure to give such
notification. Tenders of Old Notes will not be deemed to have been made until
such irregularities have been cured or waived. Any Old Notes received by the
Exchange Agent that are not properly tendered and as to which the defects or
irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned without cost by
the Exchange Agent to the tendering holder of such Old Notes unless otherwise
provided in the Letter of Transmittal, as soon as practicable following the
Expiration Date. In addition, the Company reserves the right in its sole
discretion to (i) purchase or make offers for any Old Notes that remain
outstanding subsequent to the Expiration Date, or, as set forth under
"-- Termination," to terminate the Exchange Offer and (ii) to the extent
permitted by applicable law, purchase Old Notes in the open market, in privately
negotiated transactions or otherwise. The terms of any such purchases or offers
may differ from the terms of the Exchange Offer.
 
BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER
 
     The Exchange Agent will establish an account with respect to the Old Notes
at DTC within two business days after the date of this Prospectus, and any
financial institution which is a participant in DTC may make book-entry delivery
of the Old Notes by causing DTC to transfer such Old Notes into the Exchange
Agent's account in accordance with DTC's procedure for such transfer. Although
delivery of Old Notes may be effected through book-entry transfer into the
Exchange Agent's account at DTC, the Letter of Transmittal, with any required
signature guarantees and any other required documents, must in any case be
transmitted to and received by the Exchange Agent on or prior to the Expiration
Date at one of its addresses set forth below under "-- Exchange Agent", or the
guaranteed delivery procedure described below must be complied with. DELIVERY OF
DOCUMENTS TO DTC DOES NOT CONSTITUTE DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT. All
references in this Prospectus to deposit or delivery of Old Notes shall be
deemed to include DTC's book-entry delivery method.
 
GUARANTEED DELIVERY PROCEDURES
 
     Holders who wish to tender their Old Notes and whose Old Notes are not
immediately available or who cannot deliver their Old Notes, the Letter of
Transmittal or any other required documents to the Exchange Agent prior to the
Expiration Date, or who cannot complete the procedure for book-entry transfer on
a timely basis, may effect a tender if: (i) the tender is made by or through an
Eligible Institution; (ii) prior to the Expiration Date, the Exchange Agent
receives from such Eligible Institution a properly completed and duly executed
Notice of Guaranteed Delivery (by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery)
setting forth the name and address of the holder of the Old Notes, the
registration number or numbers of such Old Notes (if applicable), and the total
principal amount of Old Notes tendered, stating that the tender is being made
thereby and guaranteeing that, within five business days after the Expiration
Date, the Letter of Transmittal, together with the Old Notes in proper form for
transfer (or a confirmation of a book-entry transfer into the Exchange Agent's
account at DTC) and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal,
will be
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   33
 
deposited by the Eligible Institution with the Exchange Agent; and (iii) such
properly completed and executed Letter of Transmittal, together with the
certificate(s) representing all tendered Old Notes in proper form for transfer
(or a confirmation of such a book-entry transfer) and all other documents
required by the Letter of Transmittal are received by the Exchange Agent within
five business days after the Expiration Date.
 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
 
     The Letter of Transmittal contains, among other things, certain terms and
conditions which are summarized below and are part of the Exchange Offer.
 
     Each holder who participates in the Exchange Offer will be required to
represent that any Exchange Notes received by it will be acquired in the
ordinary course of its business, that such holder is not participating in, and
has no arrangement with any person to participate in, the distribution (within
the meaning of the Securities Act) of the Exchange Notes, and that such holder
is not a Restricted Holder.
 
     Old Notes tendered in exchange for Exchange Notes (or a timely confirmation
of a book-entry transfer of such Old Notes into the Exchange Agent's account at
DTC) must be received by the Exchange Agent, with the Letter of Transmittal and
any other required documents, by the Expiration Date or within the time periods
set forth above pursuant to a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery from an Eligible
Institution. Each holder tendering the Old Notes for exchange sells, assigns and
transfers the Old Notes to the Exchange Agent, as agent of the Company, and
irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Exchange Agent as the holder's agent
and attorney-in-fact to cause the Old Notes to be transferred and exchanged. The
holder warrants that it has full power and authority to tender, exchange, sell,
assign and transfer the Old Notes and to acquire the Exchange Notes issuable
upon the exchange of such tendered Old Notes, that the Exchange Agent, as agent
of the Company, will acquire good and unencumbered title to the tendered Old
Notes, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances, and
that the Old Notes tendered for exchange are not subject to any adverse claims
when accepted by the Exchange Agent, as agent of the Company. The holder also
warrants and agrees that it will, upon request, execute and deliver any
additional documents deemed by the Company or the Exchange Agent to be necessary
or desirable to complete the exchange, sale, assignment and transfer of the Old
Notes. All authority conferred or agreed to be conferred in the Letter of
Transmittal by the holder will survive the death, incapacity or dissolution of
the holder and any obligation of the holder shall be binding upon the heirs,
personal representatives, successors and assigns of such holder.
 
WITHDRAWAL OF TENDERS
 
     Except as otherwise provided herein, tenders of Old Notes may be withdrawn
at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the business day prior to
the Expiration Date, unless previously accepted for exchange. To withdraw a
tender of Old Notes in the Exchange Offer, a written or facsimile transmission
notice of withdrawal must be received by the Exchange Agent at its address set
forth herein prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the business day prior
to the Expiration Date and prior to acceptance for exchange thereof by the
Company. Any such notice of withdrawal must (i) specify the name of the person
having deposited the Old Notes to be withdrawn (the "Depositor"), (ii) identify
the Old Notes to be withdrawn (including, if applicable, the registration number
or numbers and total principal amount of such Old Notes), (iii) be signed by the
Depositor in the same manner as the original signature on the Letter of
Transmittal by which such Old Notes were tendered (including any required
signature guarantees) or be accompanied by documents of transfer sufficient to
permit the Trustee with respect to the Old Notes to register the transfer of
such Old Notes into the name of the Depositor withdrawing the tender, (iv)
specify the name in which any such Old Notes are to be registered, if different
from that of the Depositor and (v) if applicable because the Old Notes have been
tendered pursuant to the book-entry procedures, specify the name and number of
the participant's account at DTC to be credited, if different than that of the
Depositor. All questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including
time of receipt) of such withdrawal notices will be determined by the Company,
whose determination shall be final and binding on all parties. Any Old Notes so
withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for purposes of the
Exchange Offer and no Exchange Notes will be issued with respect thereto unless
the Old Notes so withdrawn are validly retendered. Any Old Notes which have been
tendered but which are not accepted for exchange will be returned to the holder
thereof without
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   34
 
cost to such holder as soon as practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender
or termination of the Exchange Offer. Properly withdrawn Old Notes may be
retendered by following one of the procedures described above under
"-- Procedures for Tendering" at any time prior to the Expiration Date.
 
TERMINATION
 
     Notwithstanding any other term of the Exchange Offer, the Company will not
be required to accept for exchange any Old Notes not theretofore accepted for
exchange, and may terminate the Exchange Offer if it determines that the
Exchange Offer violates any applicable law or interpretation of the staff of the
SEC.
 
     If the Company determines that it may terminate the Exchange Offer, as set
forth above, the Company may (i) refuse to accept any Old Notes and return any
Old Notes that have been tendered to the holders thereof, (ii) extend the
Exchange Offer and retain all Old Notes tendered prior to the Expiration of the
Exchange Offer, subject to the rights of such holders of tendered Old Notes to
withdraw their tendered Old Notes or (iii) waive such termination event with
respect to the Exchange Offer and accept all properly tendered Old Notes that
have not been withdrawn. If such waiver constitutes a material change in the
Exchange Offer, the Company will disclose such change by means of a supplement
to this Prospectus that will be distributed to each registered holder of Old
Notes, and the Company will extend the Exchange Offer for a period of five to
ten business days, depending upon the significance of the waiver and the manner
of disclosure to the registered holders of the Old Notes, if the Exchange Offer
would otherwise expire during such period. Holders of Old Notes will have
certain rights against the Company under the Registration Rights Agreement
should the Company fail to consummate the Exchange Offer. See "Registration
Rights Agreement."
 
EXCHANGE AGENT
 
     Fleet National Bank has been appointed as Exchange Agent for the Exchange
Offer. Questions and requests for assistance and requests for additional copies
of this Prospectus or of the Letter of Transmittal should be directed to the
Exchange Agent addressed as follows:
 
     By Mail, Hand or Overnight Courier:
 
       Fleet National Bank
      777 Main Street
      MSN CT/MO/0224
      Hartford, Connecticut 06115
      Attention: Corporate Trust Operations
 
     Facsimile Transmission: (860) 986-7908
     Confirm by Telephone: (860) 986-1271
 
FEES AND EXPENSES
 
     The expenses of soliciting tenders pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be
borne by the Company. The principal solicitation for tenders pursuant to the
Exchange Offer is being made by mail. Additional solicitations may be made by
officers and regular employees of the Company and its affiliates in person, by
telegraph or telephone. The Company will not make any payments to brokers,
dealers or other persons soliciting acceptances of the Exchange Offer. The
Company, however, will pay the Exchange Agent reasonable and customary fees for
its services and will reimburse the Exchange Agent for its reasonable out-
of-pocket expenses in connection therewith. The Company may also pay brokerage
houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries the reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in forwarding copies of this Prospectus,
Letters of Transmittal and related documents to the beneficial owners of the Old
Notes and in handling or forwarding tenders for exchange.
 
     The other expenses incurred in connection with the Exchange Offer,
including fees and expenses of the Exchange Agent and Trustee and accounting and
legal fees, will be paid by the Company. The Company will pay all transfer
taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange
Offer. If,
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   35
 
however, Exchange Notes or Old Notes not tendered or accepted for exchange are
to be delivered to, or are to be registered or issued in the name of, any person
other than the registered holder of the Old Notes tendered, or if tendered Old
Notes are registered in the name of any person other than the person signing the
Letter of Transmittal, or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than
the exchange of Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer, then the amount of any
such transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder or any other
persons) will be payable by the tendering holder. If satisfactory evidence of
payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is not submitted with the Letter of
Transmittal, the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed directly to such
tendering holder.
 
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
     No gain or loss for accounting purposes will be recognized by the Company
upon the consummation of the Exchange Offer. The expenses of the Exchange Offer
will be amortized by the Company over the term of the Exchange Notes under
generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                      DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING INDEBTEDNESS
 
     The Company has established a credit facility (the "Revolving Credit
Facility") with ING to fund its working capital requirements and other
obligations and to support the issuance of letters of credit. The Company may
borrow from time to time up to $35 million under the Revolving Credit Facility,
subject to certain borrowing base limitations. All advances to the Company under
the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at  1/4% per annum plus the greater
of the prevailing Federal Funds Rate plus  1/2% or a referenced average prime
rate; or at the adjusted LlBOR rate plus 2% per annum. The foregoing rates are
subject to an increase of  1/2% in the event certain financial thresholds are
exceeded. The Company is also obligated to pay ING (i) a commitment fee equal to
 1/2% per annum on the average daily unadvanced portion of the commitments and
(ii) a letter of credit fee of 2% per annum on the average daily undrawn and
unexpired amount of each letter of credit during the period that sum remains
outstanding. The Revolving Credit Facility expires on May 31, 1998.
 
     The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by the rig fleet, inventory,
equipment, accounts receivable and certain oil and gas properties of the Company
and the Subsidiary Guarantors. The Revolving Credit Facility requires the
Company to comply with various covenants including, but not limited to, the
maintenance of various financial ratios, and restricts the Company from
declaring, making or paying any dividends on its Common Stock.
 
     At June 30, 1996, the Company had no Indebtedness outstanding under the
Revolving Credit Facility.
 
                            DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
 
     The Exchange Notes will be issued, and the Old Notes were issued, under an
indenture entered into among the Company, as issuer, Cliffs Drilling Asset
Acquisition Company (now known as Southwestern Offshore Corporation), Cliffs
Drilling Merger Company, Cliffs Drilling International, Inc. and Cliffs Oil and
Gas Company, as initial Subsidiary Guarantors, and Fleet National Bank, as
trustee (the "Trustee") dated as of May 15, 1996, as amended and supplemented by
Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 11, 1996 (such indenture, as so amended
and supplemented, the "Indenture"), which added DRL, Inc. as a Subsidiary
Guarantor. Old Notes were issued under the Indenture on May 23, 1996 in an
aggregate principal amount of $150,000,000. References to the Notes include the
Old Notes and the Exchange Notes unless the context otherwise requires. The
Indenture is subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended (the "Trust Indenture Act"). The following summary of certain provisions
of the Indenture and of the Registration Rights Agreement does not purport to be
complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to,
all of the provisions of the Indenture, including the definitions of certain
terms contained therein and those terms that are made a part of the Indenture by
reference to the Trust Indenture Act and of the Registration Rights Agreement,
respectively. Copies of the Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement are
filed as exhibits to the Form 8-K. See "Incorporation of Certain Documents by
Reference."
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   36
 
Capitalized terms not otherwise defined below or elsewhere in this Prospectus
have the meanings given to them in the Indenture. The definitions of certain
capitalized terms used in the following summary are set forth below under
"-- Certain Definitions."
 
GENERAL
 
     The Notes will be senior unsecured obligations of the Company limited to
$150 million aggregate principal amount. The Notes will be issued only in
registered form, without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 and integral
multiples thereof. Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes will
be payable, and the Notes will be transferable, at the office or agency of the
Company in the City of New York maintained for such purposes, which initially
will be the corporate trust office or agency of the Trustee maintained at
Shawmut Trust Company, c/o First Chicago Trust Company of New York, 14 Wall
Street, 8th Floor, Window -- 2, New York, New York 10005. In addition, in the
event the Notes do not remain in book-entry form, interest may be paid, at the
option of the Company, by check mailed to the registered holders of the Notes at
their respective addresses as shown on the Note Register, subject to the right
of any holder of Notes in the principal amount of $500,000 or more to request
payment by wire transfer. No service charge will be made for any transfer,
exchange or redemption of the Notes, but the Company or the Trustee may require
payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that
may be payable in connection therewith.
 
     The obligations of the Company under the Notes will be guaranteed on a
senior unsecured basis by the Subsidiary Guarantors. See "-- Subsidiary
Guarantees of Notes."
 
     Any Old Notes that remain outstanding after the completion of the Exchange
Offer, together with the Exchange Notes issued in connection with the Exchange
Offer, will be treated as a single class of securities under the Indenture.
 
MATURITY, INTEREST AND PRINCIPAL PAYMENTS
 
     The Notes will mature on May 15, 2003. Interest on the Notes will accrue
from May 23, 1996 at the rate of 10.25% per annum and will be payable
semiannually in cash in arrears on May 15 and November 15, of each year,
commencing November 15, 1996, to the Persons in whose name the Notes are
registered in the Note Register at the close of business on the May 1 or
November 1 next preceding such interest payment date. Holders of Exchange Notes
of record on November 1, 1996 will receive interest on November 15, 1996 from
the date of issuance of the Exchange Notes, plus an amount equal to the accrued
interest on the Old Notes from their date of issuance, May 23, 1996, to the date
of exchange thereof. The interest rate on the Notes is subject to increase if
the Company fails to satisfy certain provisions of the Registration Rights
Agreement. See "-- Exchange Offer; Registration Rights Agreement." Interest will
be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.
 
REDEMPTION
 
     Optional Redemption. The Notes will be redeemable at the option of the
Company, in whole or in part, at any time on or after May 15, 2000, upon not
less than 30 or more than 60 days' notice, at the redemption prices (expressed
as percentages of principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, to the date of redemption (subject to the right of Holders of
record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest
payment date that is on or prior to the date of redemption), if redeemed during
the 12-month period beginning on May 15 of the years indicated below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            REDEMPTION
                                       YEAR                                   PRICE
        ------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------
        <S>                                                                 <C>
        2000..............................................................    105.00%
        2001..............................................................    102.50%
        2002 and thereafter...............................................    100.00%
</TABLE>
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   37
 
     In the event that less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed, the
particular Notes (or any portion thereof that is an integral multiple of $1,000)
to be redeemed shall be selected not less than 30 or more than 60 days prior to
the date of redemption by the Trustee, from the outstanding Notes not previously
called for redemption, pro rata, by lot or by any other method the Trustee shall
deem fair and appropriate.
 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time on or prior to May 15, 1999, up
to $37.5 million in aggregate principal amount of Notes will be redeemable, at
the option of the Company, upon not less than 30 or more than 60 days' notice,
from the Net Cash Proceeds of a Public Equity Offering, at a redemption price
equal to 110% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid
interest to the date of redemption, provided that at least $112.5 million in
aggregate principal amount of Notes remains outstanding immediately after such
redemption and that such redemption occurs within 60 days following the closing
of such Public Equity Offering.
 
     Offers to Purchase. As described below, (a) upon the occurrence of a Change
of Control, the Company will be obligated to make an offer to purchase all
outstanding Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount
thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of
purchase and (b) upon certain sales or other dispositions of assets, the Company
may be obligated to make offers to purchase Notes with a portion of the Net
Available Proceeds of such sales or other dispositions at a purchase price equal
to 100% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, to the date of purchase. See "-- Certain Covenants -- Change
of Control" and "-- Limitation on Asset Sales."
 
RANKING
 
     The Notes will be senior unsecured obligations of the Company and will rank
pari passu in right of payment with all senior Indebtedness of the Company, and
senior in right of payment to all Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company. The
Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees, however, will be effectively subordinated
to secured Indebtedness of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors,
respectively, with respect to the assets securing such Indebtedness, including
any Indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility, which is secured by liens
on substantially all of the assets of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors.
At June 30, 1996, the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors had no Indebtedness
outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. See "Capitalization." Subject
to certain limitations, the Company and its Subsidiaries may incur additional
Indebtedness in the future. See "-- Certain Covenants -- Limitation on
Indebtedness and Disqualified Capital Stock."
 
SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES OF NOTES
 
     Each Subsidiary Guarantor will unconditionally guarantee, jointly and
severally, to each Holder and the Trustee, the full and prompt performance of
the Company's obligations under the Indenture and the Notes, including the
payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes pursuant to
its Subsidiary Guarantee. The five Subsidiary Guarantors are currently the
Company's principal subsidiaries. In addition to current Subsidiary Guarantors,
the Company will cause each Restricted Subsidiary that becomes, or comes into
existence as, a Restricted Subsidiary after the date of the Indenture and has
assets, businesses, divisions, real property or equipment with a fair market
value (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company) in
excess of $1 million to execute and deliver a supplement to the Indenture
pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary will guarantee the payment of the
Notes on the same terms and conditions as the Subsidiary Guarantees by the
initial Subsidiary Guarantors.
 
     The Subsidiary Guarantees will be senior unsecured obligations of each
respective Subsidiary Guarantor and will rank pari passu in right of payment
with all senior Indebtedness of such Subsidiary Guarantor, and senior in right
of payment to all Subordinated Indebtedness of such Subsidiary Guarantor.
However, the Subsidiary Guarantees will be effectively subordinated to secured
Indebtedness of the Subsidiary Guarantors, with respect to the assets securing
such Indebtedness, including Indebtedness of the Subsidiary Guarantors under the
Revolving Credit Facility, which is secured by liens on substantially all of
their assets. At June 30, 1996, the Subsidiary Guarantors had no Indebtedness
outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. See "Capitalization."
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   38
 
     The obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor will be limited to the maximum
amount as will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed
liabilities of such Subsidiary Guarantor and after giving effect to any
collections from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Subsidiary
Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Subsidiary Guarantor under
its Subsidiary Guarantee or pursuant to its contribution obligations under the
Indenture, result in the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor under its
Subsidiary Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent
transfer under federal or state law. Each Subsidiary Guarantor that makes a
payment or distribution under a Subsidiary Guarantee shall be entitled to a
contribution from each other Subsidiary Guarantor in a pro rata amount based on
the Adjusted Net Assets of each Subsidiary Guarantor.
 
     Each Subsidiary Guarantor may consolidate with or merge into or sell or
otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties and assets to
the Company or another Subsidiary Guarantor without limitation, except to the
extent any such transaction is subject to the "Merger, Consolidation and Sale of
Assets" covenant of the Indenture. Each Subsidiary Guarantor may consolidate
with or merge into or sell all or substantially all of its properties and assets
to a Person other than the Company or another Subsidiary Guarantor (whether or
not Affiliated with the Subsidiary Guarantor), provided that (a) if the
surviving Person is not the Subsidiary Guarantor, the surviving Person agrees to
assume such Subsidiary Guarantor's Subsidiary Guarantee and all its obligations
pursuant to the Indenture (except to the extent the following paragraph would
result in the release of such Subsidiary Guarantee) and (b) such transaction
does not (i) violate any of the covenants described below under "-- Certain
Covenants" or (ii) result in a Default or Event of Default immediately
thereafter that is continuing.
 
     Upon the sale or other disposition (by merger or otherwise) of a Subsidiary
Guarantor (or all or substantially all of its properties and assets) to a Person
other than the Company or another Subsidiary Guarantor and pursuant to a
transaction that is otherwise in compliance with the Indenture (including as
described in the foregoing paragraph), such Subsidiary Guarantor shall be deemed
released from its Subsidiary Guarantee and the related obligations set forth in
the Indenture; provided, however, that any such termination shall occur only to
the extent that all obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor under all of its
guarantees of, and under all of its pledges of assets or other security
interests which secure, other Indebtedness of the Company or any other
Restricted Subsidiary shall also terminate or be released upon such sale or
other disposition. Each Subsidiary Guarantor that is designated as an
Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with the Indenture shall be released from
its Subsidiary Guarantee and related obligations set forth in the Indenture for
so long as it remains an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
 
     Separate financial statements of the Subsidiary Guarantors have not been
provided because the Subsidiary Guarantors are jointly and severally liable for
the obligations of the Company under the Notes and the aggregate assets,
earnings and equity of the Subsidiary Guarantors are substantially equivalent to
the consolidated assets, earnings and equity of the Company.
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS
 
     The Indenture contains, among others, the covenants described below.
 
     Limitation on Indebtedness and Disqualified Capital Stock. (a) The Company
will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, create,
incur, issue, assume, guarantee or in any manner become directly or indirectly
liable for the payment of (collectively, "incur") any Indebtedness (including
any Acquired Indebtedness but excluding any Permitted Indebtedness) or any
Disqualified Capital Stock, unless, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to
such incurrence and the application of the proceeds therefrom, the Consolidated
EBITDA Coverage Ratio for the four full quarters immediately preceding such
event, taken as one period, would have been equal to or greater than 2.25 to
1.0.
 
     (b) The Company will not incur any Indebtedness that is expressly
subordinated to any other Indebtedness of the Company unless such Indebtedness,
by its terms or the terms of any agreement or instrument pursuant to which such
Indebtedness is issued or outstanding, is also expressly made subordinate to the
Notes at least to the extent it is subordinated to such other Indebtedness.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   39
 
     Limitation on Restricted Payments. (a) The Company will not, and will not
permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly:
 
          (i) declare or pay any dividend on, or make any other distribution to
     holders of, any shares of Capital Stock of the Company (other than
     dividends or distributions payable solely in shares of Qualified Capital
     Stock of the Company or in options, warrants or other rights to purchase
     Qualified Capital Stock of the Company);
 
          (ii) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value any
     Capital Stock of the Company or any Affiliate thereof (other than any
     Restricted Subsidiary) or any options, warrants or other rights to acquire
     such Capital Stock;
 
          (iii) make any principal payment on or repurchase, redeem, defease or
     otherwise acquire or retire for value, prior to any scheduled principal
     payment, scheduled sinking fund payment or maturity, any Subordinated
     Indebtedness, except in any case out of the net cash proceeds of any
     Permitted Indebtedness referred to in clause (x) of the definition of
     Permitted Indebtedness; or
 
          (iv) make any Restricted Investment;
 
(such payments or other actions described in clauses (i) through (iv) being
collectively referred to as "Restricted Payments"), unless at the time of and
after giving effect to the proposed Restricted Payment (the amount of any such
Restricted Payment, if other than cash, shall be the amount determined by the
Board of Directors of the Company, whose determination shall be conclusive and
evidenced by a Board Resolution),
 
     (1) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing,
 
     (2) the Company could incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness (other than
Permitted Indebtedness) in accordance with paragraph (a) of the "-- Limitation
on Indebtedness and Disqualified Capital Stock" covenant, and
 
     (3) the aggregate amount of all Restricted Payments declared or made after
the date of the Indenture shall not exceed the sum (without duplication) of the
following:
 
          (A) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Company accrued on a
     cumulative basis during the period beginning on April 1, 1996 and ending on
     the last day of the Company's last fiscal quarter ending prior to the date
     of such proposed Restricted Payment (or, if such Consolidated Net Income is
     a loss, minus 100% of such loss),
 
          (B) the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds received after the date of the
     Indenture by the Company from the issuance or sale (other than to any of
     its Restricted Subsidiaries) of shares of Qualified Capital Stock of the
     Company or any options, warrants or rights to purchase such shares of
     Qualified Capital Stock of the Company,
 
          (C) the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds received after the date of the
     Indenture by the Company (other than from any of its Restricted
     Subsidiaries) upon the exercise of any options, warrants or rights to
     purchase shares of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company,
 
          (D) the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds received after the date of the
     Indenture by the Company from the issuance or sale (other than to any of
     its Restricted Subsidiaries) of Indebtedness or shares of Disqualified
     Capital Stock that have been converted into or exchanged for Qualified
     Capital Stock of the Company, together with the aggregate cash received by
     the Company at the time of such conversion or exchange,
 
          (E) to the extent not otherwise included in Consolidated Net Income,
     the net reduction in Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries resulting
     from dividends, repayments of loans or advances, or other transfers of
     assets, in each case to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary after the
     date of the Indenture from any Unrestricted Subsidiary or from the
     redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary
     (valued in each case as provided in the definition of Investment), not to
     exceed in the case of any Unrestricted Subsidiary the total amount of
     Investments (other than Permitted
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   40
 
     Investments) in such Unrestricted Subsidiary made by the Company and its
     Restricted Subsidiaries in such Unrestricted Subsidiary after the date of
     the Indenture, and
 
          (F) $10 million.
 
     (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) above, the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries may take the following actions so long as (in the case of clauses
(ii) and (iii) below) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing:
 
          (i) the payment of any dividend on any Capital Stock of the Company or
     any Restricted Subsidiary within 60 days after the date of declaration
     thereof, if at such declaration date such declaration complied with the
     provisions of paragraph (a) above (and such payment shall be deemed to have
     been paid on such date of declaration for purposes of any calculation
     required by the provisions of paragraph (a) above);
 
          (ii) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement of
     any shares of any class of Capital Stock of the Company or any Restricted
     Subsidiary, in exchange for, or out of the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds
     from, a substantially concurrent issuance and sale (other than to a
     Restricted Subsidiary) of shares of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company;
     and
 
          (iii) the repurchase, redemption, repayment, defeasance or other
     acquisition or retirement for value of any Subordinated Indebtedness in
     exchange for, or out of the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds from, a
     substantially concurrent issuance and sale (other than to a Restricted
     Subsidiary) of shares of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company.
 
     The actions described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph (b)
shall be Restricted Payments that shall be permitted to be made in accordance
with this paragraph (b) but shall reduce the amount that would otherwise be
available for Restricted Payments under clause (3) of paragraph (a), provided
that any dividend paid pursuant to clause (i) of this paragraph (b) shall reduce
the amount that would otherwise be available under clause (3) of paragraph (a)
when declared, but not also when subsequently paid pursuant to such clause (i).
 
     Limitation on Issuances and Sales of Capital Stock of Restricted
Subsidiaries. The Company (i) will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to issue
or sell any Capital Stock to any Person other than the Company or a Wholly Owned
Restricted Subsidiary and (ii) will not permit any Person other than the Company
or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary to own any Capital Stock of any
Restricted Subsidiary, in each case except with respect to a Wholly Owned
Restricted Subsidiary as described in clause (i) or (ii) of the definition of
"Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary".
 
     Limitation on Sale/Leaseback Transactions. The Company will not, and will
not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, enter into,
assume, guarantee or otherwise become liable with respect to any Sale/Leaseback
Transaction unless the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may
be, would be able to incur Indebtedness (not including the incurrence of
Permitted Indebtedness) in an amount equal to the Attributable Indebtedness with
respect to such Sale/Leaseback Transaction pursuant to paragraph (a) of the
"Limitation on Indebtedness and Disqualified Capital Stock" covenant, the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary receives proceeds from such Sale/Leaseback
Transaction at least equal to the fair market value of the property or assets
subject thereto (as determined in good faith by the Company's Board of
Directors, whose determination in good faith and evidenced by a Board Resolution
will be conclusive) and the Company applies an amount in cash equal to the Net
Available Proceeds of the Sale/Leaseback Transaction in accordance with the
provisions of the "Limitation on Asset Sales" covenant as if such Sale/Leaseback
Transaction were an Asset Sale.
 
     Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates. The Company will not, and will
not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, enter into or
suffer to exist any transaction or series of related transactions (including,
without limitation, the sale, purchase, exchange or lease of assets or property
or the rendering of any services) with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of
the Company (other than the Company or a
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   41
 
Restricted Subsidiary), unless (i) such transaction or series of transactions is
on terms that are no less favorable to the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary, as the case may be, than those that would be available in a
comparable arm's length transaction with unrelated third parties, (ii) with
respect to any one transaction or series of related transactions involving
aggregate payments in excess of $1 million, the Company delivers an Officers'
Certificate to the Trustee certifying that such transaction or series of related
transactions complies with clause (i) above, (iii) with respect to a transaction
or series of related transactions involving payments in excess of $5 million but
less than $15 million in the aggregate, the Company delivers an Officers'
Certificate to the Trustee certifying that (A) such transaction or series of
related transactions complies with clause (i) above and (B) such transaction or
series of related transactions has been approved by a majority of the
Disinterested Directors of the Company, and (iv) with respect to any one
transaction or series of related transactions involving aggregate payments in
excess of $15 million, the Company delivers an Officers' Certificate to the
Trustee certifying to the two matters referred to in clause (iii) above and that
the Company has obtained a written opinion from an independent nationally
recognized investment banking firm or appraisal firm specializing or having a
specialty in the type and subject matter of the transaction or series of related
transactions at issue, which opinion shall be to the effect set forth in clause
(i) above or shall state that such transaction or series of related transactions
is fair from a financial point of view to the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary; provided, however, that the foregoing restriction shall not apply to
(w) loans or advances to officers, directors and employees of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary made in the ordinary course of business and consistent
with past practices of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in an
aggregate amount not to exceed $1 million outstanding at any one time, (x)
indemnities of officers, directors and employees of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary permitted by bylaw or statutory provisions, (y) the
payment of reasonable and customary regular fees to directors of the Company or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries who are not employees of the Company or any
Affiliate and (z) the Company's employee compensation and other benefit
arrangements.
 
     Limitation on Liens. The Company will not, and will not permit any
Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume, affirm
or suffer to exist or become effective any Lien of any kind, except for
Permitted Liens, upon any of their respective property or assets, whether now
owned or acquired after the date of the Indenture, or any income, profits or
proceeds therefrom, to secure (a) any Indebtedness of the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary (if it is not also a Subsidiary Guarantor), unless prior
to, or contemporaneously therewith, the Notes are equally and ratably secured,
or (b) any Indebtedness of any Subsidiary Guarantor, unless prior to, or
contemporaneously therewith, the Subsidiary Guarantees are equally and ratably
secured; provided, however, that if such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated
to the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees, the Lien securing such Indebtedness
will be subordinated and junior to the Lien securing the Notes or the Subsidiary
Guarantees, as the case may be, with the same relative priority as such
Indebtedness has with respect to the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees. The
foregoing covenant will not apply to any Lien securing Acquired Indebtedness,
provided that any such Lien extends only to the property or assets that were
subject to such Lien prior to the related acquisition by the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary and was not created, incurred or assumed in contemplation
of such transaction. The incurrence of additional secured Indebtedness by the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries is subject to further limitations on the
incurrence of Indebtedness as described under "-- Limitation on Indebtedness and
Disqualified Capital Stock."
 
     Change of Control. Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company
will be obligated to make an offer to purchase all of the then outstanding Notes
(a "Change of Control Offer"), and will purchase, on a Business Day (the "Change
of Control Purchase Date") not more than 60 nor less than 30 days following such
Change of Control, all of the then outstanding Notes validly tendered pursuant
to such Change of Control Offer and not withdrawn, at a purchase price (the
"Change of Control Purchase Price") equal to 101% of the principal amount
thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the Change of Control
Purchase Date. The Change of Control Offer is required to remain open for at
least 20 Business Days and until the close of business on the fifth Business Day
prior to the Change of Control Purchase Date.
 
     In order to effect such Change of Control Offer, the Company will, not
later than the 30th day after the Change of Control, mail to the Trustee and
each Holder a notice of the Change of Control Offer, which notice
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   42
 
shall govern the terms of the Change of Control Offer and shall state, among
other things, the procedures that Holders must follow to accept the Change of
Control Offer.
 
     The occurrence of a Change of Control may result in the lender under the
Revolving Credit Facility having the right to require the Company to repay all
Indebtedness outstanding thereunder. There can be no assurance that the Company
will have available funds sufficient to repay all Indebtedness owing under the
Revolving Credit Facility or to fund the purchase of the Notes upon a Change of
Control. In the event a Change of Control occurs at a time when the Company does
not have available funds sufficient to pay the Change of Control Purchase Price
for all of the Notes delivered by Holders seeking to accept the Change of
Control Offer, an Event of Default would occur under the Indenture. The
definition of Change of Control includes an event by which the Company sells,
conveys, transfers, leases or otherwise disposes of all or substantially all of
the properties and assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken
as a whole; the phrase "all or substantially all" is subject to applicable legal
precedent and, as a result, in the future there may be uncertainty as to whether
or not a Change of Control has occurred.
 
     The Company will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a
Change of Control if another Person makes the Change of Control Offer at the
same purchase price, at the same time and otherwise in substantial compliance
with the requirements applicable to a Change of Control Offer to be made by the
Company and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such
Change of Control Offer.
 
     The Company will comply with Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any
other securities laws and regulations thereunder, if applicable, in the event
that a Change of Control occurs and the Company is required to purchase Notes as
described above. The existence of a Holder's right to require, subject to
certain conditions, the Company to repurchase its Notes upon a Change of Control
may deter a third party from acquiring the Company in a transaction that
constitutes, or results in, a Change of Control.
 
     Limitation on Asset Sales. (a) The Company will not, and will not permit
any Restricted Subsidiary to, engage in any Asset Sale unless (i) the Company or
such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration at the
time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value of the assets
and properties sold or otherwise disposed of pursuant to the Asset Sale (as
determined by the Board of Directors of the Company, whose determination in good
faith shall be conclusive and evidenced by a Board Resolution), (ii) at least
75% of the consideration received by the Company or the Restricted Subsidiary,
as the case may be, in respect of such Asset Sale consists of cash or Cash
Equivalents and (iii) the Company delivers to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate certifying that such Asset Sale complies with clauses (i) and (ii).
The amount (without duplication) of any Indebtedness (other than Subordinated
Indebtedness) of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary that is expressly
assumed by the transferee in such Asset Sale and with respect to which the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, is unconditionally
released by the holder of such Indebtedness, shall be deemed to be cash or Cash
Equivalents for purposes of clause (ii) and shall also be deemed to constitute a
repayment of, and a permanent reduction in, the amount of such Indebtedness for
purposes of the following paragraph.
 
     (b) If the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary engages in an Asset Sale or
incurs an Event of Loss, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary may either,
no later than 365 days after such Asset Sale or such Event of Loss, (i) apply
all or any of the Net Available Proceeds therefrom to repay Indebtedness (other
than Subordinated Indebtedness) of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary,
provided, in each case, that the related loan commitment (if any) is thereby
permanently reduced by the amount of such Indebtedness so repaid, or (ii) invest
all or any part of the Net Available Proceeds thereof in properties and assets
that replace the properties or assets that were the subject of such Asset Sale
or such Event of Loss, as the case may be, or in other properties or assets that
will be used in the business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries. The
amount of such Net Available Proceeds not applied or invested as provided in
this paragraph will constitute "Excess Proceeds."
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   43
 
     (c) When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds equals or exceeds $10
million, the Company will be required to make an offer to purchase, from all
Holders of the Notes, an aggregate principal amount of Notes equal to such
Excess Proceeds as follows:
 
          (i) The Company will make an offer to purchase (a "Net Proceeds
     Offer") from all Holders of the Notes in accordance with the procedures set
     forth in the Indenture the maximum principal amount (expressed as a
     multiple of $1,000) of Notes that may be purchased out of the amount (the
     "Payment Amount") of such Excess Proceeds.
 
          (ii) The offer price for the Notes will be payable in cash in an
     amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes tendered pursuant
     to a Net Proceeds Offer, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the
     date such Net Proceeds Offer is consummated (the "Offered Price"), in
     accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture. To the extent
     that the aggregate Offered Price of the Notes tendered pursuant to a Net
     Proceeds Offer is less than the Payment Amount relating thereto (such
     shortfall constituting a "Net Proceeds Deficiency"), the Company may use
     such Net Proceeds Deficiency, or a portion thereof, for general corporate
     purposes, subject to the limitations of the "Limitation on Restricted
     Payments" covenant.
 
          (iii) If the aggregate Offered Price of Notes validly tendered and not
     withdrawn by Holders thereof exceeds the Payment Amount, Notes to be
     purchased will be selected on a pro rata basis.
 
          (iv) Upon completion of such Net Proceeds Offer, the amount of Excess
     Proceeds shall be reset to zero.
 
     The Company will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to enter into or
suffer to exist any agreement that would place any restriction of any kind
(other than pursuant to law or regulation) on the ability of the Company to make
a Net Proceeds Offer following any Asset Sale. The Company will comply with Rule
14e-1 under the Exchange Act, and any other securities laws and regulations
thereunder, if applicable, in the event that an Asset Sale occurs and the
Company is required to purchase Notes as described above.
 
     Limitation on Guarantees by Subsidiary Guarantors. The Company will not
permit any Subsidiary Guarantor to guarantee the payment of any Subordinated
Indebtedness of the Company unless such guarantee shall be subordinated to such
Subsidiary Guarantor's Subsidiary Guarantee at least to the same extent as such
Subordinated Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes; provided, however, that
this covenant will not be applicable to any guarantee of any Subsidiary
Guarantor that (i) existed at the time such Person became a Subsidiary of the
Company and (ii) was not incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of,
such Person becoming a Subsidiary of the Company.
 
     Limitation on Dividends and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted
Subsidiaries. The Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create or suffer to exist or allow to
become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction of any kind on the
ability of any Restricted Subsidiary (a) to pay dividends, in cash or otherwise,
or make any other distributions on its Capital Stock, or make payments on any
Indebtedness owed, to the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary, (b) to
make loans or advances to the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary, (c) to
transfer any of its property or assets to the Company or any other Restricted
Subsidiary or (d) to guarantee the Notes (any such restrictions being
collectively referred to herein as a "Payment Restriction"), except in any such
case for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of (i)
the Indenture, the Revolving Credit Facility or any other agreement in effect or
entered into on the date of the Indenture, or (ii) any agreement, instrument or
charter of or in respect of a Restricted Subsidiary entered into prior to the
date on which such Restricted Subsidiary became a Restricted Subsidiary and
outstanding on such date and not entered into in connection with or in
contemplation of becoming a Restricted Subsidiary, provided such consensual
encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any properties or assets other
than those owned or held by the Restricted Subsidiary at the time it became a
Restricted Subsidiary or subsequently acquired by such Restricted Subsidiary
other than from the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary, or (iii)
pursuant to an agreement effecting a modification, renewal, refinancing,
replacement or extension of any agreement, instrument or charter (other than the
Indenture) referred to in clause (i) or (ii) above, provided, however, that the
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   44
 
provisions relating to such encumbrance or restriction are not materially less
favorable to the Holders of the Notes than those under or pursuant to the
agreement, instrument or charter so modified, renewed, refinanced, replaced or
extended, or (iv) customary provisions restricting the subletting or assignment
of any lease or the transfer of copyrighted or patented materials, or (v)
provisions in agreements that restrict the assignment of such agreements or
rights thereunder, or (vi) the sale or other disposition of any properties or
assets subject to a Lien securing Indebtedness.
 
     Limitation on Conduct of Business. The Company will not, and will not
permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, engage in the conduct of any
business other than the businesses being conducted on the date of the Indenture
(and described therein and herein) and such other businesses as are reasonably
necessary or desirable to facilitate the conduct and operation of such
businesses.
 
     Reports. The Company will file on a timely basis with the Commission, to
the extent such filings are accepted by the Commission and whether or not the
Company has a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act, the annual
reports, quarterly reports and other documents that the Company would be
required to file if it were subject to Section 13 or 15 of the Exchange Act. The
Company will also be required (a) to file with the Trustee (with exhibits), and
provide to each Holder of Notes (without exhibits), without cost to such Holder,
copies of such reports and documents within 15 days after the date on which the
Company files such reports and documents with the Commission or the date on
which the Company would be required to file such reports and documents if the
Company were so required and (b) if filing such reports and documents with the
Commission is not accepted by the Commission or is prohibited under the Exchange
Act, to supply at its cost copies of such reports and documents (including any
exhibits thereto) to any Holder of Notes, securities analyst or prospective
investor promptly upon written request.
 
     Future Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries. The
foregoing covenants (including calculation of financial ratios and the
determination of limitations on the incurrence of Indebtedness and Liens) may be
affected by the designation by the Company of any existing or future Subsidiary
of the Company as an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The definition of "Unrestricted
Subsidiary" set forth under the caption "-- Certain Definitions" describes the
circumstances under which a Subsidiary of the Company may be designated as an
Unrestricted Subsidiary by the Board of Directors of the Company.
 
MERGER, CONSOLIDATION AND SALE OF ASSETS
 
     The Company will not, in any single transaction or series of related
transactions, merge or consolidate with or into any other Person, or sell,
assign, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all
of the properties and assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis to any Person or group of Affiliated Persons, and the Company
will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to enter into any such
transaction or series of transactions if such transaction or series of
transactions, in the aggregate, would result in the sale, assignment,
conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of
the properties and assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis to any other Person or group of Affiliated Persons, unless at
the time and after giving effect thereto: (i) either (A) if the transaction is a
merger or consolidation, the Company shall be the surviving Person of such
merger or consolidation, or (B) the Person (if other than the Company) formed by
such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to which the
properties and assets of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case
may be, are sold, assigned, conveyed, transferred, leased or otherwise disposed
of (any such surviving Person or transferee Person being the "Surviving Entity")
shall be a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United
States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and shall, in
either case, expressly assume by a supplemental indenture to the Indenture
executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, all
the obligations of the Company under the Notes and the Indenture, and, in each
case, the Indenture shall remain in full force and effect; (ii) immediately
before and immediately after giving effect to such transaction or series of
transactions on a pro forma basis (and treating any Indebtedness not previously
an obligation of Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries which becomes an
obligation of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection
with or as a result of such transaction or transactions as having been incurred
at the time of such transaction or transactions), no Default or Event of Default
shall have occurred and be continuing; (iii) except
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   45
 
in the case of the consolidation or merger of any Restricted Subsidiary with or
into the Company, immediately after giving effect to such transaction or
transactions on a pro forma basis, the Consolidated Net Worth of the Company (or
the Surviving Entity if the Company is not the continuing obligor under the
Indenture) is at least equal to the Consolidated Net Worth of the Company
immediately before such transaction or transactions; (iv) except in the case of
the consolidation or merger of the Company with or into a Restricted Subsidiary
or any Restricted Subsidiary with or into the Company or another Restricted
Subsidiary, immediately before and immediately after giving effect to such
transaction or transactions on a pro forma basis (assuming that the transaction
or transactions occurred on the first day of the period of four fiscal quarters
ending immediately prior to the consummation of such transaction or
transactions, with the appropriate adjustments with respect to the transaction
or transactions being included in such pro forma calculation), the Company (or
the Surviving Entity if the Company is not the continuing obligor under the
Indenture) could incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness (other than Permitted
Indebtedness) pursuant to the first paragraph of the "-- Limitation on
Indebtedness and Disqualified Capital Stock" covenant; (v) if the Company is not
the continuing obligor under the Indenture, then each Subsidiary Guarantor,
unless it is the Surviving Entity, shall have by supplemental indenture to the
Indenture confirmed that its Subsidiary Guarantee of the Notes shall apply to
the Surviving Entity's obligations under the Indenture and the Notes; (vi) if
any of the properties or assets of the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries would upon such transaction or series of related transactions
become subject to any Lien (other than a Permitted Lien), the creation and
imposition of such Lien shall have been in compliance with the "Limitation on
Liens" covenant; and (vii) the Company (or the Surviving Entity if the Company
is not the continuing obligor under the Indenture) shall have delivered to the
Trustee, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, (a) an
Officers' Certificate stating that such consolidation, merger, transfer, lease
or other disposition and any supplemental indenture in respect thereto comply
with the requirements under the Indenture and (b) an Opinion of Counsel stating
that the requirements of clause (i) of this paragraph have been satisfied.
 
     Upon any consolidation or merger or any sale, assignment, lease,
conveyance, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the
properties and assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis in accordance with the foregoing, in which the Company is not
the continuing corporation, the Surviving Entity shall succeed to, and be
substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under
the Indenture with the same effect as if the Surviving Entity had been named as
the Company therein, and thereafter the Company, except in the case of a lease,
will be discharged from all obligations and covenants under the Indenture and
the Notes and may be liquidated and dissolved.
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
     The following are "Events of Default" under the Indenture:
 
          (i) default in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, on
     any of the Notes, whether such payment is due at Stated Maturity, upon
     redemption, upon repurchase pursuant to a Change of Control Offer or a Net
     Proceeds Offer, upon acceleration or otherwise; or
 
          (ii) default in the payment of any installment of interest on any of
     the Notes, when due, and the continuance of such default for a period of 30
     days; or
 
          (iii) default in the performance or breach of the provisions of the
     "Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets" section of the Indenture, the
     failure to make or consummate a Change of Control Offer in accordance with
     the provisions of the "Change of Control" covenant or the failure to make
     or consummate a Net Proceeds Offer in accordance with the provisions of the
     "Limitation on Asset Sales" covenant; or
 
          (iv) the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor shall fail to perform or
     observe any other term, covenant or agreement contained in the Notes, any
     Subsidiary Guarantee or the Indenture (other than a default specified in
     (i), (ii) or (iii) above) for a period of 45 days after written notice of
     such failure stating that it is a "notice of default" under the Indenture
     and requiring the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor to remedy the same
     shall have been given (x) to the Company by the Trustee or (y) to the
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   46
 
     Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate
     principal amount of the Notes then outstanding; or
 
          (v) the occurrence and continuation beyond any applicable grace period
     of any default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or
     interest on any Indebtedness of the Company (other than the Notes) or any
     Subsidiary Guarantor or any other Restricted Subsidiary for money borrowed
     when due, or any other default resulting in acceleration of any
     Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor or any other
     Restricted Subsidiary for money borrowed, provided that the aggregate
     principal amount of such Indebtedness shall exceed $5 million and provided,
     further, that if any such default is cured or waived or any such
     acceleration rescinded, or such Indebtedness is repaid, within a period of
     10 days from the continuation of such default beyond the applicable grace
     period or the occurrence of such acceleration, as the case may be, such
     Event of Default under the Indenture and any consequential acceleration of
     the Notes shall be automatically rescinded, so long as such rescission does
     not conflict with any judgment or decree; or
 
          (vi) any Subsidiary Guarantee shall for any reason cease to be, or be
     asserted by the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor, as applicable, not to
     be, in full force and effect (except pursuant to the release of any such
     Subsidiary Guarantee in accordance with the Indenture); or
 
          (vii) final judgments or orders rendered against the Company or any
     Subsidiary Guarantor or any other Restricted Subsidiary that are
     unsatisfied and that require the payment in money, either individually or
     in an aggregate amount, that is more than $5 million over the coverage
     under applicable insurance policies and either (A) commencement by any
     creditor of an enforcement proceeding upon such judgment (other than a
     judgment that is stayed by reason of pending appeal or otherwise) or
 
     (B) the occurrence of a 60-day period during which a stay of such judgment
     or order, by reason of pending appeal or otherwise, was not in effect; or
 
          (viii) the entry of a decree or order by a court having jurisdiction
     in the premises (A) for relief in respect of the Company or any Subsidiary
     Guarantor or any other Restricted Subsidiary in an involuntary case or
     proceeding under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency,
     reorganization or other similar law or (B) adjudging the Company or any
     Subsidiary Guarantor or any other Restricted Subsidiary bankrupt or
     insolvent, or approving a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement,
     adjustment or composition of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor or any
     other Restricted Subsidiary under any applicable federal or state law, or
     appointing under any such law a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee,
     trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or any
     Subsidiary Guarantor or any other Restricted Subsidiary or of a substantial
     part of its consolidated assets, or ordering the winding up or liquidation
     of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order for relief
     or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60
     consecutive days; or
 
          (ix) the commencement by the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor or
     any other Restricted Subsidiary of a voluntary case or proceeding under any
     applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other
     similar law or any other case or proceeding to be adjudicated bankrupt or
     insolvent, or the consent by the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor or any
     other Restricted Subsidiary to the entry of a decree or order for relief in
     respect thereof in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable
     federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar
     law or to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or
     proceeding against it, or the filing by the Company or any Subsidiary
     Guarantor or any other Restricted Subsidiary of a petition or consent
     seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable federal or state law,
     or the consent by it under any such law to the filing of any such petition
     or to the appointment of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver,
     liquidator, assignee, trustee or sequestrator (or other similar official)
     of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor or any other Restricted
     Subsidiary or of any substantial part of its consolidated assets, or the
     making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors under any such
     law, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its debts
     generally as they become due or taking of corporate action by the
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   47
 
     Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor or any other Restricted Subsidiary in
     furtherance of any such action.
 
     If an Event of Default (other than as specified in clause (viii) or (ix)
above) shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee, by written notice to the
Company, or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
Notes then outstanding, by written notice to the Trustee and the Company, may,
and the Trustee upon the request of the Holders of not less than 25% in
aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding shall, declare the
principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on all of the
Notes due and payable immediately, upon which declaration all amounts payable in
respect of the Notes shall be immediately due and payable. If an Event of
Default specified in clause (viii) or (ix) above occurs and is continuing, then
the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on all of the
Notes shall become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration,
notice or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder of Notes.
 
     After a declaration of acceleration under the Indenture, but before a
judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the
Trustee, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Notes, by written notice to the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors
and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration if (a) the Company or
any Subsidiary Guarantor has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient
to pay (i) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee under the Indenture and the
reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee,
its agents and counsel, (ii) all overdue interest on all Notes, (iii) the
principal of and premium, if any, on any Notes which have become due otherwise
than by such declaration of acceleration and interest thereon at the rate borne
by the Notes, and (iv) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful,
interest upon overdue interest and overdue principal at the rate borne by the
Notes (without duplication of any amount paid or deposited pursuant to clause
(ii) or (iii)); (b) the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or
decree of a court of competent jurisdiction; and (c) all Events of Default,
other than the non-payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the
Notes that has become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been
cured or waived.
 
     No Holder will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to
the Indenture or any remedy thereunder, unless such Holder has notified the
Trustee of a continuing Event of Default and the Holders of at least 25% in
aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes have made written request,
and offered reasonable indemnity, to the Trustee to institute such proceeding as
Trustee under the Notes and the Indenture, the Trustee has failed to institute
such proceeding within 60 days after receipt of such notice and the Trustee,
within such 60-day period, has not received directions inconsistent with such
written request by Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Notes. Such limitations will not apply, however, to a suit
instituted by the Holder of a Note for the enforcement of the payment of the
principal of, premium, if any, or interest on such Note on or after the
respective due dates expressed in such Note.
 
     During the existence of an Event of Default, the Trustee will be required
to exercise such rights and powers vested in it under the Indenture and use the
same degree of care and skill in its exercise thereof as a prudent person would
exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such person's own affairs.
Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the Trustee
in case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee will not
be under any obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the
Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders unless such Holders
shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity. Subject to
certain provisions concerning the rights of the Trustee, the Holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes will have the
right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any
remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on
the Trustee under the Indenture.
 
     If a Default occurs and is continuing and is known to the Trustee, the
Trustee shall mail to each Holder notice of the Default within 60 days after the
occurrence thereof. Except in the case of a Default in payment of principal of,
premium, if any, or interest on any Notes, the Trustee may withhold the notice
to the Holders of the Notes if the Trustee determines in good faith that
withholding the notice is in the interest of the Holders of the Notes.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   48
 
     The Company will be required to furnish to the Trustee annual and quarterly
statements as to the performance by the Company of its obligations under the
Indenture and as to any default in such performance. The Company will also be
required to notify the Trustee within 10 days of any Default or Event of
Default.
 
LEGAL DEFEASANCE OR COVENANT DEFEASANCE OF INDENTURE
 
     The Company may, at its option and at any time, terminate the obligations
of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors with respect to the outstanding
Notes (such action being a "legal defeasance"). Such legal defeasance means that
the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall be deemed to have paid and
discharged the entire Indebtedness represented by the outstanding Notes and to
have been discharged from all their other obligations with respect to the Notes
and the Subsidiary Guarantees, except for (i) the rights of Holders of
outstanding Notes to receive payment in respect of the principal of, premium, if
any, and interest on such Notes when such payments are due, (ii) the Company's
obligations to replace any temporary Notes, register the transfer or exchange of
any Notes, replace mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes and maintain an
office or agency for payments in respect of the Notes, (iii) the rights, powers,
trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee, and (iv) the legal defeasance
provisions of the Indenture. In addition, the Company may, at its option and at
any time, elect to terminate the obligations of the Company and each Subsidiary
Guarantor with respect to certain covenants that are set forth in the Indenture,
some of which are described under "-- Certain Covenants" above, and any omission
to comply with such obligations shall not constitute a Default or an Event of
Default with respect to the Notes (such action being a "covenant defeasance").
In the event covenant defeasance occurs, certain events (not including
nonpayment, bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization events) described under
"Events of Default" will no longer constitute an Event of Default with respect
to the Notes.
 
     In order to exercise either legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, (i)
the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor must irrevocably deposit with the
Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, cash in United
States dollars, U.S. Government Obligations (as defined in the Indenture), or a
combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a
nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the
principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the outstanding Notes to
redemption or maturity; (ii) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an
Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of the outstanding Notes will
not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result
of such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance and will be subject to federal
income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as
would have been the case if such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance had not
occurred (in the case of legal defeasance, such opinion must refer to and be
based upon a published ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or a change in
applicable federal income tax laws); (iii) no Default or Event of Default shall
have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or insofar as
clauses (viii) and (ix) under the first paragraph of "Events of Default" are
concerned, at any time during the period ending on the 91st day after the date
of deposit; (iv) such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not cause
the Trustee to have a conflicting interest under the Indenture or the Trust
Indenture Act with respect to any securities of the Company or any Subsidiary
Guarantor; (v) such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not result in
a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement
or instrument to which the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor is a party or by
which it is bound; and (vi) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an
Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel satisfactory to the Trustee,
which, taken together, state that all conditions precedent under the Indenture
to either legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, as the case may be, have been
complied with.
 
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
 
     The Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect
(except as to surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of the
Notes, as expressly provided for in the Indenture) as to all outstanding Notes
when (i) either (a) all the Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered
(except lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed Notes which have been replaced or
paid and Notes for whose payment money or certain United States government
obligations have theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   49
 
held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged
from such trust) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation or (b) all
Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation have become due
and payable or will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one
year, or are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements
satisfactory to the Trustee for the serving of notice of redemption by the
Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company, and the Company has
irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee funds in an
amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire Indebtedness on the Notes not
theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal of,
premium, if any, and interest on the Notes to the date of deposit (in the case
of Notes which have become due and payable) or to the Stated Maturity or
Redemption Date, as the case may be, together with instructions from the Company
irrevocably directing the Trustee to apply such funds to the payment thereof at
maturity or redemption, as the case may be; (ii) the Company has paid all other
sums payable under the Indenture by the Company; and (iii) the Company has
delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel
which, taken together, state that all conditions precedent under the Indenture
relating to the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture have been complied
with.
 
AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS
 
     From time to time, the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee
may, without the consent of the Holders of the Notes, amend or supplement the
Indenture or the Notes for certain specified purposes, including, among other
things, curing ambiguities, defects or inconsistencies, qualifying, or
maintaining the qualification of, the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act,
adding or releasing any Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to the terms of the
Indenture, or making any change that does not materially adversely affect the
rights of any Holder of Notes. Other amendments and modifications of the
Indenture or the Notes may be made by the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and
the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority of the
aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes; provided, however, that no
such modification or amendment may, without the consent of the Holder of each
outstanding Note affected thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity of the
principal of, or any installment of interest on, any Note, (b) reduce the
principal amount of, premium, if any, or interest on any Note, (c) change the
coin or currency of payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on,
any Note, (d) impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any
payment on or with respect to any Note, (e) reduce the above-stated percentage
of aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes necessary to modify or amend
the Indenture, (f) reduce the percentage of aggregate principal amount of
outstanding Notes necessary for waiver of compliance with certain provisions of
the Indenture or for waiver of certain defaults, (g) modify any provisions of
the Indenture relating to the modification and amendment of the Indenture or the
waiver of past defaults or covenants, except as otherwise specified, (h) change
the ranking of the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees in a manner adverse to the
Holders or expressly subordinate in right of payment the Notes or the Subsidiary
Guarantees to any other Indebtedness or (i) amend, change or modify the
obligation of the Company to make and consummate a Change of Control Offer in
the event of a Change of Control or make and consummate a Net Proceeds Offer
with respect to any Asset Sale or modify any of the provisions or definitions
with respect thereto.
 
     The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of
the outstanding Notes may, on behalf of the Holders of all Notes, waive any past
default under the Indenture, except a default in the payment of principal of,
premium, if any, or interest on the Notes, or in respect of a covenant or
provision which under the Indenture cannot be modified or amended without the
consent of the Holder of each Note outstanding.
 
THE TRUSTEE
 
     Fleet National Bank serves as trustee under the Indenture.
 
     The Indenture (including provisions of the Trust Indenture Act incorporated
by reference therein) contains limitations on the rights of the Trustee
thereunder, should it become a creditor of the Company, to obtain payment of
claims in certain cases or to realize on certain property received by it in
respect of any such claims, as security or otherwise. The Indenture permits the
Trustee to engage in other transactions; provided,
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   50
 
however, if it acquires any conflicting interest (as defined in the Trust
Indenture Act) it must eliminate such conflict or resign.
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
     The Indenture, the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees are governed by the
laws of the State of New York.
 
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
 
     "Acquired Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of a Person (a) existing at the
time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or (b) assumed in connection
with acquisitions of properties or assets from such Person (other than any
Indebtedness incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such Person
becoming a Restricted Subsidiary or such acquisition). Acquired Indebtedness
shall be deemed to be incurred on the date the acquired Person becomes a
Restricted Subsidiary or the date of the related acquisition of properties or
assets from such Person.
 
     "Adjusted Net Assets" of a Subsidiary Guarantor at any date shall mean the
amount by which the fair value of the properties and assets of such Subsidiary
Guarantor exceeds the total amount of liabilities, including, without
limitation, contingent liabilities (after giving effect to all other fixed and
contingent liabilities incurred or assumed on such date), but excluding
liabilities under its Subsidiary Guarantee, of such Subsidiary Guarantor at such
date.
 
     "Affiliate" means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person
directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect
common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition,
"control," when used with respect to any Person, means the power to direct the
management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through
the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms
"controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the foregoing. For
purposes of this definition, beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the voting
common equity (on a fully diluted basis) or options or warrants to purchase such
equity (but only if exercisable at the date of determination or within 60 days
thereof) of a Person shall be deemed to constitute control of such Person.
 
     "Asset Sale" means any sale, issuance, conveyance, transfer, lease or other
disposition to any Person other than the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, by means of a Sale/Leaseback
Transaction or a merger or consolidation) (collectively, for purposes of this
definition, a "transfer"), directly or indirectly, in one or a series of related
transactions, of (a) any Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary held by the
Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary, (b) all or substantially all of the
properties and assets of any division or line of business of the Company or any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries or (c) any other properties or assets of the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries other than transfers of cash, Cash
Equivalents, accounts receivable, hydrocarbons or other properties or assets in
the ordinary course of business or transfers in accordance with the proviso to
clause (vi) of the definition of Permitted Investments. For the purposes of this
definition, the term "Asset Sale" also shall not include any of the following:
(i) any transfer of properties or assets (including Capital Stock) that is
governed by, and made in accordance with, the provisions described under
"-- Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets"; (ii) any transfer of properties
or assets to an Unrestricted Subsidiary, if permitted under the "Limitation on
Restricted Payments" covenant; (iii) sales of damaged, worn-out or obsolete
equipment or assets that, in the Company's reasonable judgment, are either (x)
no longer used or (y) no longer useful in the business of the Company or its
Restricted Subsidiaries; (iv) any charter (bareboat or otherwise) or other lease
of any property entered into in the ordinary course of business and with respect
to which the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary is the lessor, except any such
charter or lease that provides for the acquisition of such property by the
lessee during or at the end of the term thereof for an amount that is less than
the fair market value thereof at the time the right to acquire such property is
granted; (v) any trade or exchange by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
of one or more offshore drilling rigs for one or more other offshore drilling
rigs owned or held by another Person, provided that (x) the fair value of the
offshore drilling rig or rigs traded or exchanged by the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary (including any cash or Cash Equivalents to be delivered by
the
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   51
 
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary) is reasonably equivalent to the fair
value of the offshore drilling rig or rigs (together with any cash or Cash
Equivalents) to be received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary as
determined by written appraisal by a nationally recognized investment banking
firm or appraisal firm, in either case specializing or having a specialty in
offshore drilling rigs, and (y) such exchange is approved by a majority of the
Disinterested Directors of the Company; (vi) any transfer by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary to its customers of drill pipe and associated drilling
equipment utilized in connection with a drilling contract for the employment of
a drilling rig in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past
practice; and (vii) any transfers that, but for this clause (vii), would be
Asset Sales, if (A) the Company elects to designate such transfers as not
constituting Asset Sales and (B) after giving effect to such transfers, the
aggregate fair market value of the properties or assets transferred in such
transaction or any such series of related transactions so designated by the
Company does not exceed $500,000.
 
     "Attributable Indebtedness" means, with respect to any particular lease
under which any Person is at the time liable and at any date as of which the
amount thereof is to be determined, the present value of the total net amount of
rent required to be paid by such Person under the lease during the primary term
thereof, without giving effect to any renewals at the option of the lessee,
discounted from the respective due dates thereof to such date of determination
at a rate per annum equal to the discount rate which would be applicable to a
Capitalized Lease Obligation with a like term in accordance with GAAP. As used
in the preceding sentence, the "net amount of rent" under any such lease for any
such period shall mean the sum of rental and other payments required to be paid
with respect to such period by the lessee thereunder, excluding any amounts
required to be paid by such lessee on account of maintenance and repairs,
insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates or similar charges. In the case of
any lease which is terminable by the lessee upon payment of a penalty, such net
amount of rent shall also include the amount of such penalty, but no rent shall
be considered as required to be paid under such lease subsequent to the first
date upon which it may be so terminated.
 
     "Average Life" means, with respect to any Indebtedness, as at any date of
determination, the quotient obtained by dividing (a) the sum of the products of
(i) the number of years (and any portion thereof) from the date of determination
to the date or dates of each successive scheduled principal payment (including,
without limitation, any sinking fund or mandatory redemption payment
requirements) of such Indebtedness multiplied by (ii) the amount of each such
principal payment by (b) the sum of all such principal payments.
 
     "Capital Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares,
interests, participations, rights or other equivalents in the equity interests
(however designated) in such Person, and any rights (other than debt securities
convertible into an equity interest), warrants or options exercisable for,
exchangeable for or convertible into such an equity interest in such Person.
 
     "Capitalized Lease Obligation" means any obligation to pay rent or other
amounts under a lease of (or other agreement conveying the right to use) any
property (whether real, personal or mixed) that is required to be classified and
accounted for as a capital lease obligation under GAAP and, for the purpose of
the Indenture, the amount of such obligation at any date shall be the
capitalized amount thereof at such date, determined in accordance with GAAP.
 
     "Cash Equivalents" means (i) any evidence of Indebtedness with a maturity
of 180 days or less issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the
United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof (provided that
the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged in support
thereof); (ii) demand and time deposits and certificates of deposit or
acceptances with a maturity of 180 days or less of any financial institution
that is a member of the Federal Reserve System having combined capital and
surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500 million; (iii) commercial
paper with a maturity of 180 days or less issued by a corporation that is not an
Affiliate of the Company and is organized under the laws of any state of the
United States or the District of Columbia and rated at least A-1 by S&P or at
least P-1 by Moody's; (iv) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than
seven days for underlying securities of the types described in clause (i) above
entered into with any commercial bank meeting the specifications of clause (ii)
above; (v) overnight bank deposits and bankers' acceptances at any commercial
bank meeting the qualifications specified in clause (ii) above; (vi) deposits
available for withdrawal on demand with any
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   52
 
commercial bank not meeting the qualifications specified in clause (ii) above,
provided all such deposits do not exceed $5 million in the aggregate at any one
time; (vii) demand and time deposits and certificates of deposit with any
commercial bank organized in the United States not meeting the qualifications
specified in clause (ii) above, provided that such deposits and certificates
support bond, letter of credit and other similar types of obligations incurred
in the ordinary course of business; and (viii) investments in money market or
other mutual funds substantially all of whose assets comprise securities of the
types described in clauses (i) through (v) above.
 
     "Change of Control" means the occurrence of any event or series of events
by which: (a) any "person" or "group" (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d)
and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) is or becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in
Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of
the total Voting Stock of the Company; (b) the Company consolidates with or
merges into another Person or any Person consolidates with, or merges into, the
Company, in any such event pursuant to a transaction in which the outstanding
Voting Stock of the Company is changed into or exchanged for cash, securities or
other property, other than any such transaction where (i) the outstanding Voting
Stock of the Company is changed into or exchanged for Voting Stock of the
surviving or resulting Person that is Qualified Capital Stock and (ii) the
holders of the Voting Stock of the Company immediately prior to such transaction
own, directly or indirectly, not less than a majority of the Voting Stock of the
surviving or resulting Person immediately after such transaction; (c) the
Company, either individually or in conjunction with one or more Restricted
Subsidiaries, sells, assigns, conveys, transfers, leases or otherwise disposes
of, or the Restricted Subsidiaries sell, assign, convey, transfer, lease or
otherwise dispose of, all or substantially all of the properties and assets of
the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (either in one
transaction or a series of related transactions), including Capital Stock of the
Restricted Subsidiaries, to any Person (other than the Company or a Wholly Owned
Restricted Subsidiary); (d) during any consecutive two-year period, individuals
who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board of Directors of the
Company (together with any new directors whose election by such Board of
Directors or whose nomination for election by the stockholders of the Company
was approved by a vote of two-thirds of the directors then still in office who
were either directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or
nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to
constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company then in office;
or (e) the liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
 
     "Common Stock" of any Person means Capital Stock of such Person that does
not rank prior, as to the payment of dividends or as to the distribution of
assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up
of such Person, to shares of Capital Stock of any other class of such Person.
 
     "Consolidated EBITDA Coverage Ratio" means, for any period, the ratio on a
pro forma basis of (a) the sum of Consolidated Net Income, Consolidated Interest
Expense, Consolidated Income Tax Expense and Consolidated Non-cash Charges
deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income, in each case, for such period, of
the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, all
determined in accordance with GAAP, to (b) the sum of such Consolidated Interest
Expense for such period; provided, however, that (i) the Consolidated EBITDA
Coverage Ratio shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming that (A) the
Indebtedness to be incurred (and all other Indebtedness incurred after the first
day of such period of four full fiscal quarters referred to in the covenant
described in paragraph (a) under "-- Certain Covenants -- Limitation on
Indebtedness and Disqualified Capital Stock" through and including the date of
determination), and (if applicable) the application of the net proceeds
therefrom (and from any other such Indebtedness), including to refinance other
Indebtedness, had been incurred on the first day of such four-quarter period
and, in the case of Acquired Indebtedness, on the assumption that the related
transaction (whether by means of purchase, merger or otherwise) also had
occurred on such date with the appropriate adjustments with respect to such
acquisition being included in such pro forma calculation and (B) any acquisition
or disposition by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of any properties or
assets outside the ordinary course of business, or any repayment of any
principal amount of any Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
prior to the Stated Maturity thereof, in either case since the first day of such
period of four full fiscal quarters through and including the date of
determination, had been consummated on such first day of such four-quarter
period, (ii) in making such computation, the Consolidated Interest Expense
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   53
 
attributable to interest on any Indebtedness required to be computed on a pro
forma basis in accordance with the covenant described in paragraph (a) under
"-- Certain Covenants -- Limitation on Indebtedness and Disqualified Capital
Stock" and (A) bearing a floating interest rate shall be computed as if the rate
in effect on the date of computation had been the applicable rate for the entire
period and (B) which was not outstanding during the period for which the
computation is being made but which bears, at the option of the Company, a fixed
or floating rate of interest, shall be computed by applying, at the option of
the Company, either the fixed or floating rate, (iii) in making such
computation, the Consolidated Interest Expense attributable to interest on any
Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility required to be computed on a pro
forma basis in accordance with the covenant described in paragraph (a) under
"-- Certain Covenants -- Limitation on Indebtedness and Disqualified Capital
Stock" shall be computed based upon the average daily balance of such
Indebtedness during the applicable period, provided that such average daily
balance shall be reduced by the amount of any repayment of Indebtedness under a
revolving credit facility during the applicable period, which repayment
permanently reduced the commitments or amounts available to be reborrowed under
such facility, (iv) notwithstanding clauses (ii) and (iii) of this proviso,
interest on Indebtedness determined on a fluctuating basis, to the extent such
interest is covered by agreements relating to Interest Rate Protection
Obligations, shall be deemed to have accrued at the rate per annum resulting
after giving effect to the operation of such agreements, and (v) if after the
first day of the period referred to in clause (a) of this definition the Company
has permanently retired any Indebtedness out of the Net Cash Proceeds of the
issuance and sale of shares of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company within 30
days of such issuance and sale, Consolidated Interest Expense shall be
calculated on a pro forma basis as if such Indebtedness had been retired on the
first day of such period.
 
     "Consolidated Income Tax Expense" means, for any period, the provision for
federal, state, local and foreign income taxes (including state franchise taxes
accounted for as income taxes in accordance with GAAP) of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries for such period as determined on a consolidated basis in
accordance with GAAP.
 
     "Consolidated Interest Expense" means, for any period, without duplication,
(i) the sum of (a) the interest expense of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries for such period as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance
with GAAP, including, without limitation, (A) any amortization of debt discount,
(B) the net cost under Interest Rate Protection Obligations (including any
amortization of discounts), (C) the interest portion of any deferred payment
obligation constituting Indebtedness, (D) all commissions, discounts and other
fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers' acceptance
financing and (E) all accrued interest, in each case to the extent attributable
to such period, (b) to the extent any Indebtedness of any Person (other than the
Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) is guaranteed by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary, the aggregate amount of interest paid (to the extent not
accrued in a prior period) or accrued by such other Person during such period
attributable to any such Indebtedness, in each case to the extent attributable
to that period, (c) the aggregate amount of the interest component of
Capitalized Lease Obligations paid (to the extent not accrued in a prior
period), accrued or scheduled to be paid or accrued by the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries during such period and (d) the aggregate amount of
dividends paid (to the extent not accrued in a prior period) or accrued on
Preferred Stock or Disqualified Capital Stock of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries, to the extent such Preferred Stock or Disqualified Capital Stock
is owned by Persons other than the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, less
(ii), to the extent included in clause (i) above, amortization of capitalized
debt issuance costs of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such
period.
 
     "Consolidated Net Income" means, for any period, the consolidated net
income (or loss) of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period
as determined in accordance with GAAP, adjusted by excluding (a) net after-tax
extraordinary gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto), (b)
net after-tax gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto)
attributable to Asset Sales, (c) the net income (or net loss) of any Person
(other than the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries), in which the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has an ownership interest, except
to the extent of the amount of dividends or other distributions actually paid to
the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in cash by such other Person
during such period (regardless of whether such cash dividends or
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   54
 
distributions are attributable to net income (or net loss) of such Person during
such period or during any prior period), (d) net income (or net loss) of any
Person combined with the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries on a
"pooling of interests" basis attributable to any period prior to the date of
combination, (e) the net income of any Restricted Subsidiary to the extent that
the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that
Restricted Subsidiary of its net income is not at the date of determination
permitted, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its charter or
any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or
governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its
stockholders, and (f) income resulting from transfers of assets received by the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
 
     "Consolidated Net Worth" means, at any date, the consolidated stockholders'
equity of the Company less the amount of such stockholders' equity attributable
to Disqualified Capital Stock or treasury stock of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries, as determined in accordance with GAAP.
 
     "Consolidated Non-cash Charges" means, for any period, the aggregate
depreciation, depletion, amortization and other non-cash expenses of the Company
and its Restricted Subsidiaries reducing Consolidated Net Income for such
period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (excluding
any such non-cash charge for which an accrual of or reserve for cash charges for
any future period is required).
 
     "Currency Hedge Obligations" means, at any time as to any Person, the
obligations of such Person at such time which were incurred in the ordinary
course of business pursuant to any foreign currency exchange agreement, option
or futures contract or other similar agreement or arrangement designed to
protect against or manage such Person's or any of its Subsidiaries' exposure to
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
 
     "Default" means any event, act or condition that is, or after notice or
passage of time or both would become, an Event of Default.
 
     "Disinterested Director" means, with respect to any transaction or series
of transactions in respect of which the Board of Directors of the Company is
required to deliver a resolution of the Board of Directors under the Indenture,
a member of the Board of Directors of the Company who does not have any material
direct or indirect financial interest (other than an interest arising solely
from the beneficial ownership of Capital Stock of the Company) in or with
respect to such transaction or series of transactions.
 
     "Disqualified Capital Stock" means any Capital Stock that, either by its
terms, by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or exchangeable
or by contract or otherwise, is, or upon the happening of an event or passage of
time would be, required to be redeemed or repurchased prior to the final Stated
Maturity of the Notes or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof at
any time prior to such final Stated Maturity, or is convertible into or
exchangeable for debt securities at any time prior to such final Stated
Maturity. For purposes of the covenant described in paragraph (a) under
"-- Certain Covenants -- Limitation on Indebtedness and Disqualified Capital
Stock", Disqualified Capital Stock shall be valued at the greater of its
voluntary or involuntary maximum fixed redemption or repurchase price plus
accrued and unpaid dividends. For such purposes, the "maximum fixed redemption
or repurchase price" of any Disqualified Capital Stock which does not have a
fixed redemption or repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the
terms of such Disqualified Capital Stock as if such Disqualified Capital Stock
were redeemed or repurchased on the date of determination, and if such price is
based upon, or measured by, the fair market value of such Disqualified Capital
Stock, such fair market value shall be determined in good faith by the board of
directors of the issuer of such Disqualified Capital Stock; provided, however,
that if such Disqualified Capital Stock is not at the date of determination
permitted or required to be redeemed or repurchased, the "maximum fixed
redemption or repurchase price" shall be the book value of such Disqualified
Capital Stock.
 
     "Event of Default" has the meaning set forth above under the caption
"Events of Default."
 
     "Event of Loss" means, with respect to any drilling rig, MOPU or related
property or asset of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, (i) any damage to
such drilling rig, MOPU or related property or asset which results in an
insurance settlement with respect thereto on the basis of a total loss or a
constructive or compromised total loss or (ii) the confiscation, condemnation or
requisition of title to such drilling rig, MOPU or related property or asset by
any government or any instrumentality or agency thereof. An Event of
 
                                       51
<PAGE>   55
 
Loss shall be deemed to occur as of the date of the insurance settlement,
confiscation, condemnation or requisition of title, as applicable.
 
     "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles, consistently
applied, that are set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting
Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and
statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in
such other statements by such other entity as may be approved by a significant
segment of the accounting profession of the United States of America, which are
applicable as of the date of the Indenture.
 
     The term "guarantee" means, as applied to any obligation, (i) a guarantee
(other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the
ordinary course of business), direct or indirect, in any manner, of any part or
all of such obligation and (ii) an agreement, direct or indirect, contingent or
otherwise, the practical effect of which is to assure in any way the payment or
performance (or payment of damages in the event of non-performance) of all or
any part of such obligation, including, without limiting the foregoing, the
payment of amounts drawn down under letters of credit. When used as a verb,
"guarantee" has a corresponding meaning.
 
     "Holder" means a Person in whose name a Note is registered in the Note
Register.
 
     "Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person, without duplication, (a)
all liabilities of such Person, contingent or otherwise, for borrowed money or
for the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding any trade
accounts payable and other accrued current liabilities incurred in the ordinary
course of business) and all liabilities of such Person incurred in connection
with any letters of credit, bankers' acceptances or other similar credit
transactions or any agreement to purchase, redeem, exchange, convert or
otherwise acquire for value any Capital Stock of such Person, or any warrants,
rights or options to acquire such Capital Stock, outstanding on the date of the
Indenture or thereafter, if, and to the extent, any of the foregoing would
appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance
with GAAP, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, notes,
debentures or other similar instruments, if, and to the extent, any of the
foregoing would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of such Person
prepared in accordance with GAAP, (c) all Indebtedness of such Person created or
arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement with
respect to property acquired by such Person (even if the rights and remedies of
the seller or lender under such agreement in the event of default are limited to
repossession or sale of such property), but excluding trade accounts payable
arising in the ordinary course of business, (d) the Attributable Indebtedness
respecting all Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person (e) all Indebtedness
referred to in the preceding clauses of other Persons and all dividends of other
Persons, the payment of which is secured by (or for which the holder of such
Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by)
any Lien upon property (including, without limitation, accounts and contract
rights) owned by such Person, even though such Person has not assumed or become
liable for the payment of such Indebtedness (the amount of such obligation being
deemed to be the lesser of the value of such property or the amount of the
obligation so secured), (f) all guarantees by such Person of Indebtedness
referred to in this definition and (g) all obligations of such Person under or
in respect of Currency Hedge Obligations and Interest Rate Protection
Obligations.
 
     "Interest Rate Protection Obligations" means the obligations of any Person
pursuant to any arrangement with any other Person whereby, directly or
indirectly, such Person is entitled to receive from time to time periodic
payments calculated by applying either a floating or a fixed rate of interest on
a stated notional amount in exchange for periodic payments made by such Person
calculated by applying a fixed or a floating rate of interest on the same
notional amount and shall include, without limitation, interest rate swaps,
caps, floors, collars and similar agreements or arrangements designed to protect
against or manage such Person's or any of its Subsidiaries exposure to
fluctuations in interest rates.
 
     "Investment" means, with respect to any Person, any direct or indirect
advance, loan, guarantee of Indebtedness or other extension of credit or capital
contribution to (by means of any transfer of cash or other property or assets to
others or any payment for property, assets or services for the account or use of
others), or any purchase or acquisition by such Person of any Capital Stock,
bonds, notes, debentures or other securities (including derivatives) or
evidences of Indebtedness issued by, any other Person. In addition, the fair
market
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   56
 
value of the net assets of any Restricted Subsidiary at the time that such
Restricted Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be deemed
to be an "Investment" made by the Company in such Unrestricted Subsidiary at
such time. "Investments" shall exclude (a) extensions of trade credit or other
advances to customers on commercially reasonable terms in accordance with normal
trade practices or otherwise in the ordinary course of business, (b) Interest
Rate Protection Obligations and Currency Hedge Obligations, but only to the
extent that the same constitute Permitted Indebtedness and (c) endorsements of
negotiable instruments and documents in the ordinary course of business.
 
     "Lien" means any mortgage, charge, pledge, lien (statutory or other),
security interest, hypothecation, assignment for security, claim or similar type
of encumbrance (including, without limitation, any agreement to give or grant
any lease, conditional sale or other title retention agreement having
substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) upon or with
respect to any property of any kind. A Person shall be deemed to own subject to
a Lien any property which such Person has acquired or holds subject to the
interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital
lease or other title retention agreement.
 
     "Maturity" means, with respect to any Note, the date on which any principal
of such Note becomes due and payable as therein or in the Indenture provided,
whether at the Stated Maturity with respect to such principal or by declaration
of acceleration, call for redemption or purchase or otherwise.
 
     "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and its successors.
 
     "Net Available Proceeds" means, with respect to any Asset Sale, the
proceeds thereof in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents including payments in
respect of deferred payment obligations when received in the form of cash or
Cash Equivalents (except to the extent that such obligations are financed or
sold with recourse to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary), net of (i)
brokerage commissions and other fees and expenses (including fees and expenses
of legal counsel, accountants and investment banks) related to such Asset Sale,
(ii) provisions for all taxes payable as a result of such Asset Sale, (iii)
amounts required to be paid to any Person (other than the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary) owning a beneficial interest in the properties or assets
subject to the Asset Sale or having a Lien thereon and (iv) appropriate amounts
to be provided by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be,
as a reserve required in accordance with GAAP against any liabilities associated
with such Asset Sale and retained by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary,
as the case may be, after such Asset Sale, including, without limitation,
pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities, liabilities related to
environmental matters and liabilities under any indemnification obligations
associated with such Asset Sale, all as reflected in an Officers' Certificate
delivered to the Trustee; provided, however, that any amounts remaining after
adjustments, revaluations or liquidations of such reserves shall constitute Net
Available Proceeds. "Net Available Proceeds" means, with respect to any Event of
Loss, the proceeds to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary as a result
thereof in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents, including insurance proceeds
paid to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, and all payments received by
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from any government or any
instrumentality or agency thereof by way of compensation for the requisition of
title to property, net of all fees and expenses incurred by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary related to the collection or receipt of such proceeds, all
as reflected in an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee.
 
     "Net Cash Proceeds," with respect to any issuance or sale of Qualified
Capital Stock or other securities, means the cash proceeds of such issuance or
sale net of attorneys' fees, accountants' fees, underwriters' or placement
agents' fees, discounts or commissions and brokerage, consultant and other fees
and expenses actually incurred in connection with such issuance or sale and net
of taxes paid or payable as a result thereof.
 
     "Non-Recourse Indebtedness" means Indebtedness or that portion of
Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary incurred in connection
with the acquisition by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary of any
property or assets and as to which (a) the holders of such Indebtedness agree
that they will look solely to the property or assets so acquired and securing
such Indebtedness for payment on or in respect of such Indebtedness, and neither
the Company nor any Subsidiary (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary) (i)
provides credit support, including any undertaking, agreement or instrument
which would constitute Indebtedness or (ii) is directly or indirectly liable for
such Indebtedness, and (b) no default with respect to such Indebtedness would
permit (after notice or passage of time or both), according to the terms
thereof, any
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   57
 
holder of any Indebtedness of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary to declare
a default on such Indebtedness or cause the payment thereof to be accelerated or
payable prior to its Stated Maturity.
 
     "Note Register" means the register maintained by or for the Company in
which the Company shall provide for the registration of the Notes and the
transfer of the Notes.
 
     "Permitted Indebtedness" means any of the following:
 
          (i) Indebtedness (and any guarantee thereof) under one or more credit
     facilities with banks and other financial institutions in an aggregate
     principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed $35 million,
     less any amounts derived from Asset Sales and applied to the permanent
     reduction of the Indebtedness under any such credit facilities as
     contemplated by the "Limitation on Asset Sales" covenant (the "Maximum Bank
     Credit Amount"), and any renewals, amendments, extensions, supplements,
     modifications, deferrals, refinancing or replacements (each, for purposes
     of this clause (i), a "refinancing") thereof, including any successive
     refinancing thereof, so long as the aggregate principal amount of any such
     new Indebtedness, together with the aggregate principal amount of all other
     Indebtedness outstanding pursuant to this clause (i), shall not at any one
     time exceed the Maximum Bank Credit Amount;
 
          (ii) Indebtedness under the Notes and any Exchange Notes issued in
     exchange for Notes of an equal principal amount;
 
          (iii) Indebtedness outstanding or in effect on the date of the
     Indenture (and not repaid or defeased with the proceeds of the offering of
     the Notes), including Indebtedness of a Trinidad and Tobago joint venture
     being guaranteed by the Company in connection with the Rig Acquisitions,
     which Indebtedness is deemed to be outstanding on the date of the
     Indenture;
 
          (iv) Indebtedness under Interest Rate Protection Obligations, provided
     that (1) such Interest Rate Protection Obligations are related to payment
     obligations on Permitted Indebtedness or Indebtedness otherwise permitted
     by paragraph (a) of the "Limitation on Indebtedness and Disqualified
     Capital Stock" covenant, and (2) the notional principal amount of such
     Interest Rate Protection Obligations does not exceed the principal amount
     of such Indebtedness to which such Interest Rate Protection Obligations
     relate;
 
          (v) Indebtedness under Currency Hedge Obligations, provided that (1)
     such Currency Hedge Obligations are related to payment obligations on
     Permitted Indebtedness or Indebtedness otherwise permitted by paragraph (a)
     of the "Limitation on Indebtedness and Disqualified Capital Stock" covenant
     or to the foreign currency cash flows reasonably expected to be generated
     by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, and (2) the notional
     principal amount of such Currency Hedge Obligations does not exceed the
     principal amount of such Indebtedness and the amount of such foreign
     currency cash flows to which such Currency Hedge Obligations relate;
 
          (vi) the Subsidiary Guarantees of the Notes (and any assumption of the
     obligations guaranteed thereby);
 
          (vii) Indebtedness of the Company to a Wholly Owned Restricted
     Subsidiary and Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or
     a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that upon any
     subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event
     which results in any such Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be
     a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of
     any such Indebtedness (except to the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted
     Subsidiary), such Indebtedness shall be deemed, in each case, to be
     incurred and shall be treated as an incurrence for purposes of paragraph
     (a) of the "Limitation on Indebtedness and Disqualified Capital Stock"
     covenant at the time the Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary in question
     ceased to be a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary or the time such
     subsequent transfer occurred;
 
          (viii) Indebtedness in respect of bid, performance or surety bonds
     issued for the account of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in the
     ordinary course of business, including guaranties or
 
                                       54
<PAGE>   58
 
     obligations of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary with respect to
     letters of credit supporting such bid, performance or surety obligations
     (in each case other than for an obligation for money borrowed);
 
          (ix) Non-Recourse Indebtedness;
 
          (x) any renewals, substitutions, refinancing or replacements (each,
     for purposes of this clause (x), a "refinancing") by the Company or a
     Restricted Subsidiary of any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to clause (ii)
     or (iii) of this definition, including any successive refinancing by the
     Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, so long as (A) any such new
     Indebtedness shall be in a principal amount that does not exceed the
     principal amount (or, if such Indebtedness being refinanced provides for an
     amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a
     declaration of acceleration thereof, such lesser amount as of the date of
     determination) so refinanced plus the amount of any premium required to be
     paid in connection with such refinancing pursuant to the terms of the
     Indebtedness refinanced or the amount of any premium reasonably determined
     by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary as necessary to accomplish
     such refinancing, plus the amount of expenses of the Company or such
     Restricted Subsidiary incurred in connection with such refinancing, (B) in
     the case of any refinancing of Indebtedness (including the Notes) that is
     pari passu with or subordinated in right of payment to either the Notes or
     the Subsidiary Guarantees, then such new Indebtedness is either pari passu
     with or subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the Subsidiary
     Guarantees, as the case may be, at least to the same extent as the
     Indebtedness being refinanced and (C) such new Indebtedness has an Average
     Life equal to or longer than the Average Life of the Indebtedness being
     refinanced and a final Stated Maturity that is at least 91 days later than
     the final Stated Maturity of the Indebtedness being refinanced; and
 
          (xi) any additional Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount not
     in excess of $75 million at any one time outstanding and any guarantee
     thereof.
 
     "Permitted Investments" means any of the following: (i) Investments in Cash
Equivalents; (ii) Investments in the Company or any of its Wholly Owned
Restricted Subsidiaries; (iii) Investments by the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries in another Person, if as a result of such Investment (A)
such other Person becomes a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary or (B) such other
Person is merged or consolidated with or into, or transfers or conveys all or
substantially all of its properties and assets to, the Company or a Wholly Owned
Restricted Subsidiary; (iv) Investments permitted under the "Limitation on Asset
Sales" covenant or the "Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates" covenant;
(v) Investments made in the ordinary course of business in prepaid expenses,
lease, utility, workers' compensation, performance and other similar deposits;
(vi) Investments in stock, obligations or securities received in settlement of
debts owing to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary as a result of
bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings or upon the foreclosure, perfection or
enforcement of any Lien in favor of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, in
each case as to debt owing to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary that
arose in the ordinary course of business of the Company or any such Restricted
Subsidiary, provided that any stocks, obligations or securities received in
settlement of debts that arose in the ordinary course of business (and received
other than as a result of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings or upon
foreclosure, perfection or enforcement of any Lien) that are, within 30 days of
receipt, converted into cash or Cash Equivalents shall be treated as having been
cash or Cash Equivalents at the time received; (vii) other Investments in joint
ventures, corporations, limited liability companies or partnerships formed with
or organized by third Persons, which joint ventures, corporations, limited
liability companies or partnerships, engage in a business substantially similar,
or related, to the business conducted by the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries, provided such Investments do not, in the aggregate, exceed the sum
of (1) $15 million and (2) the aggregate amount of principal repayments,
interest on Indebtedness, dividends, distributions or other return of capital
received by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary from any Person (other than
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary) in which the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries has an ownership interest (including any return of
capital resulting from redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a
Restricted Subsidiary).
 
                                       55
<PAGE>   59
 
     "Permitted Liens" means the following types of Liens:
 
          (a) Liens existing as of the date of the Indenture;
 
          (b) Liens securing the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees;
 
          (c) Liens in favor of the Company;
 
          (d) Liens securing Indebtedness that constitutes Permitted
     Indebtedness pursuant to clause (i) of the definition of "Permitted
     Indebtedness";
 
          (e) Liens for taxes, assessments and governmental charges or claims
     either (i) not delinquent or (ii) contested in good faith by appropriate
     proceedings and as to which the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries
     shall have set aside on its books such reserves as may be required pursuant
     to GAAP;
 
          (f) statutory Liens of landlords and Liens of carriers, warehousemen,
     mechanics, suppliers, materialmen, repairmen and other Liens imposed by law
     incurred in the ordinary course of business for sums not delinquent or
     being contested in good faith, if such reserve or other appropriate
     provision, if any, as shall be required by GAAP shall have been made in
     respect thereof;
 
          (g) Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of business
     in connection with workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and other
     types of social security, or to secure the payment or performance of
     tenders, statutory or regulatory obligations, surety and appeal bonds,
     bids, government contracts and leases, performance and return of money
     bonds and other similar obligations (exclusive of obligations for the
     payment of borrowed money);
 
          (h) judgment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default so long as
     any appropriate legal proceedings which may have been duly initiated for
     the review of such judgment shall not have been finally terminated or the
     period within which such proceeding may be initiated shall not have
     expired;
 
          (i) any interest or title of a lessor under any Capitalized Lease
     Obligation or operating lease;
 
          (j) purchase money Liens; provided, however, that (i) the related
     purchase money Indebtedness shall not be secured by any property or assets
     of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary other than the property or
     assets so acquired and any proceeds therefrom and (ii) the Lien securing
     such Indebtedness shall be created within 90 days of such acquisition;
 
          (k) Liens securing obligations under or in respect of either Currency
     Hedge Obligations or Interest Rate Protection Obligations;
 
          (l) Liens upon specific items of inventory or other goods of any
     Person securing such Person's obligations in respect of bankers acceptances
     issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the
     purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods;
 
          (m) Liens securing reimbursement obligations with respect to
     commercial letters of credit which encumber documents and other property or
     assets relating to such letters of credit and products and proceeds
     thereof;
 
          (n) Liens encumbering deposits made to secure obligations arising from
     statutory, regulatory, contractual or warranty requirements of the Company
     or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including rights of offset and
     set-off;
 
          (o) Liens on, or related to, properties or assets to secure all or
     part of the costs incurred in the ordinary course of business for the
     exploration, drilling, development or operation thereof; and
 
          (p) Liens securing Non-Recourse Indebtedness; provided, however, that
     the related Non-Recourse Indebtedness shall not be secured by any property
     or assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary other than the
     property and assets acquired by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
     with the proceeds of such Non-Recourse Indebtedness.
 
                                       56
<PAGE>   60
 
     "Person" means any individual, corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust,
unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision
thereof.
 
     "Preferred Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares,
interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of such
Person's preferred or preference stock, whether now outstanding or issued after
the date of the Indenture, including, without limitation, all classes and series
of preferred or preference stock of such Person.
 
     "Public Equity Offering" means an offer and sale of Common Stock of the
Company pursuant to a registration statement that has been declared effective by
the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act (other than a registration
statement on Form S-8 or otherwise relating to equity securities issuable under
any employee benefit plan of the Company).
 
     "Qualified Capital Stock" of any Person means any and all Capital Stock of
such Person other than Disqualified Capital Stock.
 
     "Restricted Investment" means (without duplication) (i) the designation of
a Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in the manner described in the
definition of "Unrestricted Subsidiary" and (ii) any Investment other than a
Permitted Investment or an Investment in the Trinidad and Tobago joint venture
owning one of the Southwestern Rigs.
 
     "Restricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of the Company, whether
existing on or after the date of the Indenture, unless such Subsidiary of the
Company is an Unrestricted Subsidiary or is designated as an Unrestricted
Subsidiary pursuant to the terms of the Indenture.
 
     "S&P" means Standard and Poor's Ratings Services, a division of The
McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and its successors.
 
     "Sale/Leaseback Transaction" means any direct or indirect arrangement
pursuant to which properties or assets are sold or transferred by the Company or
a Restricted Subsidiary and are thereafter leased back from the purchaser or
transferee thereof by the Company or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
 
     "Stated Maturity" means, when used with respect to any Indebtedness or any
installment of interest thereon, the date specified in the instrument evidencing
or governing such Indebtedness as the fixed date on which the principal of such
Indebtedness or such installment of interest is due and payable.
 
     "Subordinated Indebtedness" means any Indebtedness of the Company or a
Subsidiary Guarantor which is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the
Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees, as the case may be.
 
     "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, (i) a corporation a
majority of whose Voting Stock is at the time, directly or indirectly, owned by
such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and
one or more Subsidiaries thereof or (ii) any other Person (other than a
corporation), including, without limitation, a joint venture, in which such
Person, one or more Subsidiaries thereof or such Person and one or more
Subsidiaries thereof, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination
thereof, have at least majority ownership interest entitled to vote in the
election of directors, managers or trustees thereof (or other Person performing
similar functions).
 
     "Subsidiary Guarantee" means any guarantee of the Notes by any Subsidiary
Guarantor in accordance with the provisions described under "-- Subsidiary
Guarantees of Notes."
 
     "Subsidiary Guarantor" means (i) Southwestern Offshore Corporation (f/k/a
Cliffs Drilling Asset Acquisition Company), (ii) Cliffs Drilling Merger Company,
(iii) Cliffs Drilling International, Inc., (iv) Cliffs Oil and Gas Company, (v)
DRL, Inc., (vi) each of the Company's other Restricted Subsidiaries, if any,
executing a supplemental indenture in which such Subsidiary agrees to be bound
by the terms of the Indenture and (vii) any Person that becomes a successor
guarantor of the Notes in compliance with the provisions described under
"-- Subsidiary Guarantees of Notes."
 
                                       57
<PAGE>   61
 
     "Unrestricted Subsidiary" means (i) any Subsidiary of the Company that at
the time of determination will be designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary by the
Board of Directors of the Company as provided below and (ii) any Subsidiary of
an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors of the Company may designate
any Subsidiary of the Company as an Unrestricted Subsidiary so long as (a)
neither the Company nor any Restricted Subsidiary is directly or indirectly
liable pursuant to the terms of any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary; (b) no
default with respect to any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary would permit (upon
notice, lapse of time or otherwise) any holder of any other Indebtedness of the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to declare a default on such other
Indebtedness or cause the payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to
its Stated Maturity; (c) such designation as an Unrestricted Subsidiary would be
permitted under the "Limitation on Restricted Payments" covenant; and (d) such
designation shall not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any of
the properties or assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than
any Permitted Lien or any Lien the creation or imposition of which shall have
been in compliance with the "Limitation on Liens" covenant); provided, however,
that with respect to clause (a), the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary may be
liable for Indebtedness of an Unrestricted Subsidiary if (x) such liability
constituted a Permitted Investment or a Restricted Payment permitted by the
"Limitation on Restricted Payments" covenant, in each case at the time of
incurrence, or (y) the liability would be a Permitted Investment at the time of
designation of such Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary. Any such
designation by the Board of Directors of the Company shall be evidenced to the
Trustee by filing a Board Resolution with the Trustee giving effect to such
designation. The Board of Directors of the Company may designate any
Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary if, immediately after giving
effect to such designation on a pro forma basis, (i) no Default or Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (ii) the Company could incur
$1.00 of additional Indebtedness (not including the incurrence of Permitted
Indebtedness) under the first paragraph of the "Limitation on Indebtedness and
Disqualified Capital Stock" covenant and (iii) if any of the properties and
assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries would upon such
designation become subject to any Lien (other than a Permitted Lien), the
creation or imposition of such Lien shall have been in compliance with the
"Limitation on Liens" covenant.
 
     "Voting Stock" means any class or classes of Capital Stock pursuant to
which the holders thereof have the general voting power under ordinary
circumstances to elect at least a majority of the board of directors, managers
or trustees of any Person (irrespective of whether or not, at the time, stock of
any other class or classes shall have, or might have, voting power by reason of
the happening of any contingency).
 
     "Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary" means any Restricted Subsidiary to the
extent (i) all of the Capital Stock or other ownership interests in such
Restricted Subsidiary, other than any directors' qualifying shares mandated by
applicable law, is owned directly or indirectly by the Company or (ii) such
Restricted Subsidiary is organized in a foreign jurisdiction and is required by
the applicable laws and regulations of such foreign jurisdiction to be partially
owned by the government of such foreign jurisdiction or individual or corporate
citizens of such foreign jurisdiction in order for such Restricted Subsidiary to
transact business in such foreign jurisdiction, provided that the Company,
directly or indirectly, owns the remaining Capital Stock or ownership interest
in such Restricted Subsidiary and, by contract or otherwise, controls the
management and business of such Restricted Subsidiary and derives the economic
benefits of ownership of such Restricted Subsidiary to substantially the same
extent as if such Restricted Subsidiary were a wholly owned Subsidiary.
 
BOOK ENTRY; DELIVERY AND FORM
 
     The Exchange Notes initially will be represented by a single, permanent
global certificate in definitive, fully registered form (the "Global Note"). The
Global Note will be deposited on the Closing Date with, or on behalf of, DTC and
registered in the name of a nominee of DTC.
 
     The Company expects that pursuant to procedures established by DTC (i) upon
the issuance of the Global Note, DTC or its custodian will credit, on its
internal system, the principal amount of Exchange Notes of the individual
beneficial interests represented by such Global Note to the respective accounts
for persons who have accounts with DTC and (ii) ownership of beneficial
interests in the Global Note will be shown on, and the transfer of such
ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC or its
nominee (with respect to interests of participants) and the records of
participants (with respect to interests of persons
 
                                       58
<PAGE>   62
 
other than participants). Ownership of beneficial interests in the Global Note
will be limited to persons who have accounts with DTC ("participants") or
persons who own interests through participants. Owners of beneficial interests
in the Global Note will hold their interests in the Global Note directly through
DTC, if they are participants in such system, or indirectly through
organizations which are participants in such system.
 
     So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner or holder of the
Global Note, DTC or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the
sole owner or holder of the Notes represented by the Global Note for all
purposes under the Indenture. No beneficial owner of an interest in the Global
Note will be able to transfer that interest except in accordance with DTC's
procedures.
 
     Payments of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, the Global
Note will be made to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered
owner thereof. None of the Company, the Trustee, the Exchange Agent or any
paying agent of the Company will have any responsibility or liability for any
aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial
ownership interests in the Global Note or for maintaining, supervising or
reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
 
     The Company expects that DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of
principal, premium, if any, or interest in respect of the Global Note, will
credit participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their
respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the Global Note as
shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. The Company also expects that
payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the Global Note
held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and
customary practice, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of
customers registered in the names of nominees for such customers. Such payments
will be the responsibility of such participants.
 
     Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected in the ordinary way
in accordance with DTC rules and will be settled in immediately available funds.
The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities take
physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such laws may impair
the ability to transfer beneficial interests in the Global Note.
 
     DTC has advised the Company that it will take any action permitted to be
taken by a holder of Notes (including the presentation of Old Notes for exchange
for Exchange Notes) only at the direction of one or more participants to whose
account the interests in the Global Note are credited and only in respect of
such portion of the aggregate principal amount of Notes as to which such
participant or participants have given such direction. However, if there is an
Event of Default under the Indenture, DTC will exchange the Global Note for
certificated Notes in registered form ("Certificated Securities"), which it will
distribute to its participants.
 
     DTC has advised the Company as follows: DTC is a limited purpose trust
company organized under laws of the State of New York, a member of the Federal
Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the Uniform
Commercial Code and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of
Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold securities for its
participants and facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities
transactions between participants through electronic book-entry changes in
accounts of its participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement
of certificates. Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks,
trust companies and clearing corporations and certain other organizations.
Indirect access to the DTC system is available to others such as banks, brokers,
dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial
relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly.
 
     Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate
transfers of interests in the Global Note among participants of DTC, it is under
no obligation to perform such procedures, and such procedures may be
discontinued at any time. None of the Company, the Initial Purchasers, the
Trustee or the Exchange Agent will have any responsibility for the performance
by DTC or its participants or indirect participants of their respective
obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.
 
     If DTC is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as a depositary for
the Global Note and a successor depositary is not appointed by the Company
within 90 days, or at the Company's election at any time, Certificated
Securities will be issued in exchange for the Global Note.
 
                                       59
<PAGE>   63
 
                         REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
 
     Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company agreed to file
with the SEC the Exchange Offer Registration Statement on the appropriate form
under the Securities Act with respect to an offer to exchange the Old Notes for
the Exchange Notes. The Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a
part constitutes such Exchange Offer Registration Statement, and pursuant to the
Exchange Offer described herein the Company is offering to the holders of Notes
who are able to make certain representations the opportunity to exchange their
Old Notes for Exchange Notes.
 
     If (i) the Company is not permitted to file the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement or to consummate the Exchange Offer because the Exchange Offer is not
permitted by applicable law or interpretation of the staff of the SEC or (ii)
any holder of Old Notes notifies the Company within the specified time period
that (A) due to a change in law or policy it is not entitled to participate in
the Exchange Offer, (B) due to a change in law or policy it may not resell the
Exchange Notes acquired by it in the Exchange Offer to the public without
delivering a prospectus and the prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement is not appropriate or available for such resales by such
holder or (C) it is a broker-dealer and owns Old Notes acquired directly from
the Company or an affiliate of the Company, the Company will file with the SEC
the Shelf Registration Statement to cover resales of the Transfer Restricted
Notes (as defined) by the holders thereof. The Company will use its best efforts
to cause the applicable registration statement to be declared effective within
specified periods by the SEC. For purposes of the foregoing, "Transfer
Restricted Notes" means each Note until (i) the date on which such Note has been
exchanged by a person other than a broker-dealer for an Exchange Note in the
Exchange Offer, (ii) following the exchange by a broker-dealer in the Exchange
Offer of an Old Note for an Exchange Note, the date on which such Exchange Note
is sold to a purchaser who receives from such broker-dealer on or prior to the
date of such sale a copy of the prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement, (iii) the date on which such Note has been effectively
registered under the Securities Act and disposed of in accordance with the Shelf
Registration Statement or (iv) the date on which such Note is distributed to the
public pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
 
     Under existing SEC staff interpretations, the Transfer Restricted Notes
would, in general, be freely transferable after the Exchange Offer without
further registration under the Securities Act, provided that in the case of
broker-dealers participating in the Exchange Offer, a prospectus meeting the
requirements of the Securities Act will be delivered upon resale by such
broker-dealers in connection with resales of Exchange Notes. The Company has
agreed, for a period of 180 days after consummation of the Exchange Offer, to
make available a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act to
any broker-dealer for use in connection with any resale of Exchange Notes
acquired in the Exchange Offer (other than a resale of any unsold allotment from
the original sale of the Old Notes). A broker-dealer which delivers such a
prospectus to purchasers in connection with such resales will be subject to
certain of the civil liability provisions under the Securities Act and will be
bound by the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement (including certain
indemnification rights and obligations).
 
     The Registration Rights Agreement provides that: (i) unless the Exchange
Offer would not be permitted by applicable law or SEC policy, the Company will
file an Exchange Offer Registration Statement with the SEC on or prior to 60
days after the date of original issuance of the Notes (the "Closing Date," which
was May 23, 1996), (ii) unless the Exchange Offer would not be permitted by
applicable law or SEC policy, the Company will use its best efforts to have the
Exchange Offer Registration Statement declared effective by the SEC on or prior
to 120 days after the Closing Date, (iii) unless the Exchange Offer would not be
permitted by applicable law or SEC policy, the Company will commence the
Exchange Offer and use its best efforts to issue, on or prior to 30 business
days after the date on which the Exchange Offer Registration Statement was
declared effective by the SEC, Exchange Notes in exchange for all Old Notes
tendered prior thereto in the Exchange Offer and (iv) if obligated to file the
Shelf Registration Statement, the Company will file prior to the later of (x) 90
days after the Closing Date or (y) 30 days after such filing obligation arises
and use its best efforts to cause the Shelf Registration Statement to be
declared effective by the SEC on or prior to 90 days after such obligation
arises; provided that if the Company has not consummated the Exchange Offer
within 180 days of the Closing Date, then the Company will file the Shelf
Registration Statement with the SEC on or
 
                                       60
<PAGE>   64
 
prior to the 181st day after the Closing Date and use its best efforts to cause
the Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective within 60 days after
such filing. The Company shall use its best efforts to keep such Shelf
Registration Statement continuously effective, supplemented and amended until
the third anniversary of the Closing Date or such shorter period that will
terminate when all the Transfer Restricted Notes covered by the Shelf
Registration Statement have been sold pursuant thereto.
 
     If (i) the Company fails to file any of the registration statements
required by the Registration Rights Agreement on or before the date specified
for such filing, (ii) any of such registration statements are not declared
effective by the SEC on or prior to the date specified for such effectiveness
(the "Effectiveness Target Date"), (iii) the Company fails to consummate the
Exchange Offer within 30 business days of the Effectiveness Target Date with
respect to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, or (iv) the Shelf
Registration Statement or the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared
effective but thereafter, subject to certain exceptions, ceases to be effective
or usable in connection with the Exchange Offer or resales of Transfer
Restricted Notes, as the case may be, during the periods specified in the
Registration Rights Agreement (each such event referred to in clauses (i)
through (iv) above, a "Registration Default"), then the interest rate on
Transfer Restricted Notes will increase ("Additional Interest"), with respect to
the first 90-day period immediately following the occurrence of such
Registration Default by 0.50% per annum and will increase by an additional 0.50%
per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period until all Registration
Defaults have been cured, up to a maximum amount of 2% per annum with respect to
all Registration Defaults. Following the cure of all Registration Defaults, the
accrual of Additional Interest will cease and the interest rate will revert to
the original rate.
 
                       TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS ON OLD NOTES
 
     The Old Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act and may not
be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit
of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not
subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Accordingly,
the Old Notes were offered and sold only (1) to "Qualified Institutional Buyers"
(as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) in compliance with Rule 144A
and (2) to a limited number of other institutional "Accredited Investors" (as
defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act) that, prior
to their purchase of any Old Notes, delivered to the Initial Purchasers a letter
containing certain representations and agreements.
 
     Each purchaser of Old Notes was deemed to have acknowledged, represented
and agreed as follows:
 
          (1) it is purchasing the Old Notes for its own account or an account
     with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it
     and any such account is a Qualified Institutional Buyer or an Accredited
     Investor, in each case for investment and not with a view to distribution;
 
          (2) the Old Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act
     and may be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the
     account or benefit of, U.S. persons except as set forth below;
 
          (3) if it should resell or otherwise transfer the Old Notes within
     three years after the original issuance of the Old Notes, it will do so
     only (a) to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (b) inside the United
     States to a Qualified Institutional Buyer in compliance with Rule 144A, (c)
     inside the United States to an Accredited Investor that, prior to such
     transfer, furnishes to the Trustee a signed letter containing certain
     representations and agreements relating to the restrictions on transfer of
     the Notes (the form of which letter can be obtained from such Trustee), (d)
     outside the United States in compliance with Rule 904 of Regulation S under
     the Securities Act, (e) pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act, or
     (f) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities
     Act;
 
          (4) it will give to each transferee of the Old Notes notice of any
     restrictions on transfer of such Old Notes;
 
          (5) none of the Company or the Initial Purchasers or any person
     representing the Company or the Initial Purchasers has made any
     representation to it with respect to the Company or the offering or sale of
 
                                       61
<PAGE>   65
 
     any Old Notes, other than the information contained in the Offering
     Memorandum provided with such Old Notes, which has been delivered to it and
     upon which it is relying in making its investment decision with respect to
     the Old Notes, accordingly it acknowledges that no representation or
     warranty is made by the Company or the Initial Purchasers as to the
     accuracy or completeness of such materials;
 
          (6) it has had access to such financial and other information
     concerning the Company and the Old Notes as it has deemed necessary in
     connection with its decision to purchase the Old Notes, including an
     opportunity to ask questions of and request information from the Company
     and the Initial Purchasers;
 
          (7) the Trustee will not be required to accept for registration of
     transfer any Old Notes acquired by it, except upon presentation of evidence
     satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee that the restrictions set forth
     herein have been complied with;
 
          (8) the Company, the Trustee, the Initial Purchasers and others will
     rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing acknowledgments,
     representations and agreements and agrees that, if any of the
     acknowledgments, representations or agreements deemed to have been made by
     its purchase of the Old Notes are no longer accurate, it shall promptly
     notify the Initial Purchasers; and
 
          (9) if it is acquiring the Old Notes as a fiduciary or agent for one
     or more investor accounts, it represents that it has sole investment
     discretion with respect to each such account and it has full power to make
     the foregoing acknowledgments, representations and agreements on behalf of
     each account.
 
     Each certificate respecting the Old Notes will bear the following legend:
 
     THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS
AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD
EXCEPT AS SET FORTH BELOW. BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF, THE HOLDER (1) REPRESENTS
THAT (A) IT IS A "QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER" (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT) OR (B) IT IS AN INSTITUTIONAL "ACCREDITED INVESTOR" (AS
DEFINED IN RULE 501(a)(1), (2), (3) OR (7) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) (AN
"ACCREDITED INVESTOR") OR (C) IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON AND IS ACQUIRING THIS
SECURITY IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION, (2) AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT WITHIN THREE
YEARS AFTER THE ORIGINAL ISSUANCE OF THIS SECURITY RESELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER
THIS SECURITY EXCEPT (A) TO THE ISSUER OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (B) INSIDE THE
UNITED STATES TO A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 144A
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) INSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO AN ACCREDITED INVESTOR
THAT, PRIOR TO SUCH TRANSFER, FURNISHES TO THE TRUSTEE A SIGNED LETTER
CONTAINING CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS (THE FORM OF WHICH LETTER CAN
BE OBTAINED FROM THE TRUSTEE), (D) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO FOREIGN
PURCHASERS IN OFFSHORE TRANSACTIONS MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 904 OF
REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (E) PURSUANT TO THE EXEMPTION FROM
REGISTRATION PROVIDED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (IF AVAILABLE), OR
(F) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND
(3) AGREES THAT IT WILL GIVE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS SECURITY IS TRANSFERRED
A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND. AS USED HEREIN, THE TERMS
"OFFSHORE TRANSACTION," "UNITED STATES" AND "U.S. PERSON" HAVE THE RESPECTIVE
MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM IN REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.
 
     Any Old Notes not exchanged in the Exchange Offer for Exchange Notes will
continue to be subject to the transfer restrictions described above.
 
                                       62
<PAGE>   66
 
                   CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
     The following is a summary of certain federal income tax consequences
associated with the Exchange Offer, and also with respect to the acquisition,
ownership, and disposition of the Exchange Notes. The following summary does not
discuss all of the aspects of federal income taxation that may be relevant to a
prospective holder of Exchange Notes in light of his or her particular
circumstances, or to certain types of holders which are subject to special
treatment under the federal income tax laws (including persons who hold Exchange
Notes as part of a conversion, straddle or hedge, dealers in securities,
insurance companies, tax exempt organizations, financial institutions,
broker-dealers and S corporations). Further, the summary pertains only to
holders that are citizens or residents of the United States, or any political
subdivision thereof, or estates or trusts the income of which is subject to
United States federal income taxation regardless of its source. In addition,
this summary does not describe any tax consequences under state, local, or
foreign tax laws.
 
     The discussion is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"), Treasury Regulations, Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") rulings and
pronouncements and judicial decisions now in effect, all of which are subject to
change at any time by legislative, judicial or administrative action. Any such
changes may be applied retroactively in a manner that could adversely affect
holders of Exchange Notes. The Company has not sought and will not seek any
rulings or opinions from the IRS or counsel with respect to the matters
discussed below. There can be no assurance that the IRS will not take positions
concerning the tax consequences of the valuation, purchase, ownership or
disposition of the Exchange Notes which are different from those discussed
herein.
 
     THIS SUMMARY DOES NOT PURPORT TO COVER ALL THE POSSIBLE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF
THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE EXCHANGE NOTES, AND IS NOT
INTENDED AS TAX ADVICE. PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF EXCHANGE NOTES SHOULD CONSULT
THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX
CONSEQUENCES THAT MAY BE SPECIFIC TO THEM OF ACQUIRING, OWNING AND DISPOSING OF
EXCHANGE NOTES, AS WELL AS THE APPLICATION OF STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER
TAX LAWS.
 
EXCHANGE OFFER
 
     Under federal income tax law, a holder of Old Notes will not recognize gain
or loss upon an exchange of the Old Notes for Exchange Notes pursuant to the
Exchange Offer. A holder's basis and holding period for the Exchange Notes
received pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be the same as such holder's basis
and holding period for the Old Notes exchanged therefor.
 
     Each exchanging holder should consult with his or her individual tax
advisor as to any foreign, state and local tax consequences of the Exchange
Offer as well as to the effect of his or her particular facts and circumstances
on the matters discussed herein.
 
TAXATION OF QUALIFIED STATED INTEREST ON EXCHANGE NOTES
 
     Absent some special circumstances that may be particular to a holder,
qualified stated interest paid on an Exchange Note will be taxable to a holder
as ordinary interest income at the time it accrues or is received, in accordance
the holder's regular method of accounting for federal income tax purposes.
 
     The Company will annually furnish to certain record holders of the Exchange
Notes and to the IRS information with respect to qualified stated interest paid
during the calendar year as may be required under applicable regulations.
 
SALE OR OTHER TAXABLE DISPOSITION OF EXCHANGE NOTES
 
     The sale, redemption, or other taxable disposition of an Exchange Note will
result in the recognition of gain or loss to the holder in an amount equal to
the difference between (a) the amount of cash and fair market value of property
received (except to the extent attributable to the payment of accrued qualified
stated interest) in exchange therefor and (b) the holder's adjusted tax basis in
such Exchange Note.
 
                                       63
<PAGE>   67
 
     A holder's initial tax basis in an Exchange Note purchased by such holder
will be equal to the portion of the issue price allocable to the Exchange Notes,
as discussed above. The holder's initial tax basis in an Exchange Note will be
increased by the amount of any original issue discount included in gross income
with respect to such Exchange Note to the date of disposition.
 
     Any gain or loss on the sale, redemption, or other taxable disposition of
an Exchange Note will be capital gain or loss, assuming the owner of the
Exchange Note holds such security as a "capital asset" (generally property held
for investment) within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code. Any capital gain
or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the Exchange Note is held for
more than one year and otherwise will be short-term capital gain or loss.
Payments on such disposition for accrued qualified stated interest not
previously included in income will be treated as ordinary interest income.
 
     If the Exchange Offer is not consummated within the required period of time
(and in certain other circumstances), then Additional Interest may become
payable with respect to the Notes. See "Registration Rights Agreement." This
rate increase should not result in a deemed taxable exchange of the Notes.
 
PURCHASERS OF NOTES AT OTHER THAN ORIGINAL ISSUANCE PRICE OR DATE
 
     The foregoing does not discuss special rules which may affect the treatment
of purchasers that acquired Old Notes either (a) other than at the time of
original issuance or (b) at the time of original issuance other than at the
issue price, including those provisions of the Code relating to the treatment of
"market discount," "acquisition premium" and "amortizable bond premium." Any
such purchaser should consult his or her tax advisor as to the consequences to
him or her of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Notes.
 
BACKUP WITHHOLDING
 
     The backup withholding rules require a payor to deduct and withhold a tax
if (a) the payee fails to furnish a taxpayer identification number ("TIN") to
the payor, (b) the IRS notifies the payor that the TIN furnished by the payee is
incorrect, (c) the payee has failed to report properly the receipt of
"reportable payments" and the IRS has notified the payor that withholding is
required, or (d) there has been a failure of the payee to certify under the
penalty of perjury that a payee is not subject to withholding under Section 3406
of the Code. As a result, if any one of the events discussed above occurs with
respect to a holder of Notes, the Company, its paying agent or other withholding
agent will be required to withhold a tax equal to 31% of any "reportable
payment" made in connection with the Notes of such holder. A "reportable
payment" includes, among other things, amounts paid in respect of interest or
original issue discount and amounts paid through brokers in retirement of
securities. Any amounts withheld from a payment to a holder under the backup
withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or credit against such holder's
federal income tax, provided, that the required information is furnished to the
IRS. Certain holders (including, among others, corporations and certain
tax-exempt organizations) are not subject to the backup withholding rules.
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
     Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account
pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a
prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes. This
Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used
by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of Exchange Notes received in
exchange for Old Notes where such Old Notes were acquired as a result of
market-making activities or other trading activities. The Company has agreed
that it will make this Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any
broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale for a period of 180
days after consummation of the Exchange Offer, or such shorter period as will
terminate when all Old Notes acquired by broker-dealers for their own accounts
as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities have been
exchanged for Exchange Notes and resold by such broker-dealers. A broker-dealer
that delivers such a prospectus to purchasers in connection with such resales
will be subject to certain of the civil liability provisions under the
Securities Act and will be bound by the provisions of the Registration Rights
Agreement (including certain indemnification rights and obligations).
 
                                       64
<PAGE>   68
 
     The Company will not receive any proceeds from any sale of Exchange Notes
by broker-dealers. Exchange Notes received by broker-dealers for their own
account pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be sold from time to time in one or
more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions,
through the writing of options on the Exchange Notes or a combination of such
methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices
related to such prevailing market prices or negotiated prices. Any such resale
may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may
receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such
broker-dealer and/or the purchasers of any such Exchange Notes. Any
broker-dealer that resells Exchange Notes that were received by it for its own
account pursuant to the Exchange Offer and any broker or dealer that
participates in a distribution of such Exchange Notes may be deemed to be an
"underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any
such resale of Exchange Notes and any commissions or concessions received by any
such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities
Act. For a period of 180 days after consummation of the Exchange Offer, or such
shorter period as will terminate when all Old Notes acquired by broker-dealers
for their own accounts as a result of market-making activities or other trading
activities have been exchanged for Exchange Notes and resold by such
broker-dealers, the Company will promptly send additional copies of this
Prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this Prospectus to any
broker-dealer that requests such documents in the Letter of Transmittal. The
Company has agreed in the Registration Rights Agreement to indemnify such
broker-dealers against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The validity of the issuance of the Notes offered hereby will be passed
upon for the Company by Griggs & Harrison, P.C., Houston, Texas.
 
     The Consolidated Financial Statements and schedule of the Company appearing
(or incorporated by reference) in the Company's Annual Report (Form 10-K) for
the year ended December 31, 1995, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP,
independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon included therein (or
incorporated by reference). Such Consolidated Financial Statements are
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given upon the
authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. The Consolidated
Financial Statements of Southwestern Offshore Corporation and Subsidiaries at
December 31, 1995 and 1994 and for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994
and for the period from inception (July 19, 1993) through December 31, 1993
included in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 6, 1996,
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Arthur
Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as stated in their report with
respect thereto, and are included herein in reliance upon the authority of such
firm as experts in accounting and auditing in giving such report.
 
                                       65
<PAGE>   69
 
                                    PART II
 
                   INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
GENERAL
 
     Article Ninth of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation ("Article
Ninth") requires the Company to indemnify its directors, officers and certain
other individuals to the full extent permitted by the Delaware General
Corporation Law ("Delaware GCL") or other applicable laws and allows the Company
to enter into agreements with any person to provide greater or different
indemnification than that provided in Article Ninth or the Delaware GCL.
 
     Article Tenth of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation ("Article
Tenth") limits the personal liability of the Company's directors to the Company
or its stockholders to the full extent permitted by the Delaware GCL, which
currently permits directors to be protected from monetary damages for breach of
their fiduciary duty of care. This limitation has no effect on claims arising
under the federal securities laws.
 
INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE
 
     Under the Delaware GCL, directors and officers as well as other employees
and individuals may be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees),
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement in connection with specified
actions, suits or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation such
as a derivative action) if they acted in good faith and in a manner they
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. A similar standard of
care is applicable in the case of actions by or in the right of the corporation,
except that indemnification only extends to expenses (including attorneys' fees)
incurred in connection with defense or settlement of such an action and the
Delaware GCL requires court approval before there can be any indemnification
where the person seeking indemnification has been found liable to the
corporation.
 
     Article Ninth provides that each person who is or was or had agreed to
become a director or officer of the Company, and each such person who is or was
serving or who had agreed to serve at the request of the Board of Directors or
an officer of the Company as an employee or agent of the Company, or as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise (including the heirs, executors,
administrators or estate of such person) shall be indemnified by the Company to
the full extent permitted by the Delaware GCL or any other applicable laws as
presently or hereafter in effect. Under Article Ninth, subject to the
limitations on indemnification imposed by the Delaware GCL, a large award
against an officer or director or other appropriate individual could be paid by
the Company, which could affect the assets of the Company.
 
     Article Ninth provides that, without limiting the generality or effect of
the foregoing, the Company may enter into one or more agreements with any person
which provide for indemnification greater or different than that provided in
Article Ninth. Finally, Article Ninth and Article Tenth each provide that any
repeal or modification of such article shall not adversely affect any right or
protection existing thereunder immediately prior to such repeal or modification.
 
     The Company has entered into agreements with each of its directors and
certain officers providing for indemnification broader than that provided by
Article Ninth. Each of the directors and certain officers are entitled to
indemnification pursuant to the indemnification agreements whether his or her
acts, failures to act, neglect or breach of duty giving rise to the right to
indemnity thereunder occurred prior or subsequent to the date of such agreement.
Such right, however, would not be available with respect to acts, failures to
act, neglect or breaches of duty of a director or officer occurring prior to the
date such person became a director or officer of the Company.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   70
 
     One of the purposes of entering into such indemnification agreements was to
specify the extent to which the directors and certain officers may receive
indemnification under circumstances in which indemnity would not otherwise be
provided by Article Ninth. Such agreements entitle the directors and officers to
indemnification as expressly provided by Article Ninth and to indemnification
for any amount which a director or officer is or becomes legally obligated to
pay relating to or arising out of any claim made against such director or
officer because of any act, failure to act or neglect or breach of duty,
including, without limitation, any actual or alleged error, misstatement or
misleading statement, which such director or officer commits, suffers, permits
or acquiesces in while acting in the director's or officer's position with the
Company. The right to receive payments under the proposed indemnification
agreements in excess of those expressly provided in Article Ninth would not be
permitted, however, in connection with any claim against a director or officer:
 
          (i) which results in a final, nonappealable order against the director
     or officer to pay a fine or similar governmental imposition which the
     Company is prohibited by applicable law from paying; or
 
          (ii) to the extent based upon or attributable to the director or
     officer gaining in fact a personal profit to which he or she was not
     legally entitled, including, without limitation, profits made from the
     purchase and sale of equity securities of the Company which are recoverable
     by the Company pursuant to Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of
     1934 and profits arising from transactions in publicly traded securities of
     the Company which were effected by the director or officer in violation of
     Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including rule 10b-5
     promulgated thereunder.
 
     Another purpose of the indemnification agreements is to provide the
directors or officers with increased assurance of indemnification by prohibiting
the Company from adopting any amendment to the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation or Bylaws which would have the effect of denying, diminishing or
encumbering their rights to indemnification pursuant thereto or to the Delaware
GCL or any other law as applied to any act or failure to act occurring in whole
or in part prior to the effective date of such amendment.
 
     At present there is no pending litigation or proceeding involving a
director or officer of the Company in which indemnification would be required or
permitted by the proposed indemnification agreements. The Board of Directors is
not aware of any threatened litigation or proceeding which may result in a claim
for indemnification under any such indemnification agreement.
 
ELIMINATION OF LIABILITY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES
 
     Under the Delaware GCL, Article Tenth would protect the Company's directors
against monetary damages for breaches of their duty of care, except as set forth
below. The inclusion of Article Tenth in the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation means that the Company and its stockholders would forego the
ability to bring a cause of action against a director for monetary damages for
certain breaches of fiduciary duty, including actions in connection with
proposals for the acquisition of control of the Company. Directors remain liable
for breaches of their duty of loyalty to the Company and its stockholders as
well as acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law and transactions from which a director
derives improper personal benefit. Also, Article Tenth does not eliminate
director liability under Section 174 of the Delaware GCL, which makes directors
personally liable for unlawful dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or
redemptions and expressly sets forth a negligence standard with respect to such
liability.
 
     Although Article Tenth provides directors with protection from awards of
monetary damages for breaches of the duty of care, it does not eliminate the
directors' duty of care. Accordingly, Article Tenth will have no effect on the
availability of equitable remedies such as an injunction or rescission based
upon a director's breach of the duty of care. The provisions of Article Tenth
which eliminate liability as described above will apply to officers of the
Company only if they are directors of the Company and are acting in their
capacity as directors, and will not apply to officers of the Company who are not
directors.
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   71
 
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL SCHEDULES
 
     The following instruments and documents are included as Exhibits to this
Registration Statement. Exhibits incorporated by reference are so indicated by
parenthetical information.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    EXHIBIT NO.                                      EXHIBIT
- -------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>
         2.1         -- Reorganization and Distribution Agreement dated as of June 8, 1988
                        among Cleveland-Cliffs Inc, The Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company, Cliffs
                        Drilling Company, now Cliffs Resources, Inc., Cliffs Exploration
                        Company, now Cliffs Oil and Gas Company, Cliffs Drilling
                        International, Inc. and New Cliffs Drilling Company, now Cliffs
                        Drilling Company, the Registrant (the "Company") (incorporated by
                        reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on
                        Form S-1, No. 33-23508, filed under the Securities Act).
         2.2         -- Acquisition Agreement dated as of May 13, 1996 by and among
                        Southwestern Offshore Corporation, Viking Supply Ships A.S., Ocean
                        Master III Inc., Production Partner Inc., Trivium Investments
                        Limited, Helge Ringdal and the Company, Cliffs Drilling Asset
                        Acquisition Company and Cliffs Drilling Merger Company (incorporated
                        by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form
                        8-K filed June 6, 1996).
         4.1         -- Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (incorporated
                        by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration Statement
                        on Form S-1, No. 33-23508, filed under the Securities Act).
         4.2         -- By-Laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to
                        the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, No. 33-23508, filed
                        under the Securities Act).
         4.3         -- Indenture dated as of May 15, 1996 among the Company, as issuer,
                        Cliffs Drilling Asset Acquisition Company, Cliffs Drilling Merger
                        Company, Cliffs Drilling International, Inc. and Cliffs Oil and Gas
                        Company, as subsidiary guarantors, and Fleet National Bank, as
                        trustee, including a Form of the Company's 10.25% Senior Notes due
                        2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's
                        Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 6, 1996).
         4.3.1*      -- Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 11, 1996 among the Company,
                        as issuer, Southwestern Offshore Corporation (f/k/a Cliffs Drilling
                        Asset Acquisition Company), Cliffs Drilling Merger Company, Cliffs
                        Drilling International, Inc., Cliffs Oil and Gas Company, and DRL,
                        Inc., as subsidiary guarantors, and Fleet National Bank, as trustee.
         4.4         -- Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 23, 1996 by and among
                        the Company, Cliffs Drilling Asset Acquisition Company, Cliffs
                        Drilling Merger Company, Cliffs Drilling International, Inc., Cliffs
                        Oil and Gas Company, Jefferies & Company, Inc. and ING Baring (U.S.)
                        Securities, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the
                        Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 6, 1996).
         4.5         -- Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 23, 1996 by and among
                        the Company, Viking Supply Ships A.S. and Production Partner Inc.
                        (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Current
                        Report on Form 8-K filed June 6, 1996).
         5.1*        -- Opinion of Griggs & Harrison, P.C.
        23.1*        -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   72
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    EXHIBIT NO.                                      EXHIBIT
- -------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>
        23.2*        -- Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
        23.3*        -- Consent of Griggs & Harrison, P.C. (included in Exhibit 5.1).
        24.1*        -- Powers of Attorney (included on the signature pages of this
                        Registration Statement).
        25.1*        -- Statement of Eligibility of Fleet National Bank.
        99.1*        -- Form of Letter of Transmittal.
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
* Filed herewith
 
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS
 
     The Company hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any
liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Company's annual report
pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where
applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to
section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company
pursuant to the provisions described under Item 15 above, or otherwise, the
Company has been advised that, in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Company in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Company will, unless, in
the opinion of its counsel, the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the Prospectus pursuant to
Item 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of
such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or
other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of the Registration Statement through the
date of responding to the request.
 
     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in the Registration Statement when it became effective.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   73
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement or Amendment to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston,
the State of Texas, on July 17, 1996.
 
                                            CLIFFS DRILLING COMPANY
 
                                            By:   /s/  DOUGLAS E. SWANSON
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                     Douglas E. Swanson
                                             Chairman of the Board, President,
                                                and Chief Executive Officer
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Douglas E. Swanson and Edward A. Guthrie, and
each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), his or her true and
lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities, to sign on his or her behalf individually and in each
capacity stated below any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents and either of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement or Amendment has been signed by the following persons in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  SIGNATURE                                TITLE                     DATE
- ---------------------------------------------  ------------------------------   ---------------
<S>                                            <C>                              <C>
        /s/  DOUGLAS E. SWANSON                Chairman of the Board,            July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    President and Chief
             Douglas E. Swanson                  Executive Officer (Principal
                                                 Executive Officer)
                                     
            /s/  M. M. CONE                    Director                          July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------
                 M. M. Cone

         /s/  H. ROBERT HIRSCH                 Director                          July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------
              H. Robert Hirsch

         /s/  ROBERT M. MCINNES                Director                          July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------
              Robert M. McInnes

          /s/  JOSEPH E. REID                  Director                          July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------
               Joseph E. Reid

           /s/  JOHN D. WEIL                   Director                          July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------
                John D. Weil

         /s/  EDWARD A. GUTHRIE                Vice President -- Finance and     July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    Chief Financial Officer
              Edward A. Guthrie                  (Principal Financial
                                                 Officer)

          /s/  CINDY B. TAYLOR                 Vice President -- Controller      July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    (Principal Accounting
               Cindy B. Taylor                   Officer)
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>   74
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement or Amendment to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston,
the State of Texas, on July 17, 1996.
 
                                          SOUTHWESTERN OFFSHORE CORPORATION
                                          (f/k/a Cliffs Drilling Asset
                                          Acquisition Company)
 
                                          By:    /s/  WILLIAM E. CHILES
                                          --------------------------------------
                                                    William E. Chiles
                                                        President
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Douglas E. Swanson and Edward A. Guthrie, and
each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), his or her true and
lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities, to sign on his or her behalf individually and in each
capacity stated below any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents and either of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement or Amendment has been signed by the following persons in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  SIGNATURE                               TITLE                     DATE
- ---------------------------------------------  ----------------------------   -----------------
<S>                                            <C>                            <C>
        /s/  DOUGLAS E. SWANSON                Chairman of the Board            July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------
             Douglas E. Swanson

         /s/  WILLIAM E. CHILES                Director and President           July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    (Principal Executive
              William E. Chiles                  Officer)

            /s/  JIM R.WISE                    Executive Vice President --      July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    Operations
                 Jim R. Wise

         /s/  WILLIAM THOROGOOD                Vice President -- Finance        July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    and Secretary (Principal
              William Thorogood                  Financial Officer
                                                 Principal Accounting
                                                 Officer

         /s/  EDWARD A. GUTHRIE                Director and Vice President      July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------
              Edward A. Guthrie
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>   75
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement or Amendment to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston,
the State of Texas, on July 17, 1996.
 
                                            CLIFFS DRILLING MERGER COMPANY
 
                                            By:   /s/  DOUGLAS E. SWANSON
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                     Douglas E. Swanson
                                                         President
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Douglas E. Swanson and Edward A. Guthrie, and
each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), his or her true and
lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities, to sign on his or her behalf individually and in each
capacity stated below any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents and either of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement or Amendment has been signed by the following persons in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  SIGNATURE                               TITLE                     DATE
- ---------------------------------------------  ----------------------------   -----------------
<S>                                            <C>                            <C>
        /s/  DOUGLAS E. SWANSON                Director and President           July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    (Principal Executive
             Douglas E. Swanson                  Officer)

         /s/  EDWARD A. GUTHRIE                Director and Vice President      July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    (Principal Financial
              Edward A. Guthrie                  Officer)

          /s/  CINDY B. TAYLOR                 Controller (Principal            July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    Accounting Officer)
               Cindy B. Taylor
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-7
<PAGE>   76
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement or Amendment to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston,
the State of Texas, on July 17, 1996.
 
                                            CLIFFS DRILLING INTERNATIONAL, INC.
 
                                            By:   /s/  DOUGLAS E. SWANSON 
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                     Douglas E. Swanson
                                                         President
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Douglas E. Swanson and Edward A. Guthrie, and
each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), his or her true and
lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities, to sign on his or her behalf individually and in each
capacity stated below any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents and either of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement or Amendment has been signed by the following persons in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  SIGNATURE                               TITLE                     DATE
- ---------------------------------------------  ----------------------------   -----------------
<S>                                            <C>                            <C>
        /s/  DOUGLAS E. SWANSON                Director and President           July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    (Principal Executive
             Douglas E. Swanson                  Officer)

         /s/  EDWARD A. GUTHRIE                Director and Vice President      July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    (Principal Financial
              Edward A. Guthrie                  Officer)

          /s/  CINDY B. TAYLOR                 Controller (Principal            July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    Accounting Officer)
               Cindy B. Taylor
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-8
<PAGE>   77
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement or Amendment to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston,
the State of Texas, on July 17, 1996.
 
                                            CLIFFS OIL AND GAS COMPANY
 
                                            By:   /s/  DOUGLAS E. SWANSON 
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                     Douglas E. Swanson
                                                         President
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Douglas E. Swanson and Edward A. Guthrie, and
each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), his or her true and
lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities, to sign on his or her behalf individually and in each
capacity stated below any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents and either of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement or Amendment has been signed by the following persons in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  SIGNATURE                               TITLE                     DATE
- ---------------------------------------------  ----------------------------   -----------------
<S>                                            <C>                            <C>
        /s/  DOUGLAS E. SWANSON                Director and President           July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    (Principal Executive
             Douglas E. Swanson                  Officer)

         /s/  EDWARD A. GUTHRIE                Director and Vice President      July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    (Principal Financial
              Edward A. Guthrie                  Officer)

          /s/  CINDY B. TAYLOR                 Controller (Principal            July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    Accounting Officer)
               Cindy B. Taylor
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-9
<PAGE>   78
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement or Amendment to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston,
the State of Texas, on July 17, 1996.
 
                                            DRL, INC.
 
                                            By:   /s/  DOUGLAS E. SWANSON
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                     Douglas E. Swanson
                                                         President
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Douglas E. Swanson and Edward A. Guthrie, and
each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), his or her true and
lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities, to sign on his or her behalf individually and in each
capacity stated below any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents and either of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement or Amendment has been signed by the following persons in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  SIGNATURE                               TITLE                     DATE
- ---------------------------------------------  ----------------------------   -----------------
<S>                                            <C>                            <C>
        /s/  DOUGLAS E. SWANSON                Director and President           July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    (Principal Executive
             Douglas E. Swanson                  Officer)

         /s/  EDWARD A. GUTHRIE                Director and Vice President      July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    (Principal Financial
              Edward A. Guthrie                  Officer)

          /s/  CINDY B. TAYLOR                 Controller (Principal            July 17, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    Accounting Officer)
               Cindy B. Taylor
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-10
<PAGE>   79
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    EXHIBIT NO.                                      EXHIBIT
- -------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>
         2.1         -- Reorganization and Distribution Agreement dated as of June 8, 1988
                        among Cleveland-Cliffs Inc, The Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company, Cliffs
                        Drilling Company, now Cliffs Resources, Inc., Cliffs Exploration
                        Company, now Cliffs Oil and Gas Company, Cliffs Drilling
                        International, Inc. and New Cliffs Drilling Company, now Cliffs
                        Drilling Company, the Registrant (the "Company") (incorporated by
                        reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on
                        Form S-1, No. 33-23508, filed under the Securities Act).
         2.2         -- Acquisition Agreement dated as of May 13, 1996 by and among
                        Southwestern Offshore Corporation, Viking Supply Ships A.S., Ocean
                        Master III Inc., Production Partner Inc., Trivium Investments
                        Limited, Helge Ringdal and the Company, Cliffs Drilling Asset
                        Acquisition Company and Cliffs Drilling Merger Company (incorporated
                        by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form
                        8-K filed June 6, 1996).
         4.1         -- Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (incorporated
                        by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration Statement
                        on Form S-1, No. 33-23508, filed under the Securities Act).
         4.2         -- By-Laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to
                        the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, No. 33-23508, filed
                        under the Securities Act).
         4.3         -- Indenture dated as of May 15, 1996 among the Company, as issuer,
                        Cliffs Drilling Asset Acquisition Company, Cliffs Drilling Merger
                        Company, Cliffs Drilling International, Inc. and Cliffs Oil and Gas
                        Company, as subsidiary guarantors, and Fleet National Bank, as
                        trustee, including a Form of the Company's 10.25% Senior Notes due
                        2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's
                        Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 6, 1996).
         4.3.1*      -- Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 11, 1996 among the Company,
                        as issuer, Southwestern Offshore Corporation (f/k/a Cliffs Drilling
                        Asset Acquisition Company), Cliffs Drilling Merger Company, Cliffs
                        Drilling International, Inc., Cliffs Oil and Gas Company, and DRL,
                        Inc., as subsidiary guarantors, and Fleet National Bank, as trustee.
         4.4         -- Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 23, 1996 by and among
                        the Company, Cliffs Drilling Asset Acquisition Company, Cliffs
                        Drilling Merger Company, Cliffs Drilling International, Inc., Cliffs
                        Oil and Gas Company, Jefferies & Company, Inc. and ING Baring (U.S.)
                        Securities, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the
                        Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 6, 1996).
         4.5         -- Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 23, 1996 by and among
                        the Company, Viking Supply Ships A.S. and Production Partner Inc.
                        (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Current
                        Report on Form 8-K filed June 6, 1996).
         5.1*        -- Opinion of Griggs & Harrison, P.C.
        23.1*        -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
        23.2*        -- Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
        23.3*        -- Consent of Griggs & Harrison, P.C. (included in Exhibit 5.1).
        24.1*        -- Powers of Attorney (included on the signature pages of this
                        Registration Statement).
        25.1*        -- Statement of Eligibility of Fleet National Bank.
        99.1*        -- Form of Letter of Transmittal.
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
* Filed herewith

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 4.3.1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                            CLIFFS DRILLING COMPANY,
 
                             SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS
 
                                  NAMED HEREIN
 
                                      AND
 
                              FLEET NATIONAL BANK
 
                                    TRUSTEE
 
                             ---------------------
 
                          FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
 
                           Dated as of July 11, 1996
 
                             ---------------------
 
                    Supplementing and Amending the Indenture
                                  dated as of
                                  May 15, 1996
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
 
     THIS FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE dated as of July 11, 1996 is between
CLIFFS DRILLING COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), the SUBSIDIARY
GUARANTORS (as defined herein) and FLEET NATIONAL BANK, a national banking
association (the "Trustee").
 
                            RECITALS OF THE COMPANY
 
     The Company has duly authorized the creation of an issue of 10.25% Senior
Notes due 2003, Series A (the "Series A Securities") and an issue of 10.25%
Senior Notes due 2003, Series B (the "Series B Securities" and the Series A
Securities and the Series B Securities, as amended or supplemented from time to
time in accordance with the terms of the Indenture (as defined herein), being
herein collectively called the "Securities"), of substantially the tenor and in
the aggregate principal amount set forth in the Indenture; and the Company and
the Subsidiary Guarantors have heretofore made, executed and delivered to the
Trustee its Indenture dated as of May 23, 1996 (such Indenture being sometimes
referred to herein as the "Original Indenture") pursuant to which the Securities
are issuable.
 
     The Securities are guaranteed by the Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined in
the Indenture) on the terms provided in the Indenture.
 
     It is deemed desirable to supplement and amend the Original Indenture to
(i) clarify an ambiguity in the Limitation on Restricted Payments Covenant, (ii)
reflect the name change of a Subsidiary Guarantor, and (iii) to add a Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company as a Subsidiary Guarantor (the Original Indenture, as
so supplemented and amended by this First Supplemental Indenture, being
sometimes referred to herein as the "Indenture").
 
     Article IX, Section 9.1 of the Original Indenture provides that under
certain conditions the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and Trustee, may,
without the consent of any Holders, from time to time and at any time, enter
into an indenture or indentures supplemental thereto, for the purpose, inter
alia, of curing any ambiguity therein or supplementing any provision contained
therein which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision
contained therein or making any other provisions as the Company may deem
necessary or desirable provided that no such action shall adversely affect the
interests of the Holders of Securities (subsection (e)) and adding any
Restricted Subsidiary as an additional Subsidiary Guarantor (subsection (g)).
 
     In addition, Article X, Section 10.13 of the Original Indenture provides
that certain Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company shall become Subsidiary
Guarantors by executing and delivering a supplemental indenture agreeing to be
bound by the terms of the Original Indenture.
 
     The Series A Securities were issued on May 23, 1996 under the Original
Indenture and no Series B Securities have been issued as of the date hereof.
 
     All things necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this First
Supplemental Indenture, to effect the modifications of the Original Indenture
provided for in this First Supplemental Indenture, and to make the Original
Indenture, as supplemented and amended by this First Supplemental Indenture, a
valid agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.
 
                                       -1-
<PAGE>   3
 
     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the
Securities by the Holders, the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the
Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and proportionate benefit of
the respective Holders from time to time of the Securities as follows:
 
                                   ARTICLE I
 
                     MODIFICATION OF THE ORIGINAL INDENTURE
 
     SECTION 1.1 AMENDMENT OF ARTICLE I OF THE ORIGINAL INDENTURE. Section 1.1
of the Original Indenture is amended by changing the definition of "Subsidiary
Guarantor" to read as follows:
 
          " 'Subsidiary Guarantor' means (i) Southwestern Offshore
     Corporation (f/k/a Cliffs Drilling Asset Acquisition Company), a
     Delaware corporation, (ii) Cliffs Drilling Merger Company, a Delaware
     corporation, (iii) Cliffs Drilling International, Inc., a Delaware
     corporation, (iv) Cliffs Oil and Gas Company, a Delaware corporation,
     (v) DRL, Inc., a Delaware corporation, (vi) each of the Company's
     other Restricted Subsidiaries, if any, executing a supplemental
     indenture in compliance with the provisions of Section 10.13(a) hereof
     and (vii) any Person that becomes a successor guarantor of the
     Securities in compliance with the provisions of Section 13.2 hereof."
 
     SECTION 1.2 AMENDMENT OF ARTICLE X OF THE ORIGINAL INDENTURE. Section
10.10(a)(iii) of the Original Indenture is amended by replacing the reference to
"Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness" which is not defined with a cross reference
to the definition of "Permitted Indebtedness" to read in full as follows:
 
          "(iii)make any principal payment on or repurchase, redeem,
     defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value, prior to any
     scheduled principal payment, scheduled sinking fund payment or
     maturity, any Subordinated Indebtedness, except in any case out of the
     proceeds of any Permitted Indebtedness referred to in clause (x) of
     the definition of Permitted Indebtedness in Article I, Section 1.1,
     or"
 
                                   ARTICLE II
 
                        ADDITIONAL SUBSIDIARY GUARANTOR
 
     SECTION 2.1 ADDITION OF A SUBSIDIARY GUARANTOR. DRL, Inc., a Delaware
corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, by execution of this
First Supplemental Indenture hereby agrees to be bound by the terms of the
Indenture as a Subsidiary Guarantor.
 
     SECTION 2.2 SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEE OF THE SECURITIES. Exhibit A, attached
hereto and incorporated herein by reference, sets forth the form of Subsidiary
Guarantee from the Original Indenture to which DRL, Inc. agrees to be bound by
execution and delivery of this First Supplemental Indenture.
 
                                  ARTICLE III
 
                           PARTICULAR REPRESENTATIONS
                          AND COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
 
     SECTION 3.1 AUTHORITY OF THE COMPANY. The Company is duly authorized by a
resolution of the Board of Directors to execute and deliver this First
Supplemental Indenture, and all corporate action on its part required for the
execution and delivery of this First Supplemental Indenture has been duly and
effectively taken.
 
     SECTION 3.2 AUTHORITY OF THE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS. Each of the Subsidiary
Guarantors is duly authorized by a resolution of its respective Board of
Directors to execute and deliver this First Supplemental Indenture, and all
corporate action on the part of each required for the execution and delivery of
this First Supplemental Indenture has been duly and effectively taken.
 
                                       -2-
<PAGE>   4
 
     SECTION 3.3 TRUTH OF RECITALS AND STATEMENTS. The Company warrants that the
recitals of fact and statements contained in this First Supplemental Indenture
are true and correct, and that the recitals of fact and statements contained in
all certificates and other documents furnished hereunder will be true and
correct.
 
                                   ARTICLE IV
 
                             CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
 
     SECTION 4.1 ACCEPTANCE OF TRUSTS. The Trustee accepts the trusts hereunder
and agrees to perform the same, but only upon the terms and conditions set forth
in the Original Indenture and in this First Supplemental Indenture, to all of
which the Company, subsidiary Guarantors and the respective Holders of
Securities at any time hereafter outstanding agree by their acceptance thereof.
 
     SECTION 4.2 RESPONSIBILITY OF TRUSTEE FOR RECITALS, ETC. The recitals and
statements contained in this First Supplemental Indenture shall be taken as the
recitals and statements of the Company, and the Trustee assumes no
responsibility for the correctness of the same. The Trustee makes no
representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this First Supplemental
Indenture, except that the Trustee is duly authorized to execute and deliver
this First Supplemental Indenture.
 
                                   ARTICLE V
 
                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
 
     SECTION 5.1 RELATION TO THE INDENTURE. The provisions of this First
Supplemental Indenture shall become effective immediately upon the execution and
delivery hereof. This First Supplemental Indenture and all the terms and
provisions herein contained shall form a part of the Indenture as fully and with
the same effect as if all such terms and provisions had been set forth in the
Original Indenture. The Original Indenture is hereby ratified and confirmed and
shall remain and continue in full force and effect in accordance with the terms
and provisions thereof, as supplemented and amended by this First Supplemental
Indenture, and the Original Indenture and this First Supplemental Indenture
shall be read, taken and construed together as one instrument.
 
     SECTION 5.2 MEANING OF TERMS. Any capitalized term used in this First
Supplemental Indenture and not defined herein that is defined in the Original
Indenture shall have the meaning specified in the Original Indenture, unless the
context shall otherwise require.
 
     SECTION 5.3 COUNTERPARTS OF FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE. This First
Supplemental Indenture may be executed in several counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one
instrument.
 
     SECTION 5.4 GOVERNING LAW. This First Supplemental Indenture shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
 
                                       -3-
<PAGE>   5
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have cause this First Supplemental
Indenture to be duly executed, all as of the day and year first above written.
 
Company:                                    CLIFFS DRILLING COMPANY
 
                                            By: /s/ DOUGLAS E. SWANSON
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                    Douglas E. Swanson
                                                    President
 
Subsidiary Guarantors:                      CLIFFS DRILLING MERGER COMPANY,
                                            CLIFFS DRILLING INTERNATIONAL, INC.,
                                            CLIFFS OIL AND GAS COMPANY, AND
                                              DRL, INC.
 
                                            By: /s/ DOUGLAS E. SWANSON
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                    Douglas E. Swanson
                                                    President
 
                                            SOUTHWESTERN OFFSHORE
                                              CORPORATION
                                            (f/k/a Cliffs Drilling Asset
                                            Acquisition Company),
 
                                            By: /s/ WILLIAM E. CHILES
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                    William E. Chiles
                                                    President
 
Trustee:                                    FLEET NATIONAL BANK
 
                                            By: /s/ SUSAN C. MERKER
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                    Susan C. Merker
                                                    Assistant Vice President
 
                                       -4-
<PAGE>   6
 
                                   EXHIBIT A
 
                          FORM OF SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEE
 
     Subject to the limitations set forth in the Indenture, the initial
Subsidiary Guarantors and, if any, all additional Subsidiary Guarantors (as
defined in the Indenture referred to in the Series           Security upon which
this notation is endorsed and each being hereinafter referred to as a
"Subsidiary Guarantor," which term includes any additional or successor
Subsidiary Guarantor under the Indenture) have, jointly and severally,
unconditionally guaranteed (a) the due and punctual payment of the principal
(and premium, if any) of and interest on the Securities, whether at maturity,
acceleration, redemption or otherwise, (b) the due and punctual payment of
interest on the overdue principal of and interest on the Securities, if any, to
the extent lawful, (c) the due and punctual performance of all other obligations
of the Company to the Holders or the Trustee, all in accordance with the terms
set forth in the Indenture, and (d) in case of any extension of time of payment
or renewal of any Securities or any of such other obligations, the same will be
promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the
extension or renewal, whether at Stated Maturity, by acceleration or otherwise.
 
     The obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor are limited to the maximum
amount as will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed
liabilities of such Subsidiary Guarantor and after giving effect to any
collections from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Subsidiary
Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Subsidiary Guarantor under
its Subsidiary Guarantee or pursuant to its contribution obligations under the
Indenture, result in the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor under the
Subsidiary Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent
transfer under federal or state law. Each Subsidiary Guarantor that makes a
payment or distribution under a Subsidiary Guarantee shall be entitled to a
contribution from each other Subsidiary Guarantor in a pro rata amount based on
the Adjusted Net Assets of each Subsidiary Guarantor.
 
     No stockholder, officer, director, employee, incorporator or Affiliate as
such, past, present or future, of any Subsidiary Guarantor shall have any
personal liability under its Subsidiary Guarantee by reason of his or its status
as such stockholder, officer, director, employee, incorporator or Affiliate, or
any liability for any obligations of any Subsidiary Guarantor under the
Securities or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by
reason of such obligations or their creation.
 
     Any Subsidiary Guarantor may be released from its Subsidiary Guarantee upon
the terms and subject to the conditions provided in the Indenture.
 
     All terms used in this notation of Subsidiary Guarantee which are defined
in the Indenture referred to in this Series           Security upon which this
notation of Subsidiary Guarantees is endorsed shall have the meanings assigned
to them in such Indenture.
 
     The Subsidiary Guarantees shall be binding upon the Subsidiary Guarantors
and shall inure to the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders and, in the event
of any transfer or assignment of rights by any Holder or the Trustee respecting
the Series           Security upon which the foregoing Subsidiary Guarantees are
noted, the rights and privileges herein conferred upon that party shall
automatically extend to and be vested in such transferee or assignee, all
subject to the terms and conditions hereof and in the Indenture.
 
     The Subsidiary Guarantees shall not be valid or obligatory for any purpose
until the certificate of authentication on the Series           Security upon
which the foregoing Subsidiary Guarantees are noted shall have been executed by
the Trustee under the Indenture by the manual signature of one of its authorized
signatories.

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1
 
                                 July 17, 1996
 
960224
 
Board of Directors
Cliffs Drilling Company
1200 Smith Street, Suite 300
Houston, Texas 77002
 
     Re: 10.25% Senior Notes due 2003, Series B
 
Gentlemen:
 
     Reference is made to (i) the proposed issuance under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") by Cliffs Drilling Company, a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), of up to $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount of
its 10.25% Senior Notes due 2003, Series B and the guarantee of such notes by
certain subsidiaries of the Company (the "Debt Securities") in exchange for its
outstanding 10.25% Senior Notes due 2003, Series A (the "Old Notes") and (ii)
the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement")
with respect to such Debt Securities to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Act. The Debt Securities are to be
issued in accordance with resolutions of the Company's Board of Directors duly
adopted on May 7, 1996 and under and pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture
dated as of May 15, 1996 between the Company, certain of its subsidiaries and
Fleet National Bank, as trustee (the "Trustee") (such Indenture as amended and
supplemented to date, being hereinafter called the "Indenture").
 
     We have examined the Indenture, the global note and the certificated notes
issued under the Indenture relating to the Old Notes, the First Supplemental
Indenture dated as of July 11, 1996, and such statutes, corporate records and
documents, certificates of corporate and public officials and such other
instruments and documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for the
purposes of the opinions expressed herein.
 
     Based upon the foregoing and subject to the qualifications, limitations,
assumptions and other statements set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:
 
          (1) the Company is a validly existing corporation under the laws of
     the State of Delaware; and
 
          (2) the Debt Securities when issued in exchange for the Old Notes will
     be validly issued and will constitute valid and binding obligations of the
     Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms
     (subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent
     conveyance, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors' rights
     generally from time to time in effect and subject to general principles of
     equity, regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a
     proceeding in equity or at law).
 
     The opinion expressed in paragraph (2) assumes that with respect to Debt
Securities issued under the Indenture (i) the Trustee is qualified to act as
Trustee under the Indenture (ii) the Trustee has duly executed and delivered the
Indenture, (iii) the Indenture has been duly authorized and validly executed and
delivered by the Company to the Trustee, (iv) the Indenture has been duly
qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and (v) such Debt
Securities have been duly executed, authenticated, issued and delivered in
accordance with the provisions of the Indenture upon exchange for the Old Notes
as provided for therein.
 
     Except as otherwise stated below, the opinions expressed herein are based
upon, and limited to, the laws of the State of Texas and the United States and
the Delaware General Corporation Law, and to case decisions reported as of this
date under such laws, and to facts known to us on this date, and we do not
undertake to provide any opinion as to any matter or to advise any person with
respect to any events or changes occurring
<PAGE>   2
 
Board of Directors
Cliffs Drilling Company
July 17, 1996
Page 2
 
subsequent to the date of this letter. We note that the Debt Securities each
provide that they will be governed by the laws of the State of New York. For
purposes of this opinion, we have assumed that the laws of the State of New York
are identical to the laws of the State of Texas. Accordingly, the opinions
expressed herein are given as if the laws of the State of Texas govern such
agreements without regard to provisions otherwise.
 
     The opinions expressed in this letter are provided as legal opinions only
and not as any guaranties or warranties of the matters discussed herein, and
such opinions are strictly limited to the matters stated herein, and no other
opinions may be implied. This opinion letter is intended solely for your
benefit. Without our prior written consent, the opinions expressed herein may
not be published or relied upon by you other than in connection with the
Registration Statement or the transactions contemplated therein, or published or
relied upon by any other person in connection with any matter or in any manner
whatsoever.
 
     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to this firm under the heading
"Experts" in the Prospectus constituting part of the Registration Statement.
 
                                            Very truly yours,
 
                                            /s/ GRIGGS & HARRISON, P.C.
 

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-4) and related Prospectus of Cliffs Drilling
Company for the registration of the Company's $150 million Senior Notes due
2003, Series B and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated
February 22, 1996, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and
schedule of Cliffs Drilling Company included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K)
for the year ended December 31, 1995, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
 
                                            /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Houston, Texas
July 16, 1996

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference in this registration statement of our report dated February 16,
1996 included in Southwestern Offshore Corporation's Consolidated Financial
Statements for the year ended December 31, 1995 and to all references to our
Firm included in this registration statement.
 
/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Houston, Texas
July 15, 1996

<PAGE>   1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 25.1

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                   ----------

                                    FORM T-1

                                   ----------


              STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATION UNDER THE
                  TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A CORPORATION
                          DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

                                   ----------

                    / / CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE
             ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(B)(2)


                            FLEET NATIONAL BANK
          ---------------------------------------------------------
              (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)


<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
       Not applicable                               04-317415
- -------------------------------             -----------------------------
   (State of incorporation                       (I.R.S. Employer
    if not a national bank)                     Identification No.)



 One Monarch Place, Springfield, MA                    01102
- ----------------------------------------    -----------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)             (Zip Code)
</TABLE>



    Pat Beaudry, 777 Main Street, Hartford, CT  06115 (860) 986-2065
     --------------------------------------------------------------
       (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)




                        CLIFFS DRILLING COMPANY
             ---------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)



<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>

         Delaware                                   76-0248934
- -------------------------------             -----------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                    (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                   Identification No.)



1200 Smith Street, Suite 300
Houston, Texas                                         77002
- ----------------------------------------    -----------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)             (Zip Code)
</TABLE>


                         10.25% Senior Notes Due 2003
       ------------------------------------------------------------------
                     (Title of the indenture securities)




<PAGE>   2

Item 1.         General Information.

Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

          (a)   Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to
                which it is subject,

                        The Comptroller of the Currency,
                        Washington, D.C.

                        Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
                        Boston, Massachusetts

                        Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
                        Washington, D.C.

          (b)   Whether it is authorized to exercise
                corporate trust powers:

                        The trustee is so authorized.

Item 2.         Affiliations with obligor and underwriter.  If the obligor or
                any underwriter for the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee,
                describe each such affiliation.

                None with respect to the trustee.



Item 16.        List of exhibits.

                List below all exhibits filed as a part of this statement of
                eligibility and qualification.

                (1)  A copy of the Articles of Association of the trustee as
                     now in effect.

                (2)  A copy of the Certificate of Authority of the trustee
                     to do business.

                (3)  A copy of the Certification of Fiduciary Powers of the
                     trustee.

                (4)  A copy of the By-Laws of the trustee as now in effect.

                (5)  Consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b)
                     of the Act.

                (6)  A copy of the latest Consolidated Reports of Condition
                     and Income of the trustee published pursuant to law or
                     the requirements of its supervising or examining authority.




                                    NOTES


In as much as this Form T-1 is filed prior to the ascertainment by the trustee
of all facts on which to base answers to Item 2, the answers to said Items are
based upon imcomplete information.  Said Items may, however, be considered
correct unless amended by an amendment to this Form T-1.




<PAGE>   3


                                   SIGNATURE



               Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939,
the trustee, Fleet National Bank, a national banking association organized and
existing under the laws of the United States, has duly caused this statement of
of eligibility and qualification to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Hartford, and State of
Connecticut, on the 15th day of July, 1996.

                                        FLEET NATIONAL BANK,
                                        AS TRUSTEE




                                   By:  /s/ SUSAN C. MERKER
                                        ----------------------------
                                        Susan C. Merker
                                        Its: Assistant Vice President






<PAGE>   4









                                   EXHIBIT 1


                            ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
                                     OF
                              FLEET NATIONAL BANK


FIRST.  The title of this Association, which shall carry on the business of
banking under the laws of the United States, shall be "Fleet National Bank."

SECOND.  The main office of the Association shall be in Springfield, Hampden
County Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  The general business of the Association
shall be conducted at its main office and its branches.

THIRD.  The board of directors of this Association shall consist of not less
than five (5) nor more than twenty-five (25) shareholders, the exact number of
directors within such minimum and maximum limits to be fixed and determined
from time to time by resolution of a majority of the full board of directors or
by resolution of the shareholders at any annual or special meeting thereof.
Unless otherwise provided by the laws of the United States, any vacancy in the
board of directors for any reason, including an increase in the number thereof,
may be filled by action of the board of directors.

FOURTH.  The annual meeting of the shareholders for the election of directors
and the transaction of whatever other business may be brought before said
meeting shall be held at the main office or such other place as the board of
directors may designate, on the day of each year specified therefore in the
bylaws, but if no election is held on that day, it may be held on any
subsequent day according to the provisions of law; and all elections shall be
held according to such lawful regulations as may be prescribed by the board of
directors.

FIFTH.  The authorized amount of capital stock of this Association shall be
eight million five hundred thousand (8,500,000) shares of which three million
five hundred thousand (3,500,000) shares shall be common stock with a
par value of six and 25/100 dollars ($6.25) each, and of which five million
(5,000,000) shares without par value shall be preferred stock.  The capital
stock may be increased or decreased from time to time, in accordance with
the provisions of the laws of the United States.

No holder of shares of the capital stock of any class of the Association shall
have any pre-emptive or preferential right of subscription to any shares of any
class of stock of the Association, whether now or hereafter authorized, or to
any obligations convertible into stock of the Association, issued or sold, nor
any right of subscription to any thereof other than such, if any, as the board
of directors, in its discretion, may from time to time determine and at such
price as the board of directors may from time to time fix.


<PAGE>   5

SIXTH.  The board of directors shall appoint one of its members president of
this Association, who shall be chairman of the board, unless the board appoints
another director to be the chairman.  The board of directors shall have the
power to appoint one or more vice presidents; and to appoint a secretary and
such other officers and employees as may be required to transact the business
of this Association.

The board of directors shall have the power to define the duties of the
officers and employees of the Association; to fix the salaries to be paid to
them; to dismiss them; to require bonds from them and to fix the penalty
thereof; to regulate the manner in which any increase of the capital of the
Association shall be made; to manage and administer the business and affairs of
the Association; to make all bylaws that it may be lawful for them to make; and
generally to do and perform all acts that it may be legal for a board of
directors to do and perform.

SEVENTH.  The board of directors shall have the power to change the location of
the main office to any other place within the limits of the City of Hartford,
Connecticut, without the approval of the shareholders but subject to the
approval of the Comptroller of the Currency; and shall have the power to
establish or change the location of any branch or branches of the Association
to any other location, without the approval of the shareholders but subject to
the approval of the Comptroller of the Currency.

EIGHTH.  The corporate existence of this Association shall continue until
terminated in accordance with the laws of the United States.

NINTH.  The board of directors of this Association, or any three or more
shareholders owning, in the aggregate, not less than ten percent (10%) of the
stock of this Association, may call a special meeting of shareholders at any
time.  Unless otherwise provided by the laws of the United States, a notice of
the time, place and purpose of every annual and special meeting of the
shareholders shall be given by first class mail, postage prepaid, mailed at
least ten (10) days prior to the date of such meeting to each shareholder of
record at his address as shown upon the books of this Association.

TENTH. (a)  Right to Indemnification.  Each person who was or is made a party
or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed
action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or
investigative (hereinafter a "proceeding"), by reason of the fact that he or
she is or was a director, officer or employee of the Association or is or was
serving at the request of the Association as a director, officer, employee or
agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, limited
liability company, trust, or other enterprise, including service with respect
to an employee benefit plan, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the
Association to the fullest extent authorized by the law of the state in which
the Association's ultimate parent company is incorporated, except as provided
in subsection (b).  The aforesaid indemnity shall protect the indemnified
person against all expense, liability and loss (including attorney's fees,
judgements, fines ERISA excise taxes or penalties, and amounts paid in
settlement) reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such a
proceeding.  Such indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased
to be a director, officer or employee and shall inure to the benefit of his or
her heirs, executors, and administrators, but shall only cover such person's
period of service with the Association.  The Association may, by action of its
Board of Directors, grant rights to indemnification to agents of the
Association and to any director, officer, employee or agent of any of its
subsidiaries with the same scope and effect as the foregoing indemnification
of directors and officers.

(b)   Restrictions on Indemnification.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) no
person shall be indemnified hereunder by the Association against expenses,
penalties, or other payments incurred in an administrative proceeding or action
instituted by a federal bank regulatory agency which proceeding or action
results in a final order assessing civil money penalties against that person,
requiring affirmative action by that person in the form of payments to the
Association, or removing or prohibiting that person from service with the
Association, and any advancement of expenses to that person in that proceeding
must be repaid; and (ii) no person shall be indemnified hereunder by the
Association and no advancement of expenses shall be made to any person
hereunder to the extent such indemnification or advancement of expenses would
violate or conflict with any applicable federal statute now or hereafter in
force or any applicable final regulation or interpretation now or hereafter
adopted by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC") or the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC").  The Association shall comply with any
requirements imposed on it by any such statue or regulation in connection with
any indemnification or advancement of expenses hereunder by the Association.
With respect to proceedings to enforce a claimant's rights to indemnification,
the Association shall indemnify any such claimant in connection with such a
proceeding only as provided in subsection (d) hereof.

(c)   Advancement of Expenses.  The conditional right to indemnification
conferred in this section shall be a contract right and shall include the
right to be paid by the Association the reasonable expenses (including
attorney's fees) incurred in defending a proceeding in advance of its final
disposition (an "advancement of expenses"); provided, however, that an
advancement of expenses shall be made only upon (i) delivery to the Association
of a binding written undertaking by or on behalf of the person receiving the
advancement to repay all amounts so advanced if it is ultimately determined
that such person is not entitled to be indemnified in such proceeding,
including if such proceeding results in a final order assessing civil money
penalties against that person, requiring affirmative action by that person
in the form of payments to the Association, or removing or prohibiting that
person from service with the Association, and (ii) compliance with any other
actions or determinations required by applicable law, regulation or OCC or FDIC
interpretation to be taken or made by the Board of Directors of the Association
or other persons prior to an advancement of expenses.  The Association shall
cease advancing expenses at any time its Board of Directors believes that any
of the prerequisites for advancement of expenses are no longer being met.

(d)   Right of Claimant to Bring Suit.  If a claim under subsection (a) of the
section is not paid in full by the Association within thirty (30) days after
written claim has been received by the Association, the claimant may at any time
thereafter bring suit against the Association to recover the unpaid amount
of the claim.  If successful in whole or in part in any such suit, or in a
suit brought by the Association to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant
to the terms of an undertaking, the claimant shall be entitled to be paid also
the expense of prosecuting or defending such claim.  It shall be a defense to
any such action brought by the claimant to enforce a right to indemnification
hereunder (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for an advancement
of expenses where the required undertaking, if any, has been tendered to the
Association) that the claimant has not met any applicable standard for
indemnification under the law of the state in which the Association's ultimate
parent company is incorporated.  In any suit brought by the Association to
recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the
Association shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final
adjudication that the claimant has not met any applicable standard for
indemnification standard for indemnification under the law of the state in
which the Association's ultimate parent company is incorporated.

(e)   Non-Exclusivity of Rights.  The rights to indemnification and the
advancement of expenses conferred in this section shall not be exclusive of any
other right which any person may have or hereafter acquired under any statute,
agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

(f)   Insurance.  The Association may purchase, maintain, and make payment or
reimbursement for reasonable premiums on, insurance to protect itself and any
director, officer, employee or agent of the Association or another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense,
liability or loss, whether or not the Association would have the power to
indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the law of
the state in which the Association's ultimate parent company is incorporated;
provided however, that such insurance shall explicitly exclude insurance
coverage for a final order of a federal bank regulatory agency assessing civil
money penalties against an Association director, officer, employee or agent.

ELEVENTH.  These articles of association may be amended at any regular or
special meeting of the shareholders by the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the stock of this Association, unless the vote of the holders of
greater amount of stock is required by law, and in that case by the vote of the
holders of such greater amount.  The notice of any shareholders' meeting at
which an amendment to the articles of association of this Association is to be
considered shall be given as hereinabove set forth.

I hereby certify that the articles of association of this Association, in their
entirety, are listed above in items first through eleventh.


                                                   Secretary/Assistant Secretary
- --------------------------------------------------



Dated at                                         ,  as of                      .
         ---------------------------------------           --------------------




Revision of February 15, 1996





<PAGE>   6


                                   EXHIBIT 2

[LOGO]

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY
ADMINISTRATOR OF NATIONAL BANKS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Washington, D.C. 20219



                                  CERTIFICATE


I, Eugene A. Ludwig, Comptroller of the Currency, do hereby certify
that:

(1)       The Comptroller of the Currency, pursuant to Revised Statutes
324, et seq., as amended, 12 U.S.C. 1, et seq., as amended, has possession,
custody and control of all records pertaining to the chartering, regulation and
supervision of all National Banking Associations.

(2)       "Fleet National Bank of Connecticut", Hartford, Connecticut,
(Charter No. 1338), is a National Banking Association formed under the
laws of the United States and is authorized thereunder to transact the
business of banking on the date of this Certificate.

                                       IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto
                                       subscribed my name and caused my seal of
                                       office to be affixed to these presents at
                                       the Treasury Department, in the City of
                                       Washington and District of Columbia, this
                                       4th day of April, 1996.


                                       /s/ EUGENE A. LUDWIG
                                       ----------------------------------
                                       Comptroller of the Currency



<PAGE>   7
                                  EXHIBIT 2


[LOGO]

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY
ADMINISTRATOR OF NATIONAL BANKS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Washington, D.C. 20219



                       Certification of Fiduciary Powers

I, Eugene A. Ludwig, Comptroller of the Currency, do hereby certify
the records in this Office evidence "Fleet National Bank of Connecticut",
Hartford, Connecticut, (Charter No. 1338), was granted, under the hand
and seal of the Comptroller, the right to act in all fiduciary capacities
authorized under the provisions of The Act of Congress approved
September 28, 1962, 76 Stat. 668, 12 U.S.C. 92a.  I further certify the
authority so granted remains in full force and effect.


                                       IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto
                                       subscribed my name and caused my seal of
                                       Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
                                       to be affixed to these presents at the
                                       Treasury Department, in the City of
                                       Washington and District of Columbia, this
                                       4th day of April, 1996.


                                       /s/ EUGENE A. LUDWIG
                                       ----------------------------------
                                       Comptroller of the Currency



<PAGE>   8

                                   EXHIBIT 4


                        AMENDED AND RESTATED BY-LAWS OF

                              FLEET NATIONAL BANK

                                   ARTICLE I

                            MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS


Section 1. Annual Meeting.  The regular annual meeting of the shareholders for
the election of Directors and the transaction of any other business that may
properly come before the meeting shall be held at the Main Office of the
Association, or such other place as the Board of Directors may designate, on
the fourth Thursday of April in each year at 1:15 o'clock in the afternoon
unless some other hour of such day is fixed by the Board of Directors.

If, from any cause, an election of Directors is not made on such day, the Board
of Directors shall order the election to be held on some subsequent day, of
which special notice shall be given in accordance with the provisions of law,
and of these bylaws.

Section 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the shareholders may be called
at any time by the Board of Directors, the President, or any shareholders
owning not less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the stock of the Association.

Section 3. Notice of Meetings of Shareholders.  Except as otherwise provided
by law, notice of the time and place of annual or special meetings of the
shareholders shall be mailed, postage prepaid, at least ten (10) days before
the date of the meeting to each shareholder of record entitled to vote thereat
at his address as shown upon the books of the Association; but any failure to
mail such notice to any shareholder or any irregularity therein, shall not
affect the validity of such meeting or of any of the proceedings thereat.
Notice of a special meeting shall also state the purpose of the meeting.

Section 4. Quorum; Adjourned Meetings.  Unless otherwise provided by law, a
quorum for the transaction of business at every meeting of the shareholders
shall consist of not less than two-fifths (2/5) of the outstanding capital
stock represented in person or by proxy; less than such quorum may adjourn the
meeting to a future time.  No notice need be given of an adjourned annual or
special meeting of the shareholders if the adjournment be to a definite place
and time.

Section 5. Votes and Proxies.  At every meeting of the shareholders, each
share of the capital stock shall be entitled to one vote except as otherwise
provided by law.  A majority of the votes cast shall decide every question
or matter submitted to the shareholder at any meeting, unless otherwise
provided by law or by the Articles of Association or these By-laws.  Share-
holders may vote by proxies duly authorized in writing and filed with the
Cashier, but no officer, clerk, teller or bookeeper of the Association may act
as a proxy.



<PAGE>   9

Section 6. Nominations to Board of Directors.  At any meeting of shareholders
held for the election of Directors, nominations for election to the Board of
Directors may be made, subject to the provisions of this section, by any share-
holder of record of any outstanding class of stock of the Association entitled
to vote for the election of Directors.  No person other than those whose names
are stated as proposed nominees in the proxy statement accompanying the notice
of the meeting may be nominated as such meeting unless a shareholder shall have
given to the President of the Association and to the Comptroller of the
Currency, Washington, DC written notice of intention to nominate such other
person mailed by certified mail or delivered not less than fourteen (14) days
nor more than fifty (50) days prior to the meeting of shareholders at which
such nomination is to be made; provided, however, that if less than twenty-one
(21) days' notice of such meeting is given to shareholders, such notice of
intention to nominate shall be mailed by certified mail or delivered to said
President and said Comptroller on or before the seventh day following the day
on which the notice of such meeting was mailed.  Such notice of intention to
nominate shall contain the following information to the extent known to the
notifying shareholder: (a) the name and address of each proposed nominee; (b)
the principal occupation of each proposed nominee; (c) the total number of
shares of capital stock of the Association that will be voted for each proposed
nominee; (d) the name and residence address of the notifying shareholder; and
(e) the number of shares of capital stock of the Association owned by the
notifying shareholder. In the event such notice is given, the proposed nominee
may be nominated either by the shareholder giving such notice or by any other
shareholder present at the meeting at which such nomination is to be made.
Such notice may contain the names of more than one proposed nominee, and if
more than one is named, any one or more of those named may be nominated.

Section 7. Action Taken Without a Shareholder Meeting.  Any action requiring
shareholder approval or consent may be taken without a meeting and without
notice of such meeting by written consent of the shareholders.


                                   ARTICLE II

                                   DIRECTORS



Section 1. Number.  The Board of Directors shall consist of such number of
shareholders, not less than five (5) nor more than twenty-five (25), as from
time to time shall be determined by a majority of the votes to which all of its
shareholders are at the time entitled, or by the Board of Directors as
hereinafter provided.

Section 2. Mandatory Retirement for Directors.  No person shall be elected a
director who has attained the age of 68 and no person shall continue to serve
as a director after the date of the first meeting of the stockholders of the
Association held on or after the date on which such person attains the age of
68; provided, however, that any director serving on the Board as of December
15, 1995 who has attanined the age of 65 on or prior to such date shall be
permitted to continue to serve as a director until the date of the first
meeting of the stockholders of the Association held on or after the date on
which such person attains the age of 70.

                                 -2-

<PAGE>   10

Section 3. General Powers.  The Board of Directors shall exercise all the
coporate powers of the Association, except as expressly limited by law, and
shall have the control, management, direction and dispositon of all its
property and affairs.

Section 4. Annual Meeting.  Immediately following a meeting of shareholders
held for the election of Directors, the Cashier shall notify the directors-
elect who may be present of their election and they shall then hold a meeting
at the Main Office of the Association, or such other place as the Board of
Directors may designate, for the purpose of taking their oaths, organizing the
new Board, electing officers and transacting any other business that may come
before such meeting.

Section 5. Regular Meeting.  Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall
be held without notice at the Main Office of the Association, or such other
place as the Board of Directors may designate, at such dates and times as the
Board shall determine.  If the day designated for a regular meeting falls on a
legal holiday, the meeting shall be held on the next business day.

Section 6. Special Meetings.  A special meeting of the Board of Directors may
be called at anytime upon the written request of the Chairman of the Board, the
President, or of two Directors, stating the purpose of the meeting.  Notice of
the time and place shall be given not later than the day before the date of the
meeting, by mailing a notice to each Director at his last known address, by
delivering such notice to him personally, or by telephoning.

Section 7. Quorum; Votes.  A majority of the Board of Directors at the time
holding office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business,
except when otherwise provided by law, but less than a quorum may adjourn
a meeting from time to time, and the meeting may be held, as adjourned, without
further notice.  If a quorum is present when a vote is taken, the affirmative
vote of a majority of Directors present is the act of the Board of Directors.

Section 8. Action by Directors Without a Meeting.  Any action requiring
Director approval or consent may be taken without a meeting and without notice
of such meeting by written consent of all the Directors.

Section 9. Telephonic Participation in Directors' Meetings.  A Director or
member of a Committee of the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of
the Board or of such Committee may participate in a meeting of the Board or of
such Committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications
equipment enabling all Directors participating in the meeting to hear one
another, and participation in such a meeting shall constitute presence in person
at such a meeting.

Section 10. Vacancies.  Vacancies in the Board of Directors may be filled by
the remaining members of the Board at any regular or special meeting of the
Board.

Section 11. Interim Appointments.  The Board of Directors shall, if the share-
holders at any meeting for the election of Directors have determined a number
of Directors less than twenty-five (25), have the power, by affirmative vote of
the majority of all the Directors, to increase such number of Directors to not
more than twenty-five (25) and to elect Directors to fill the resulting
vacancies and to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders or the
next election of Directors; provided, however, that the number of Directors
shall not be so increased by more than two (2) if the number last determined
by shareholders was fifteen (15) or less, or increased by more than four (4) if
the number last determined by shareholders was sixteen (16) or more.

Section 12. Fees.  The Board of Directors shall fix the amount and direct the
payment of fees which shall be paid to each Director for attendance at any
meeting of the Board of Directors or of any Committees of the Board.



                                  ARTICLE III

                            COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD

Section 1. Executive Committee.  The Board of Directors shall appoint from its
members an Executive Committee which shall consist of such number of persons as
the Board of Directors shall determine; the Chairman of the Board and the
President shall be members ex-officio of the Executive Committee with full
voting power.  The Chairman of the Board or the President may from time to time
appoint from the Board of Directors as temporary additional members of the
Executive Committee, with full voting powers, not more than two members to serve
for such periods as the Chairman of the Board or the President may determine.
The Board of Directors shall designate a member of the Executive Committee to
serve as Chairman thereof.  A meeting of the Executive Committee may be called
at any time upon the written request of the Chairman of the Board, the President
or the Chairman of the Executive Committee, stating the purpose of the meeting.
Not less than twenty four hours' notice of said meeting shall be given to each
member of the Committee personally, by telephoning, or by mail.  The Chairman of
the Executive Committee or, in his absence, a member of the Committee chosen by
a majority of the members present shall preside at meetings of the Executive
Committee.


                                      -3-

<PAGE>   11
The Executive Committee shall possess and may exercise all the powers of the
Board when the Board is not in session except such as the Board, only, by law,
is authorized to exercise; it shall keep minutes of its acts and proceedings
and cause same to be presented and reported at every regular meeting and at any
special meeting of the Board including specifically, all its actions relating
to loans and discounts.

All acts done and powers and authority conferred by the Executive Committee,
from time to time, within the scope of its authority, shall be deemed to be,
and may be certified as being, the acts of and under the authority of the
Board.

Section 2. Risk Management Committee.  The Board shall appoint from its
members a Risk Management Committee which shall consist of such number as the
Board shall determine.  The Board shall designate a member of the Risk
Management Committee to serve as Chairman thereof.  It shall be the duty of the
Risk Management Committee to (a) serve as the channel of communication with
management and the Board of Directors of Fleet Financial Group, Inc. to assure
that formal processes supported by management information systems are in place
for the identification, evaluation and management of significant risks inherent
in or associated with lending activities, the loan portfolio, asset-liablity
management, the investment portfolio, trust and investment advisory activities,
the sale of nondeposit investment products and new products and services and
such additional activities or functions as the Board may determine from time
to time; (b) assure the formulation and adoption of policies approved by the
Risk Management Committee or Board governing lending activities, management of
the loan portfolio, the maintenance of an adequate allowance for loan and lease
losses, asset-liability management, the investment portfolio, the retail
sale of non-deposit investment products, new products and services and such
additional activities or functions as the Board may determine from time to time
(c) assure that a comprehensive independent loan review program is in place for
the early detection of problem loans and review significant reports of the loan
review department, management's responses to those reports and the risk
attributed to unresolved issues; (d) subject to control of the Board, exercise
general supervision over trust activities, the investment of trust funds, the
disposition of trust investments and the acceptance of new trusts and the terms
of such acceptance, and (e) perform such additional duties and exercise such
additional powers of the Board as the Board may determine from time to time.

Section 3.  Audit Committee.  The Board shall appoint from its memebers and
Audit Committee which shall consist of such number as the Board shall determine
no one of whom shall be an active officer or employee of the Association or
Fleet Financial Group, Inc. or any of its affiliates.  In addition, members of
the Audit Committee must not (i) have served as an officer or employee of the
Association or any of its affiliates at any time during the year prior to their
appointment; or (ii) own, control, or have owned or controlled at any time
during the year prior to appointment, ten percent (10%) or more of any
outstanding class of voting securities of the Association.  At least two (2)
members of the Audit Committee must have significant executive, professional,
educational or regulatory experience in financial, auditing, accounting,
or banking matters.  No member of the Audit Commitee may have significant
direct or indirect credit or other relationships with the Association, the
termination of which would materially adversely affect the Association's
financial condition or results of operations.

The Board shall designate a member of the Audit Committee to serve as Chairman
thereof.  It shall be the duty of the Audit Committee to (a) cause a continuous
audit and examination to be made on its behalf into the affairs of the
Association and to review the results of such examination; (b) review
significant reports of the internal auditing department, management's responses
to those reports and the risk attributed to unresolved issues; (c) review the
basis for the reports issued under Section 112 of The Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation Improvement Act of 1991; (d) consider, in consultation with the
independent auditor and an internal auditing executive, the adequacy of the
Association's internal controls, including the resolution of identified material
weakness and reportable conditions; (e) review regulatory communications
received from any federal or state agency with supervisory jurisdiction or
other examining authority and monitor any needed corrective action by
management; (f) ensure that a formal system of internal controls is in place
for maintaining compliance with laws and regulations; (g) cause an audit of the
Trust Department at least once during each calendar year and within 15 months
of the last such audit or, in liew thereof, adopt a continuous audit system and
report to the Board each calendar year and within 15 months of the previous
report on the performance of such audit function; and (h) perform such
additional duties and exercise such additional powers of the Board as the Board
may determine from time to time.

The Audit Committee may consult with internal counsel and retain its own
outside counsel without approval (prior or otherwise) from the Board or
management and obligate the Association to pay the fees of such counsel.





                                      -4-


<PAGE>   12

Section 4. Community Affairs Committee.  The Board shall appoint from its
members a Community Affairs Committee which shall consist of such number as the
Board shall determine.  The Board shall designate a member of the Community
Affairs Committee to serve as Chairman thereof.  It shall be the duty of the
Commmunity Affairs Committee to (a) oversee compliance by the Association with
the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, as amended, and the regulations
promulgated thereunder; and (b) perform such additional duties and exercise such
additional powers of the Board as the Board may determine from time to time.

Section 5. Regular Meetings.  Except for the Executive Committee which shall
meet on an ad hoc basis as set forth in Section 1 of this Article, regular
meetings of the Committees of the Board of Directors shall be held, without
notice, at such time and place as the Committee or the Board of Directors may
appoint and as often as the business of the Association may require.

Section 6. Special Meetings.  A Special Meeting of any of the Committees of
the Board of Directors may be called upon the written request of the Chairman
of the Board or the President, or of any two members of the respective
Committee, stating the purpose of the meeting.  Not less than twenty-four
hours' notice of such special meeting shall be given to each member of the
Committee personally, by telephoning, or by mail.

Section 7. Emergency Meetings.  An Emergency Meeting of any of the Committees
of the Board of Directors may be called at the request of the Chairman of the
Board or the President, who shall state that an emergency exists, upon not
less than one hour's notice to each member of the Committee personally or by
telephoning.

Section 8. Action Taken Without a Committee Meeting.  Any Committee of the
Board of Directors may take action without a meeting and without notice of such
meeting by resolution assented to in writing by all members of such Committee.

Section 9. Quorum.  A majority of a Committee of the Board of Directors shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business at any meeting of such
Committee.  If a quorum is not available, the Chairman of the Board or the
President shall have power to make temporary appointments to a Committee of-
members of the Board of Directors, to act in the place and stead of members who
temporarily cannot attend any such meeting; provided, however, that any
temporary appointment to the Audit Committee must meet the requirements for
members of that Committee set forth in Section 3 of this Article.

Section 10. Record.  The committes of the Board of Directors shall keep a
record of their respective meetings and proceedings which shall be presented
at the regular meeting of the Board of Directors held in the calendar month
next following the meetings of the Committees.  If there is no regular Board
of Directors meeting held in the calendar month next following the meeting of
a Committee, then such Committee's records shall be presented at the next
regular Board of Directors meeting held in a month subsequent to such Committee
meeting.

Section 11. Changes and Vacancies.  The Board of Directors shall have power
to change the members of any Committee at any time and to fill vacancies on any
Committee; provided, however, that any newly appointed member of the Audit
Committee must meet the requirements for members of that Committee set forth in
Section 3 of this Article.

Section 12. Other Committees.  The Board of Directors may appoint, from time
to time, other committees of one or more persons, for such purposes and with
such powers as the Board may determine.



                                   ARTICLE IV

                          WAIVER OF NOTICE  OF MEETINGS

Section 1. Waiver.  Whenever notice is required to be given to any shareholder,
Director, or member of a Committee of the Board of Directors, such notice may
be waived in writing either before or after such meeting by any shareholder,
Director or Committee member respectively, as the case may be, who may be
entitled to such notice; and such notice will be deemed to be waived by
attendance at any such meeting.






                                      -5-


<PAGE>   13




                                 ARTICLE V

                             OFFICERS AND AGENTS

Section 1. Officers.  The Board shall appoint a Chairman of the Board and a
President, and shall have the power to appoint one or more Executive Vice
Presidents, one or more Senior Vice Presidents, one or more Vice Presidents, a
Cashier, a Secretary, an Auditor, a Controller, one or more Trust Officers and-
such other officers as are deemed necessary or desirable for the proper
transaction of business of the Association.  The Chairman of the Board and the
President shall be appointed from members of the Board of Directors.  Any two
or more offices, except those of President and Cashier, or Secretary, may be
held by the same person.  The Board may, from time to time, by resolution
passed by a majority of the entire Board, designate one or more officers of the
Association or of an affiliate or of Fleet Financial Group, Inc. with power to
appoint one or more Vice Presidents and such other officers of the Association
below the level of Vice President as the officer or officers designated in such
resolution deem necessary or desirable for the proper transaction of the
business of the Association.

Section 2. Chairman of the Board.  The chairman of the Board shall preside at
all meetings of the Board of Directors.  Subject to definition by the Board of
Directors, he shall have general executive powers and such specific powers and
duties as from time to time may be conferred upon or assigned to him by the
Board of Directors.

Section 3. President.  The President shall preside at all meetings of the
Board of Directors if there be no Chairman or if the Chairman be absent.
Subject to definition by the Board of Directors, he shall have general
executive powers and such specific powers and duties as from time to time may
be conferred upon or assigned to him by the Board of Directors.

                                      -6-


<PAGE>   14

Section 4. Cashier and Secretary.  The Cashier shall be the Secretary of the
Board and of the Executive Committee, and shall keep accurate minutes of their
meetings and of all meetings of the shareholders.  He shall attend to the
giving of all notices required by these By-laws.  He shall be custodian of the
corporate seal, records, documents and papers of the Association.  He shall
have such powers and perform such duties as pertain by law or regulation to the
office of Cashier, or as are imposed by these By-laws, or as may be delegated
to him from time to time by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board
or the President.

Section 5. Auditor.  The Auditor shall be the chief auditing officer of the
Association.  He shall continuously examine the affairs of the Association and
from time to time shall report to the Board of Directors.  He shall have such
powers and perform such duties as are conferred upon, or assigned to him by
these By-laws, or as may be delegated to him from time to time by the Board
of Directors.

Section 6. Officers Seriatim.  The Board of Directors shall designate from
time to time not less than two officers who shall in the absence or disability
of the Chairman or President or both, succeed seriatim to the duties and
responsibilities of the Chairman and President respectively.

Section 7. Clerks and Agents.  The Board of Directors may appoint, from time
to time, such clerks, agents and employees as it may deem advisable for the
prompt and orderly transaction of the business of the Association, define
their duties, fix the salaries to be paid them and dismiss them.  Subject to
the authority of the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the
President, or any other officer of the Association authorized by either of them
may appoint and dismiss all or any clerks, agents and employees and prescribe
their duties and the conditions of their employment, and from time to time
fix their compensation.

Section 8. Tenure.  The Chairman of the Board of Directors and the President
shall, except in the case of death, resignation, retirement or disqualification
under these By-laws, or unless removed by the affirmative vote of at least two-
thirds of all of the members of the Board of Directors, hold office for the
term of one year or until their respective successors are appointed.  Either
of such officers appointed to fill a vacancy occurring in an unexpired term
shall serve for such unexpired term of such vacancy.  All other officers,
clerks, agents, attorneys-in-fact and employees of the Association shall hold
office during the pleasure of the Board of Directors or of the officer or
committee appointing them respectively.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                                TRUST DEPARTMENT

Section 1. General Powers and Duties.  All fiduciary powers of the Association
shall be exercised through the Trust Department, subject to such regulations as
the Comptroller of the Currency shall from time to time establish.  The Trust
Department shall be to placed under the management and immediate supervision
of an officer or officers appointed by the Board of Directors.  The duties of
all officers of the Trust Department shall be to cause the policies and
instructions of the Board and the Risk Management Committee with respect to the
trusts under their supervision to be carried out, and to supervise the due
performance of the trusts and agencies entrusted to the Association and under
their supervision, in accordance with law and in accordance with the terms of
such trusts and agencies.




                                      -7-


<PAGE>   15


                                  ARTICLE VII

                                 BRANCH OFFICES

Section 1. Establishment.  The Board of Directors shall have full power to
establish, to discontinue, or, from time to time, to change the location of any
branch office, subject to such limitations as may be provided by law.

Section 2. Supervision and Control.  Subject to the general supervision and
control of the Board of Directors, the affairs of branch offices shall be
under the immediate supervision and control of the President or of such other
officer or officers, employee or employees, or other individuals as the Board
of Directors may from time to time determine, with such powers and duties as
the Board of Directors may confer upon or assign to him or them.


                                   ARTICLE VIII

                                 SIGNATURE POWERS

Section 1. Authorization.  The power of officers, employees, agents and
attorneys to sign on behalf of and to affix the seal of the Association shall
be prescribed by the Board of Directors or by the Executive Committee or by
both; provided that the President is authorized to restrict such power of any
officer, employee, agent or attorney to the business of a specific department
or departments, or to a specific branch office or branch offices.  Facsimile
signatures may be authorized.


                                     -8-

<PAGE>   16

                                  ARTICLE IX

                            STOCK CERTIFICATES AND TRANSFERS

Section 1. Stock Records.  The Trust Department shall have custody of the
stock certificate books and stock ledgers of the Association, and shall make
all transfers of stock, issue certificates thereof and disburse dividends
declared thereon.


Section 2. Form of Certificate.  Every shareholder shall be entitled to a
certificate conforming to the requirements of law and otherwise in such form
as the Board of Directors may approve.  The certificates shall state on the
face thereof that the stock is transferable only on the books of the
Association and shall be signed by such officers as may be prescribed from time
to time by the Board of Directors or Executive Committee.  Facsimile signatures
may be authorized.

Section 3. Transfers of Stock.  Transfers of stock shall be made only on the
books of the Association by the holder in person, or by attorney duly
authorized in writing, upon surrender of the certificate therefor properly
endorsed, or upon the surrender of such certificate accompanied by a properly
executed written assignment of the same, or a written power of attorney to
sell, assign or transfer the same or the shares represented thereby.

Section 4. Lost Certificate.  The Board of Directors or Executive Committee
may order a new certificate to be issued in place of a certificate lost or
destroyed, upon proof of such loss or destruction and upon tender to the
Association by the shareholder, of a bond in such amount and with or without
surety, as may be ordered, indemnifying the Association against all liability,
loss, cost and damage by reason of such loss or destruction and the issuance
of a new certificate.

Section 5. Closing Transfer Books.  The Board of Directors may close the
transfer books for a period not exceeding thirty days preceding any regular
or special meeting of the shareholders, or the day designated for the payment
of a dividend or the allotment of rights.  In lieu of closing the transfer
books the Board of Directors may fix a day and hour not more than thirty days
prior to the day of holding any meeting of the shareholders, or the day
designated for the payment of a dividend, or the day designated for the
allotment of rights, or the day when any change of conversion or exchange of
capital stock is to go into effect, as the day as of which shareholders
entitled to notice of and to vote at such meetings or entitled to such dividend
or to such allotment of rights or to exercise the rights in respect of any
such change, conversion or exchange of capital stock, shall be determined, and
only such shareholders as shall be shareholders of record on the day and hour
so fixed shall be entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting or to
receive payment of such dividend or to receive such allotment of rights or to
exercise such rights, as the case may be.


                              ARTICLE X

                          THE CORPORATE SEAL

Section 1. Seal.  The following is an impression of the seal of the
Association adopted by the Board of Directors.


                              ARTICLE  XI

                             BUSINESS HOURS

Section 1. Business Hours.  The main office of this Association and each
branch office thereof shall be open for business on such days, and for such
hours as the Chairman, or the President, or any Executive Vice President, or
such other officer as the Board of Directors shall from time to time
designate, may determine as to each office to conform to local custom and
convenience, provided that any one or more of the main and branch offices or
certain departments thereof may be open for such hours as the President, or
such other officer as the Board of Directors shall from time to time designate,
may determine as to each office or department on any legal holiday on which
work is not prohibited by law, and provided further that any one or more of
the main and branch offices or certain departments thereof may be ordered
closed or open on any day for such hours as to each office or department as
the President, or such other officer as the Board of Directors shall from time
to time designate, subject to applicable laws regulations, may determine when
such action may be required by reason of disaster or other emergency condition.


                                ARTICLE IX

                              CHANGES IN BY-LAWS

Section 1. Amendments.  These By-laws may be amended upon vote of a majority
of the entire Board of Directors at any meeting of the Board, provided ten (10)
day's notice of the proposed amendment has been given to each member of the
Board of Directors.  No amendment may be made unless the By-law, as amended, is
consistent with the requirements of law and of the Articles of Association.
These By-laws may also be amended by the Association's shareholders.

A true copy

Attest:



                                        Secretary/Assistant Secretary
- ---------------------------------------



Dated at                                         , as of                       .
         ---------------------------------------         ----------------------

Revision of January 11, 1993






                                     -9-



<PAGE>   17
                                  EXHIBIT 5



                             CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE
                           REQUIRED BY SECTION 321(b)
                       OF THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939


     The undersigned, as Trustee under the Indenture to be entered into between
Cliffs Drilling Company and Fleet National Bank, as Trustee, does hereby consent
that, pursuant to Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, reports of
examinations with respect to the undersigned by Federal, State, Territorial or
District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and
Exchange Commission upon request therefor.


                                           FLEET NATIONAL BANK,
                                           AS TRUSTEE


                                       By   /s/ SUSAN C. MERKER
                                            -------------------------------
                                             Susan C. Merker
                                             Its: Assistant Vice President



Dated: July 17, 1996



<PAGE>   18

                                  EXHIBIT 6

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                  <C>
                                                                     Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
                                                                     OMB Number: 7100-0036

                                                                     Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
                                                                     OMB Number: 3064-0052

                                                                     Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
                                                                     OMB Number: 1557-0081

FEDERAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS EXAMINATION COUNCIL                   Expires March 31, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                     Please refer to page i,                     / 1 /
[LOGO]                                                               Table of Contents, for
                                                                     the required disclosure
                                                                     of estimated burden.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   19
CONSOLIDATED REPORTS OF CONDITION AND INCOME FOR
A BANK WITH DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN OFFICES--FFIEC 031
                                                      (960331)
REPORT AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS March 31, 1996       -----------
                                                     (RCRI 9999)

This report is required by law: 12 U.S.C. Section 324 (State member banks);
12 U.S.C. Section 1817 (State nonmember banks); and 12 U.S.C. Section 161
(National banks).

This report form is to be filed by banks with branches and consolidation
subsidiaries in U.S. territories and possessions, Edge or Agreement
subsidiaries, foreign branches, consolidated foreign subsidiaries, or
International Banking Facilities.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE: The Reports of Condition and Income must be signed by an authorized
officer and the Report of Condition must be attested to by not less than two
directors (trustees) for State nonmember banks and three directors for State
member and National banks.

I, Giro S. DeRosa, Vice President and Controller
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Name and Title of Officer Authorized to Sign Report

of the named bank do hereby declare that these Reports of Condition and
Income (including the supporting schedules) have been prepared in conformance
with the instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority
and are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

/s/ GIRO DEROSA
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Officer Authorized to Sign Report

April 25, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date of Signature

The Reports of Condition and Income are to be prepared in accordance with
Federal regulatory authority instructions. NOTE: These instructions may in
some cases differ from generally accepted accounting principles.

We, the undersigned directors (trustees), attest to the correctness of this
Report of Condition (including the supporting schedules) and declare that it has
been examined by us and to the best of our knowledge and belief has been
prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate Federal
regulatory authority and is true and correct.

/s/ EILEEN S. KRAUS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Director (Trustee)

/s/ RICHARD A. HIGGINBOTHAM
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Director (Trustee)

/s/ V. DUNCAN JOHNSON
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Director (Trustee)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<PAGE>   20

FOR BANKS SUBMITTING HARD COPY REPORT FORMS:

STATE MEMBER BANKS: Return the original and one copy to the appropriate Federal
Feserve District Bank.

STATE NONMEMBER BANKS: Return the original only in the special return address
envelope provided. If express mail is used in lieu of the special return address
envelope, return the original only to the FDIC, c/o Quality Data Systems, 2127
Espey Court, Suite 204, Crofton, MD 21114.

NATIONAL BANKS: Return the original only in the special return address envelope
provided. If express mail is used in lieu of the special return address
envelope, return the original only to the FDIC, c/o Quality Data Systems, 2127
Espey Court, Suite 204, Crofton, MD 21114.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>
                                                          ___
FDIC Certificate Number | 1  | 0 | 5 | 8 | 2 |            |
                        ______________________                  CALL NO. 190               31                   03-31-96
                              (RCRI 9050)
                                                                CERT: 02499             10582               STBK 09-0590

                                                                FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT
                                                                777 MAIN STREET
                                                                HARTFORD, CT  06115
                                                          |                                                                  |
                                                          ___                                                             ___
<FN>
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   21
                                                                       FFIEC 031
                                                                       Page i
                                                                          /2/
Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income for
A Bank With Domestic and Foreign Offices
________________________________________________________________________________

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SIGNATURE PAGE                                                             Cover

REPORT OF INCOME

Schedule RI--Income Statement...........................................RI-1,2,3
Schedule RI-A--Changes in Equity Capital....................................RI-3
Schedule RI-B--Charge-offs and Recoveries and
  Changes in Allowance for Loan and Lease
  Losses..................................................................RI-4,5
Schedule RI-C--Applicable Income Taxes by
  Taxing Authority..........................................................RI-5
Schedule RI-D--Income from
  International Operations..................................................RI-6
Schedule RI-E--Explanations...............................................RI-7,8

REPORT OF CONDITION

Schedule RC--Balance Sheet................................................RC-1,2
Schedule RC-A--Cash and Balances Due
  From Depository Institutions..............................................RC-3
Schedule RC-B--Securities...............................................RC-3,4,5
Schedule RC-C--Loans and Lease Fianancing
  Receivables:
    Part I. Loans and Leases..............................................RC-6,7
    Part II. Loans to Small Businesses and
      Small Farms (included in the forms for
      June 30 only).....................................................RC-7a,7b
Schedule RC-D--Trading Assets and Liabilities
  (to be completed only by selected banks)..................................RC-8
Schedule RC-E--Deposit Liabilities....................................RC-9,10,11
Schedule RC-F--Only Assets.................................................RC-11
Schedule RC-G--Other Liabilities...........................................RC-11
Schedule RC-H--Selected Balance Sheet Items for
  Domestic Offices.........................................................RC-12
Schedule RC-I--Selected Assets and Liabilities
  of IBF's.................................................................RC-13
Schedule RC-K--Quarterly Averages..........................................RC-13
Schedule RC-L--Off-Balance Sheet Items...............................RC-14,15,16
Schedule RC-M--Memoranda................................................RC-17,18
Schedule RC-N--Past Due and Nonaccrual Loans,
  Leases, and Other Assets..............................................RC-19,20
Schedule RC-O--Other Data for Deposit
  Insurance Assessments.................................................RC-21,22
Schedule RC-R--Risk-Based Captial.......................................RC-23,24
Optional Narrative Statement Concerning the
  Amounts Reported in the Reports of
  Conditions and Income....................................................RC-25
Special Report (TO BE COMPLETED BY ALL BANKS)
Schedule RC-J--Repricing Opportunities (sent only to
  and to be completed only by savings banks)


<PAGE>   22

DISCLOSURE OF ESTIMATED BURDEN

The estimated average burden associated with this information collection is
32.2 hours per respondent and is estimated to vary from 15 to 230 hours per
response, depending on individual circumstances. Burden estimates include the
time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data in the required
form, and completing the information collection, but exclude the time for
compiling and maintaining business records in the normal course of a
respondent's activities. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden
estimate and suggestions for reducing this burden should be directed to the
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. Office of Management and Budget,
Washington, D.C. 20503, and to one of the following:

Secretary
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
Washington, D.C. 20551

Legislative and Regulatory Analysis Division
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Washington, D.C. 20219

Assistant Executive Secretary
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Washington, D.C. 20429

For information or assistance, national and state nonmember banks should
contact the FDIC's Call Reports Analysis Unit, 550 17th Street, NW, Washington,
D.C. 20429, toll free on (800)688-FDIC (3342), Monday through Friday between
8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Eastern time. State member banks should contact their
Federal Reserve District Bank.
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
                      ___________
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   23

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                           Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                    Page RI-1
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|


Consolidated Report of Income
for the period January 1, 1996 - March 31, 1996

All Report of Income schedules are to be reported on a calendar year-to-date basis in thousands of dollars.
                                                                                      file
Schedule RI--Income Statement                                                                               ________
                                                                                                           |  I480  |
                                                             Dollar Amounts in Thousands        RIAD  Bil Mil Thou__|
_______________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________|________|
<S>                                                                                            <C>                 <C>
1. Interest income:                                                                            | ////////////////// |
   a. Interest and fee income on loans:                                                        | ////////////////// |
      (1) In domestic offices:                                                                 | ////////////////// |
          (a) Loans secured by real estate ................................................... | 4011        68,007 | 1.a.(1)(a)
          (b) Loans to depository institutions ............................................... | 4019             0 | 1.a.(1)(b)
          (c) Loans to finance agricultural production and other loans to farmers ............ | 4024            42 | 1.a.(1)(c)
          (d) Commercial and industrial loans ................................................ | 4012       119,467 | 1.a.(1)(d)
          (e) Acceptances of other banks ..................................................... | 4026            22 | 1.a.(1)(e)
          (f) Loans to individuals for household, family, and other personal expenditures:     | ////////////////// |
              (1) Credit cards and related plans ............................................. | 4054         1,870 | 1.a.(1)(f)(1)
              (2) Other ...................................................................... | 4055        11,553 | 1.a.(1)(f)(2)
          (g) Loans to foreign governments and official institutions ......................... | 4056             0 | 1.a.(1)(g)
          (h) Obligations (other than securities and leases) of states and political           | ////////////////// |
              subdivisions in the U.S.:                                                        | ////////////////// |
              (1) Taxable obligations ........................................................ | 4503             0 | 1.a.(1)(h)(1)
              (2) Tax-exempt obligations ..................................................... | 4504           469 | 1.a.(1)(h)(2)
          (i) All other loans in domestic offices ............................................ | 4058        14,004 | 1.a.(1)(i)
      (2) In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs ...................... | 4059             0 | 1.a.(2)
   b. Income from lease financing receivables:                                                 | ////////////////// |
      (1) Taxable leases ..................................................................... | 4505           192 | 1.b.(1)
      (2) Tax-exempt leases .................................................................. | 4307             0 | 1.b.(2)
   c. Interest income on balances due from depository institutions:(1)                         | ////////////////// |
      (1) In domestic offices ................................................................ | 4105             0 | 1.c.(1)
      (2) In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs ...................... | 4106            26 | 1.c.(2)
   d. Interest and dividend income on securities:                                              | ////////////////// |
      (1) U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government agency and corporation obligations .... | 4027        33,725 | 1.d.(1)
      (2) Securities issued by states and political subdivisions in the U.S.:                  | ////////////////// |
          (a) Taxable securities ............................................................. | 4506             0 | 1.d.(2)(a)
          (b) Tax-exempt securities .......................................................... | 4507             1 | 1.d.(2)(b)
      (3) Other domestic debt securities ..................................................... | 3657         7,306 | 1.d.(3)
      (4) Foreign debt securities ............................................................ | 3658            49 | 1.d.(4)
      (5) Equity securities (including investments in mutual funds) .......................... | 3659         1,888 | 1.d.(5)
   e. Interest income from trading assets..................................................... | 4069             0 | 1.e.
                                                                                               ______________________
<FN>
____________
(1) Includes interest income on time certificates of deposit not held for trading.
</TABLE>



                                       3


<PAGE>   24

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                     Page RI-2
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RI--Continued
                                                                                   ________________
                                                 Dollar Amounts in Thousands       | Year-to-date |
___________________________________________________________________________________ ______________
<S>                                                                          <C>                    <C>
 1. Interest income (continued)                                              | RIAD  Bil Mil Thou |
    f. Interest income on federal funds sold and securities purchased        | ////////////////// |
       under agreements to resell in domestic offices of the bank and of     | ////////////////// |
       its Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and in IBFs .................... | 4020           292 |  1.f.
    g. Total interest income (sum of items 1.a through 1.f) ................ | 4107       258,913 |  1.g.
 2. Interest expense:                                                        | ////////////////// |
    a. Interest on deposits:                                                 | ////////////////// |
       (1) Interest on deposits in domestic offices:                         | ////////////////// |
           (a) Transaction accounts (NOW accounts, ATS accounts, and         | ////////////////// |
               telephone and preauthorized transfer accounts) .............. | 4508           519 |  2.a.(1)(a)
           (b) Nontransaction accounts:                                      | ////////////////// |
               (1) Money market deposit accounts (MMDAs) ................... | 4509         6,345 |  2.a.(1)(b)(1)
               (2) Other savings deposits .................................. | 4511        11,368 |  2.a.(1)(b)(2)
               (3) Time certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more ........ | 4174        21,500 |  2.a.(1)(b)(3)
               (4) All other time deposits ................................. | 4512        31,522 |  2.a.(1)(b)(4)
       (2) Interest on deposits in foreign offices, Edge and Agreement       | ////////////////// |
           subsidiaries, and IBFs .......................................... | 4172         4,742 |  2.a.(2)
    b. Expense of federal funds purchased and securities sold under          | ////////////////// |
       agreements to repurchase in domestic offices of the bank and of       | ////////////////// |
       its Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and in IBFs .................... | 4180        35,405 |  2.b.
    c. Interest on demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury, trading         | ////////////////// |
       liabilities, and other money borrowed ............................... | 4185        29,123 |  2.c.
    d. Interest on mortgage indebtedness and obligations under               | ////////////////// |
       capitalized leases .................................................. | 4072           106 |  2.d.
    e. Interest on subordinated notes and debentures ....................... | 4200         2,993 |  2.e.
    f. Total interest expense (sum of items 2.a through 2.e) ............... | 4073       143,623 |  2.f.
                                                                                                   ___________________________
 3. Net interest income (item 1.g minus 2.f) ............................... | ////////////////// | RIAD 4074 |      115,290 |  3.
                                                                                                   ___________________________
 4. Provisions:                                                              | ////////////////// |
                                                                                                   ___________________________
    a. Provision for loan and lease losses ................................. | ////////////////// | RIAD 4230 |        1,911 |  4.a.
    b. Provision for allocated transfer risk ............................... | ////////////////// | RIAD 4243 |            0 |  4.b.
                                                                                                   ___________________________
 5. Noninterest income:                                                      | ////////////////// |
    a. Income from fiduciary activities .................................... | 4070        21,652 |  5.a.
    b. Service charges on deposit accounts in domestic offices ............. | 4080        15,687 |  5.b.
    c. Trading revenue (must equal Schedule RI, sum of Memorandum            | ////////////////// |
       items 8.a through 8.d)...............................................   A220            78    5.c.
    d. Other foreign transaction gains (losses) ............................ | 4076             6 |  5.d.
    e. Not applicable....................................................... | ////////////////// |
    f. Other noninterest income:                                             | ////////////////// |
       (1) Other fee income ................................................ | 5407        13,425 |  5.f.(1)
       (2) All other noninterest income* ................................... | 5408        43,419 |  5.f.(2)
                                                                                                   ___________________________
    g. Total noninterest income (sum of items 5.a through 5.f) ............. | ////////////////// | RIAD 4079 |       94,267 |  5.g.
 6. a. Realized gains (losses) on held-to-maturity securities .............. | ////////////////// | RIAD 3521 |            1 |  6.a.
    b. Realized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities ............ | ////////////////// | RIAD 3196 |       11,352 |  6.b.
                                                                             | ////////////////// |___________________________
 7. Noninterest expense:                                                     | ////////////////// |
    a. Salaries and employee benefits ...................................... | 4135        36,676 |  7.a.
    b. Expenses of premises and fixed assets (net of rental income)          | ////////////////// |
       (excluding salaries and employee benefits and mortgage interest) .... | 4217        14,846 |  7.b.
    c. Other noninterest expense* .......................................... | 4092        57,219 |  7.c.
                                                                                                   ___________________________
    d. Total noninterest expense (sum of items 7.a through 7.c) ............ | ////////////////// | RIAD 4093 |      108,741 |  7.d.
                                                                                                   ___________________________
 8. Income (loss) before income taxes and extraordinary items and other      | ////////////////// |
                                                                                                   ___________________________
    adjustments (item 3 plus or minus items 4.a, 4.b, 5.g, 6.a, 6.b, and 7.d)| ////////////////// | RIAD 4301 |      110,258 |  8.
 9. Applicable income taxes (on item 8) .................................... | ////////////////// | RIAD 4302 |       51,617 |  9.
                                                                                                   ___________________________
10. Income (loss) before extraordinary items and other adjustments           | ////////////////// |
                                                                                                   ___________________________
    (item 8 minus 9) ....................................................... | ////////////////// | RIAD 4300 |       58,641 | 10.
                                                                             _________________________________________________
<FN>
____________
*Describe on Schedule RI-E--Explanations.
</TABLE>


                                       4


<PAGE>   25
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                     Page RI-3
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RI--Continued
                                                                                 ________________
                                                                                 | Year-to-date |
                                                                           ______ ______________
                                               Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RIAD  Bil Mil Thou |
___________________________________________________________________________________ ______________
<S>                                                                        <C>                    <C>
11. Extraordinary items and other adjustments:                             | ////////////////// |
    a. Extraordinary items and other adjustments, gross of income taxes* . | 4310             0 | 11.a.
    b. Applicable income taxes (on item 11.a)* ........................... | 4315             0 | 11.b.
    c. Extraordinary items and other adjustments, net of income taxes      | ////////////////// |
                                                                                                 ___________________________
       (item 11.a minus 11.b) ............................................ | ////////////////// | RIAD 4320 |            0 | 11.c.
12. Net income (loss) (sum of items 10 and 11.c) ......................... | ////////////////// | RIAD 4340 |       58,641 | 12.
                                                                           _________________________________________________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                                                                                                         __________
                                                                                                            ______|__I481__|
Memoranda                                                                                                   | Year-to-date |
                                                                                                      ______ ______________
                                                                          Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RIAD  Bil Mil Thou |
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                                                   <C>                    <C>
 1. Interest expense incurred to carry tax-exempt securities, loans, and leases acquired after        | ////////////////// |
    August 7, 1986, that is not deductible for federal income tax purposes .......................... | 4513             0 | M.1.
 2. Income from the sale and servicing of mutual funds and annuities in domestic offices              | ////////////////// |
    (included in Schedule RI, item 8) ............................................................... | 8431             0 | M.2.
 3.-4. Not applicable                                                                                 | ////////////////// |
 5. Number of full-time equivalent employees on payroll at end of current period (round to            | ////        Number |
    nearest whole number) ........................................................................... | 4150         1,831 | M.5.
 6. Not applicable                                                                                    | ////////////////// |
 7. If the reporting bank has restated its balance sheet as a result of applying push down            | ////      MM DD YY |
    accounting this calendar year, report the date of the bank's acquisition ........................ | 9106      00/00/00 | M.7.
 8. Trading revenue (from cash instruments and off-balance sheet derivative instruments)              | ////////////////// |
    (sum of Memorandum items 8.a through 8.d must equal Schedule RI, item 5.c):                       | ////  Bil Mil Thou |
    a. Interest rate exposures ...................................................................... | 8757            11 | M.8.a.
    b. Foreign exchange exposures ................................................................... | 8758            67 | M.8.b.
    c. Equity security and index exposures .......................................................... | 8759             0 | M.8.c.
    d. Commodity and other exposures ................................................................ | 8760             0 | M.8.d.
 9. Impact on income of off-balance sheet derivatives held for purposes other than trading:           | ////////////////// |
    a. Net increase (decrease) to interest income.....................................................| 8761        (2,618)| M.9.a.
    b. Net (increase) decrease to interest expense ...................................................| 8762        (2,834)| M.9.b.
    c. Other (noninterest) allocations ...............................................................| 8763             0 | M.9.c.
10. Credit losses on off-balance sheet derivatives (see instructions).................................| A251             0 | M.10.
</TABLE>
____________
*Describe on Schedule RI-E--Explanations.


<PAGE>   26
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                     Page RI-4
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RI-A--Changes in Equity Capital

Indicate decreases and losses in parentheses.                                                               _________
                                                                                                            |  I483 |
                                                                                                      _____________________
                                                                          Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RIAD  Bil Mil Thou |
______________________________________________________________________________________________________|____________________|
<S>                                                                                                   <C>                    <C>
 1. Total equity capital originally reported in the December 31, 1995, Reports of Condition           | ////////////////// |
    and Income ...................................................................................... | 3215     1,342,473 |  1.
 2. Equity capital adjustments from amended Reports of Income, net* ................................. | 3216             0 |  2.
 3. Amended balance end of previous calendar year (sum of items 1 and 2) ............................ | 3217     1,342,473 |  3.
 4. Net income (loss) (must equal Schedule RI, item 12) ............................................. | 4340        58,641 |  4.
 5. Sale, conversion, acquisition, or retirement of capital stock, net .............................. | 4346             0 |  5.
 6. Changes incident to business combinations, net .................................................. | 4356             0 |  6.
 7. LESS: Cash dividends declared on preferred stock ................................................ | 4470             0 |  7.
 8. LESS: Cash dividends declared on common stock ................................................... | 4460        10,922 |  8.
 9. Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles from prior years* (see instructions         | ////////////////// |
    for this schedule) .............................................................................. | 4411             0 |  9.
10. Corrections of material accounting errors from prior years* (see instructions for this schedule)  | 4412             0 | 10.
11. Change in net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities ................ | 8433       (10,978)| 11.
12. Foreign currency translation adjustments ........................................................ | 4414             0 | 12.
13. Other transactions with parent holding company* (not included in items 5, 7, or 8 above) ........ | 4415             0 | 13.
14. Total equity capital end of current period (sum of items 3 through 13) (must equal Schedule RC,   | ////////////////// |
    item 28) ........................................................................................ | 3210     1,379,214 | 14.
                                                                                                      ______________________
<FN>
____________
*Describe on Schedule RI-E--Explanations.
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RI-B--Charge-offs and Recoveries and Changes
               in Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

Part I. Charge-offs and Recoveries on Loans and Leases

Part I excludes charge-offs and recoveries through
the allocated transfer risk reserve.
                                                                                                               __________
                                                                                                               |  I486  | <-
                                                                              _________________________________ ________
                                                                              |      (Column A)    |     (Column B)     |
                                                                              |     Charge-offs    |     Recoveries     |
                                                                               ____________________ ____________________
                                                                              |         Calendar year-to-date           |
                                                                               _________________________________________
                                                  Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RIAD  Bil Mil Thou | RIAD  Bil Mil Thou |
______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                           <C>                  <C>                    <C>
1. Loans secured by real estate:                                              | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   a. To U.S. addressees (domicile) ......................................... | 4651         6,328 | 4661         3,137 | 1.a.
   b. To non-U.S. addressees (domicile) ..................................... | 4652             0 | 4662             0 | 1.b.
2. Loans to depository institutions and acceptances of other banks:           | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   a. To U.S. banks and other U.S. depository institutions .................. | 4653             0 | 4663             0 | 2.a.
   b. To foreign banks ...................................................... | 4654             0 | 4664             0 | 2.b.
3. Loans to finance agricultural production and other loans to farmers ...... | 4655             2 | 4665            21 | 3.
4. Commercial and industrial loans:                                           | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   a. To U.S. addressees (domicile) ......................................... | 4645         5,700 | 4617         1,564 | 4.a.
   b. To non-U.S. addressees (domicile) ..................................... | 4646             0 | 4618             0 | 4.b.
5. Loans to individuals for household, family, and other personal             | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   expenditures:                                                              | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   a. Credit cards and related plans ........................................ | 4656           290 | 4666            10 | 5.a.
   b. Other (includes single payment, installment, and all student loans) ... | 4657         2,187 | 4667           702 | 5.b.
6. Loans to foreign governments and official institutions ................... | 4643             0 | 4627             0 | 6.
7. All other loans .......................................................... | 4644             0 | 4628           298 | 7.
8. Lease financing receivables:                                               | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   a. Of U.S. addressees (domicile) ......................................... | 4658             0 | 4668             0 | 8.a.
   b. Of non-U.S. addressees (domicile) ..................................... | 4659             0 | 4669             0 | 8.b.
9. Total (sum of items 1 through 8) ......................................... | 4635        14,507 | 4605         5,732 | 9.
                                                                              ___________________________________________

</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                     Page RI-5
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RI-B--Continued

Part I. Continued

Memoranda

                                                                              _________________________________ ________
                                                                              |      (Column A)    |     (Column B)     |
                                                                              |     Charge-offs    |     Recoveries     |
                                                                               ____________________ ____________________
                                                                              |         Calendar year-to-date           |
                                                                               _________________________________________
                                                  Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RIAD  Bil Mil Thou | RIAD  Bil Mil Thou |
______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                           <C>                  <C>                    <C>
1-3. Not applicable                                                           | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
4. Loans to finance commercial real estate, construction, and land            | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   development activities (not secured by real estate) included in            | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   Schedule RI-B, part I, items 4 and 7, above .............................. | 5409            71 | 5410           667 | M.4.
5. Loans secured by real estate in domestic offices (included in              | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   Schedule RI-B, part I, item1, above):                                      | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   a. Construction and land development ..................................... | 3582           102 | 3583           142 | M.5.a.
   b. Secured by farmLand ................................................... | 3584            75 | 3585             4 | M.5.b.
   c. Secured by 1-4 family residential properties:                           | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
      (1) Revolving, open-end loans secured by 1-4 family residential         | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
          properties and extended under lines of credit ..................... | 5411           963 | 5412             0 | M.5.c.(1)
      (2) All other loans secured by 1-4 family residential properties ...... | 5413         2,574 | 5414           642 | M.5.c.(2)
   d. Secured by multifamily (5 or more) residential properties ............. | 3588            78 | 3589           211 | M.5.d.
   e. Secured by nonfarm nonresidential properties .......................... | 3590         2,536 | 3591         2,138 | M.5.e.
                                                                              |_________________________________________|

</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   Part II. Changes in Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
                                                                                                    _____________________

                                                                       Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RIAD  Bil Mil Thou |
___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                                                <C>                    <C>
1. Balance originally reported in the December 31, 1995, Reports of Condition and Income.......... | 3124       266,943 | 1.
2. Recoveries (must equal part I, item 9, column B above) ........................................ | 4605         5,732 | 2.
3. LESS: Charge-offs (must equal part I, item 9, column A above) ................................. | 4635        14,507 | 3.
4. Provision for loan and lease losses (must equal Schedule RI, item 4.a)......................... | 4230         1,911 | 4.
5. Adjustments* (see instructions for this schedule) ................................ ............ | 4815             0 | 5.
6. Balance end of current period (sum of items 1 through 5) (must equal Schedule RC,               | ////////////////// |
   item 4.b) ..................................................................................... | 3123       260,079 | 6.
                                                                                                   |____________________|
</TABLE>
____________
*Describe on Schedule RI-E--Explanations.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Schedule RI-C--Applicable Income Taxes by Taxing Authority

Schedule RI-C is to be reported with the December Report of Income.
                                                                                                               |  I489  | <-
                                                                                                    ____________ ________
                                                                       Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RIAD  Bil Mil Thou |
___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                                                <C>                    <C>
1. Federal ....................................................................................... | 4780           N/A | 1.
2. State and local................................................................................ | 4790           N/A | 2.
3. Foreign ....................................................................................... | 4795           N/A | 3.
4. Total (sum of items 1 through 3) (must equal sum of Schedule RI, items 9 and 11.b) ............ | 4770           N/A | 4.
                                                                       ____________________________|                    |
5. Deferred portion of item 4 ........................................ | RIAD 4772 |           N/A | ////////////////// | 5.
                                                                       __________________________________________________

</TABLE>


                                       7



<PAGE>   27

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                     Page RI-6
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RI-D--Income from International Operations

For all banks with foreign offices, Edge or Agreement subsidiaries, or IBFs where international operations
account for more than 10 percent of total revenues, total assets, or net income.

Part I. Estimated Income from International Operations

                                                                                                             __________
                                                                                                             |  I492  | <-
                                                                                                       ______ ________
                                                                                                       | Year-to-date |
                                                                                                 ______ ______________
                                                                     Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RIAD  Bil Mil Thou |
_________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                                              <C>                    <C>
1. Interest income and expense booked at foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries,       | ////////////////// |
   and IBFs:                                                                                     | ////////////////// |
   a. Interest income booked ................................................................... | 4837           N/A | 1.a.
   b. Interest expense booked .................................................................. | 4838           N/A | 1.b.
   c. Net interest income booked at foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs   | ////////////////// |
      (item 1.a minus 1.b) ..................................................................... | 4839           N/A | 1.c.
2. Adjustments for booking location of international operations:                                 | ////////////////// |
   a. Net interest income attributable to international operations booked at domestic offices .. | 4840           N/A | 2.a.
   b. Net interest income attributable to domestic business booked at foreign offices .......... | 4841           N/A | 2.b.
   c. Net booking location adjustment (item 2.a minus 2.b) ..................................... | 4842           N/A | 2.c.
3. Noninterest income and expense attributable to international operations:                      | ////////////////// |
   a. Noninterest income attributable to international operations .............................. | 4097           N/A | 3.a.
   b. Provision for loan and lease losses attributable to international operations ............. | 4235           N/A | 3.b.
   c. Other noninterest expense attributable to international operations ....................... | 4239           N/A | 3.c.
   d. Net noninterest income (expense) attributable to international operations (item 3.a        | ////////////////// |
      minus 3.b and 3.c) ....................................................................... | 4843           N/A | 3.d.
4. Estimated pretax income attributable to international operations before capital allocation    | ////////////////// |
   adjustment (sum of items 1.c, 2.c, and 3.d) ................................................. | 4844           N/A | 4.
5. Adjustment to pretax income for internal allocations to international operations to reflect   | ////////////////// |
   the effects of equity capital on overall bank funding costs ................................. | 4845           N/A | 5.
6. Estimated pretax income attributable to international operations after capital allocation     | ////////////////// |
   adjustment (sum of items 4 and 5) ........................................................... | 4846           N/A | 6.
7. Income taxes attributable to income from international operations as estimated in item 6 .... | 4797           N/A | 7.
8. Estimated net income attributable to international operations (item 6 minus 7) .............. | 4341           N/A | 8.
                                                                                                 ______________________
<CAPTION>
Memoranda                                                                                        ______________________
                                                                     Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RIAD  Bil Mil Thou |
_________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                                              <C>                    <C>
1. Intracompany interest income included in item 1.a above ..................................... | 4847           N/A | M.1.
2. Intracompany interest expense included in item 1.b above .................................... | 4848           N/A | M.2.
                                                                                                 ______________________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Part II. Supplementary Details on Income from International Operations Required
by the Departments of Commerce and Treasury for Purposes of the U.S.
International Accounts and the U.S. National Income and Product Accounts
                                                                                                       ________________
                                                                                                       | Year-to-date |
                                                                                                 ______ ______________
                                                                     Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RIAD  Bil Mil Thou |
_________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                                              <C>                    <C>
1. Interest income booked at IBFs .............................................................. | 4849           N/A | 1.
2. Interest expense booked at IBFs ............................................................. | 4850           N/A | 2.
3. Noninterest income attributable to international operations booked at domestic offices        | ////////////////// |
   (excluding IBFs):                                                                             | ////////////////// |
   a. Gains (losses) and extraordinary items ................................................... | 5491           N/A | 3.a.
   b. Fees and other noninterest income ........................................................ | 5492           N/A | 3.b.
4. Provision for loan and lease losses attributable to international operations booked at        | ////////////////// |
   domestic offices (excluding IBFs) ........................................................... | 4852           N/A | 4.
5. Other noninterest expense attributable to international operations booked at domestic offices | ////////////////// |
   (excluding IBFs) ............................................................................ | 4853           N/A | 5.
                                                                                                 ______________________
</TABLE>

                                       8


<PAGE>   28

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                     Page RI-7
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RI-E--Explanations

Schedule RI-E is to be completed each quarter on a calendar year-to-date basis.

Detail all adjustments in Schedules RI-A and RI-B, all extraordinary items and other adjustments in Schedule RI, and all
significant items of other noninterest income and other noninterest expense in Schedule RI. (See instructions for details.)
                                                                                                              __________
                                                                                                              |  I495  | <-
                                                                                                        ______ ________
                                                                                                        | Year-to-date |
                                                                                                  ______ ______________
                                                                      Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RIAD  Bil Mil Thou |
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                                               <C>                    <C>
 1. All other noninterest income (from Schedule RI, item 5.f.(2))                                 | ////////////////// |
    Report amounts that exceed 10% of Schedule RI, item 5.f.(2):                                  | ////////////////// |
    a. Net gains on other real estate owned ..................................................... | 5415             0 | 1.a.
    b. Net gains on sales of loans .............................................................. | 5416             0 | 1.b.
    c. Net gains on sales of premises and fixed assets .......................................... | 5417             0 | 1.c.
    Itemize and describe the three largest other amounts that exceed 10% of                       | ////////////////// |
    Schedule RI, item 5.f.(2):                                                                    | ////////////////// |
       _____________
    d. | TEXT 4461 |______________________________________________________________________________|                    |
        ___________  Gain on Sale of Branches                                                       4461        27,961   1.d.
    e. | TEXT 4462 |______________________________________________________________________________| 4462               | 1.e.
        ___________                                                                                 4463                 1.f.
    f. | TEXT 4463 |______________________________________________________________________________|                    |
       _____________
 2. Other noninterest expense (from Schedule RI, item 7.c):                                       | ////////////////// |
    a. Amortization expense of intangible assets ................................................ | 4531         5,424 | 2.a.
    Report amounts that exceed 10% of Schedule RI, item 7.c:                                      | ////////////////// |
    b. Net losses on other real estate owned .................................................... | 5418             0 | 2.b.
    c. Net losses on sales of loans ............................................................. | 5419             0 | 2.c.
    d. Net losses on sales of premises and fixed assets ......................................... | 5420             0 | 2.d.
    Itemize and describe the three largest other amounts that exceed 10% of                       | ////////////////// |
    Schedule RI, item 7.c:                                                                        | ////////////////// |
       _____________
    e. | TEXT 4464 |______________________________________________________________________________|                    |
        ___________  Intercompany Data Processing & Programming Charges                             4464        19,616   2.e.
    f. | TEXT 4467 |______________________________________________________________________________| 4467        11,457 | 2.f.
        ___________  Intercompany Corporate Support Function Charges                                4468                 2.g.
    g. | TEXT 4468 |______________________________________________________________________________|                    |
       _____________
 3. Extraordinary items and other adjustments (from Schedule RI, item 11.a) and                   | ////////////////// |
    applicable income tax effect (from Schedule RI, item 11.b) (itemize and describe              | ////////////////// |
    all extraordinary items and other adjustments):                                               | ////////////////// |
           _____________
    a. (1) | TEXT 4469 |__________________________________________________________________________| 4469               | 3.a.(1)
           _____________
       (2) Applicable income tax effect                               | RIAD 4486 |               | ////////////////// | 3.a.(2)
           _____________                                              ____________________________
    b. (1) | TEXT 4487 |__________________________________________________________________________| 4487               | 3.b.(1)
           _____________
       (2) Applicable income tax effect                               | RIAD 4488 |               | ////////////////// | 3.b.(2)
           _____________                                              ____________________________
    c. (1) | TEXT 4489 |__________________________________________________________________________| 4489               | 3.c.(1)
           _____________
       (2) Applicable income tax effect                               | RIAD 4491 |               | ////////////////// | 3.c.(2)
                                                                      ____________________________
 4. Equity capital adjustments from amended Reports of Income (from Schedule RI-A,                | ////////////////// |
    item 2) (itemize and describe all adjustments):                                               | ////////////////// |
       _____________
    a. | TEXT 4492 |______________________________________________________________________________| 4492               | 4.a.
        ___________
    b. | TEXT 4493 |______________________________________________________________________________| 4493               | 4.b.
       _____________
 5. Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles from prior years (from                  | ////////////////// |
    Schedule RI-A, item 9) (itemize and describe all changes in accounting principles):           | ////////////////// |
       _____________
    a. | TEXT 4494 |______________________________________________________________________________| 4494               | 5.a.
        ___________
    b. | TEXT 4495 |______________________________________________________________________________| 4495               | 5.b.
       _____________
 6. Corrections of material accounting errors from prior years (from Schedule RI-A,               | ////////////////// |
    item 10) (itemize and describe all corrections):                                              | ////////////////// |
       _____________
    a. | TEXT 4496 |______________________________________________________________________________| 4496               | 6.a.
        ___________
    b. | TEXT 4497 |______________________________________________________________________________| 4497               | 6.b.
       _____________
                                                                                                  ______________________
</TABLE>


                                       9


<PAGE>   29

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                     Page RI-8
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RI-E--Continued
                                                                                                        ________________
                                                                                                        | Year-to-date |
                                                                                                  ______ ______________
                                                                      Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RIAD  Bil Mil Thou |
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                                               <C>                    <C>
 7. Other transactions with parent holding company (from Schedule RI-A, item 13)                  | ////////////////// |
    (itemize and describe all such transactions):                                                 | ////////////////// |
       _____________
    a. | TEXT 4498 |______________________________________________________________________________| 4498               | 7.a.
        ___________
    b. | TEXT 4499 |______________________________________________________________________________| 4499               | 7.b.
       _____________
 8. Adjustments to allowance for loan and lease losses (from Schedule RI-B, part II,              | ////////////////// |
    item 5) (itemize and describe all adjustments):                                               | ////////////////// |
       _____________
    a. | TEXT 4521 |
                   |______________________________________________________________________________| 4521               | 8.a.
       _____________
    b. | TEXT 4522 |______________________________________________________________________________| 4522               | 8.b.
       _____________
                                                                                                   ____________________
 9. Other explanations (the space below is provided for the bank to briefly describe,             |   I498   |   I499  | <-
                                                                                                  ______________________
    at its option, any other significant items affecting the Report of Income):
               ___
    No comment |X| (RIAD 4769)
               ___
    Other explanations (please type or print clearly):
    (TEXT 4769)
</TABLE>


                                      10


<PAGE>   30

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                     Page RC-1
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Consolidated Report of Condition for Insured Commercial
and State-Chartered Savings Banks for March 31, 1996

All schedules are to be reported in thousands of dollars.  Unless otherwise indicated,
report the amount outstanding as of the last business day of the quarter.

Schedule RC--Balance Sheet
                                                                                                             __________
                                                                                                             |  C400  | <-
                                                                                                 ____________ ________
                                                                     Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou |
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                                              <C>                     <C>
ASSETS                                                                                           | ////////////////// |
 1. Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule RC-A):                     | ////////////////// |
    a. Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin(1) ................................... | 0081       644,422 |  1.a.
    b. Interest-bearing balances(2) ............................................................ | 0071           175 |  1.b.
 2. Securities:                                                                                  | ////////////////// |
    a. Held-to-maturity securities (from Schedule RC-B, column A) .............................. | 1754         3,192 |  2.a.
    b. Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B, column D) ............................ | 1773     1,806,430 |  2.b.
 3. Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell in domestic offices   | ////////////////// |
    of the bank and of its Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and in IBFs:                         | ////////////////// |
    a. Federal funds sold ...................................................................... | 0276             0 |  3.a.
    b. Securities purchased under agreements to resell ......................................... | 0277             0 |  3.b.
 4. Loans and lease financing receivables:                           ____________________________| ////////////////// |
    a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income (from Schedule RC-C) | RCFD 2122 |    10,679,728 | ////////////////// |  4.a.
    b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses ................... | RCFD 3123 |       260,079 | ////////////////// |  4.b.
    c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve ....................... | RCFD 3128 |             0 | ////////////////// |  4.c.
                                                                     ____________________________
    d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income,                                                 | ////////////////// |
       allowance, and reserve (item 4.a minus 4.b and 4.c) ..................................... | 2125    10,419,649 |  4.d.
 5. Trading assets (from schedule RC-D )........................................................ | 3545           484 |  5.
 6. Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases) ................................... | 2145       146,450 |  6.
 7. Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M) ............................................... | 2150           871 |  7.
 8. Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies (from Schedule RC-M) ... | 2130             0 |  8.
 9. Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding ............................... | 2155         6,513 |  9.
10. Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M) ..................................................... | 2143       283,894 | 10.
11. Other assets (from Schedule RC-F) .......................................................... | 2160       615,485 | 11.
12. Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11) ................................................... | 2170    13,927,565 | 12.
                                                                                                 ______________________
<FN>
____________
(1) Includes cash items in process of collection and unposted debits.
(2) Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.
</TABLE>


                                      11



<PAGE>   31

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                     Page RC-2
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RC--Continued
                                                                                               ___________________________
                                                                   Dollar Amounts in Thousands | /////////  Bil Mil Thou |
_______________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________
<S>                                                                                            <C>                         <C>
LIABILITIES                                                                                    | /////////////////////// |
13. Deposits:                                                                                  | /////////////////////// |
    a. In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C from Schedule RC-E, part I) ..... | RCON 2200     8,134,739 | 13.a.
                                                                   ____________________________
       (1) Noninterest-bearing(1) ................................ | RCON 6631       2,366,568 | /////////////////////// | 13.a.(1)
       (2) Interest-bearing ...................................... | RCON 6636       5,768,171 | /////////////////////// | 13.a.(2)
                                                                   ____________________________
    b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs (from Schedule RC-E,      | /////////////////////// |
       part II) .............................................................................. | RCFN 2200       261,352 | 13.b.
                                                                   ____________________________
       (1) Noninterest-bearing ................................... | RCFN 6631               0 | /////////////////////// | 13.b.(1)
       (2) Interest-bearing ...................................... | RCFN 6636         261,352 | /////////////////////// | 13.b.(2)
                                                                   ____________________________
14. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase in domestic     | /////////////////////// |
    offices of the bank and of its Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and in IBFs:               | /////////////////////// |
    a. Federal funds purchased ............................................................... | RCFD 0278     2,009,304 | 14.a.
    b. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase ........................................ | RCFD 0279        55,853 | 14.b.
15. a. Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury .............................................. | RCON 2840       170,257 | 15.a.
    b. Trading liabilities (from Schedule RC-D) .............................................. | RCFD 3548           460 | 15.b.
16. Other borrowed money:                                                                      | /////////////////////// |
    a. With a remaining maturity of one year or less.......................................... | RCFD 2332       954,145 | 16.a.
    b. With a remaining maturity of more than one year........................................ | RCFD 2333       143,887 | 16.b.
17. Mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases ........................... | RCFD 2910         8,762 | 17.
18. Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding ................................. | RCFD 2920         6,513 | 18.
19. Subordinated notes and debentures ........................................................ | RCFD 3200       440,000 | 19.
20. Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G) ................................................... | RCFD 2930       363,079 | 20.
21. Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20) ........................................... | RCFD 2948    12,548,351 | 21.
                                                                                               | /////////////////////// |
22. Limited-life preferred stock and related surplus ......................................... | RCFD 3282             0 | 22.
EQUITY CAPITAL                                                                                 | /////////////////////// |
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus ............................................ | RCFD 3838       125,000 | 23.
24. Common stock ............................................................................. | RCFD 3230        19,487 | 24.
25. Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock).................................. | RCFD 3839       955,984 | 25.
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves ................................................ | RCFD 3632       286,513 | 26.a.
    b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities ................ | RCFD 8434        (7,770)| 26.b.
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments ...................................... | RCFD 3284             0 | 27.
28. Total equity capital (sum of items 23 through 27) ........................................ | RCFD 3210     1,379,214 | 28.
29. Total liabilities, limited-life preferred stock, and equity capital (sum of items 21, 22,  | /////////////////////// |
    and 28) .................................................................................. | RCFD 3300    13,927,565 | 29.
                                                                                               ___________________________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Memorandum
To be reported only with the March Report of Condition.
 1. Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement below that best describes the                     Number
    most comprehensive level of auditing work performed for the bank by independent external            __________________
    auditors as of any date during 1995 ............................................................... | RCFD 6724    2 | M.1.
                                                                                                        __________________
<S>                                                              <C>
1 = Independent  audit of the  bank conducted  in  accordance    4 = Directors'  examination  of the  bank  performed  by other
    with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified        external  auditors (may  be required  by state  chartering
    public accounting firm which submits a report on the bank        authority)
2 = Independent  audit of the  bank's parent  holding company    5 = Review of  the bank's  financial  statements  by  external
    conducted in accordance with  generally accepted auditing        auditors
    standards  by a certified  public  accounting  firm which    6 = Compilation of the bank's financial statements by external
    submits a  report  on the  consolidated  holding  company        auditors
    (but not on the bank separately)                             7 = Other  audit procedures  (excluding tax  preparation work)
3 = Directors'   examination  of   the  bank   conducted   in    8 = No external audit work
    accordance  with generally  accepted  auditing  standards
    by a certified public accounting firm (may be required by
    state chartering authority)
<FN>
____________
(1) Includes total demand deposits and noninterest-bearing time and savings deposits.
</TABLE>

                                      12


<PAGE>   32

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                     Page RC-3
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RC-A--Cash and Balances Due From Depository Institutions
Exclude assets held for trading.
                                                                                                              __________
                                                                                                              |  C405  | <-
                                                                             _________________________________ ________
                                                                             |     (Column  A)    |     (Column B)     |
                                                                             |    Consolidated    |      Domestic      |
                                                                             |        Bank        |      Offices       |
                                                                             ____________________ ____________________
                                                 Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou | RCON  Bil Mil Thou |
_____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                          <C>                  <C>                    <C>
1. Cash items in process of collection, unposted debits, and currency and    | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   coin .................................................................... | 0022       553,818 | ////////////////// | 1.
   a. Cash items in process of collection and unposted debits .............. | ////////////////// | 0020       418,841 | 1.a.
   b. Currency and coin .................................................... | ////////////////// | 0080       134,977 | 1.b.
2. Balances due from depository institutions in the U.S. ................... | ////////////////// | 0082        89,741 | 2.
   a. U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks (including their IBFs) ... | 0083             0 | ////////////////// | 2.a.
   b. Other commercial banks in the U.S. and other depository institutions   | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
      in the U.S. (including their IBFs) ................................... | 0085        89,741 | ////////////////// | 2.b.
3. Balances due from banks in foreign countries and foreign central banks .. | ////////////////// | 0070         1,038 | 3.
   a. Foreign branches of other U.S. banks ................................. | 0073             0 | ////////////////// | 3.a.
   b. Other banks in foreign countries and foreign central banks ........... | 0074         1,038 | ////////////////// | 3.b.
4. Balances due from Federal Reserve Banks ................................. | 0090             0 | 0090             0 | 4.
5. Total (sum of items 1 through 4) (total of column A must equal            | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   Schedule RC, sum of items 1.a and 1.b) .................................. | 0010       644,597 | 0010       644,597 | 5.
                                                                             ___________________________________________
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  ______________________
Memorandum                                                            Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RCON  Bil Mil Thou |
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                                               <C>                    <C>
1. Noninterest-bearing balances due from commercial banks in the U.S. (included in item 2,        | ////////////////// |
   column B above) .............................................................................. | 0050        89,566 | M.1.
                                                                                                  ______________________
</TABLE>



Schedule RC-B--Securities
Exclude assets held in trading accounts.
<TABLE>
                                                                                                                   _______
                                                                                                                  | C410  |

                                       ___________________________________________________________________________ ________
                                      |             Held-to-maturity            |            Available-for-sale           |
                                       _________________________________________ _________________________________________
                                      |     (Column A)     |     (Column B)     |     (Column C)     |     (Column D)     |
                                      |   Amortized Cost   |     Fair Value     |   Amortized Cost   |    Fair Value(1)   |
                                       ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________
          Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou |
______________________________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________
<S>                                   <C>                  <C>                  <C>                  <C>                    <C>
1. U.S. Treasury securities ......... | 0211           250 | 0213           250 | 1286       843,487 | 1287       829,503 | 1.
2. U.S. Government agency             | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   and corporation obligations        | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   (exclude mortgage-backed           | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   securities):                       | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   a. Issued by U.S. Govern-          | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
      ment agencies(2) .............. | 1289             0 | 1290             0 | 1291             0 | 1293             0 | 2.a.
   b. Issued by U.S.                  | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
      Government-sponsored            | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
      agencies(3) ................... | 1294             0 | 1295             0 | 1297             0 | 1298             0 | 2.b.
                                      _____________________________________________________________________________________
<FN>
_____________
(1) Includes equity securities without readily determinable fair values at historical cost in item 6.c, column D.
(2) Includes Small Business Administration "Guaranteed Loan Pool Certificates," U.S. Maritime Administration obligations, and
    Export-Import Bank participation certificates.
(3) Includes obligations (other than mortgage-backed securities) issued by the Farm Credit System, the Federal Home
    Loan Bank System, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Financing
    Corporation, Resolution Funding Corporation, the Student Loan Marketing Association, and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
</TABLE>

                                      13


<PAGE>   33

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                     Page RC-4
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RC-B--Continued

                                    _____________________________________________________________________________________
                                    |             Held-to-maturity            |            Available-for-sale           |
                                     _________________________________________ _________________________________________
                                    |     (Column A)     |     (Column B)     |     (Column C)     |     (Column D)     |
                                    |   Amortized Cost   |     Fair Value     |   Amortized Cost   |    Fair Value(1)   |
                                     ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________
        Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou |
____________________________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________
<S>                                 <C>                  <C>                 <C>                  <C>
3. Securities issued by states      | ////////////////// |/ //////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
   and political subdivisions       | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
   in the U.S.:                     | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////// //////  |
   a. General obligations ......... | 1676             0 |1677             0 | 1678             0 | 1679            0  | 3.a.
   b. Revenue obligations ......... | 1681            42 |1686            45 | 1690             0 | 1691            0  | 3.b.
   c. Industrial development ...... | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
   and similiar obligations ........| 1694             0 |1695             0 | 1696             0 | 1697            0  | 3.c.
4. Mortgage-backed:                 | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
   securities (MBS):                | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
   a. Pass-through securities:      | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
   (1) Guaranteed by                | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
       GNMA ....................... | 1698             0 |1699             0 | 1701           849 | 1702          849  | 4.a.(1)
   (2) Issued by FNMA               | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
       and FHLMC  ................. | 1703             0 |1705             0 | 1706       847,095 | 1707      849,756  | 4.a.(2)
   (3) Other pass-through           | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ///////////////////| /////////////////  |
       secruities ................. | 1709             0 |1710             0 | 1711             0 | 1713            0  | 4.a.(3)
  b.  Other mortgage-backed         | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
       securities (include CMO's,   | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
       REMICs, and stripped         | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
       MBS):                        | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
       (1) Issued or guaranteed     | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
           by FNMA, FHLMC,          | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
           or GNMA ...............  | 1714             0 |1715             0 | 1716             0 | 1717            0  | 4.b.(1)
       (2) Collateralized           | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
           by MBS issued or         | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
           guaranteed by FNMA       | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
           FHLMC, or GNMA ........  | 1718             0 |1719             0 | 1731             0 | 1732            0  | 4.b.(2)
       (3) All other mortgage-      | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// |  ////////////////  |
           backed securities .....  | 1733             0 |1734             0 | 1735             0 | 1736            0  | 4.b.(3)
5. Other debt securities:           | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
   a. Other domestic debt           | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
      securities                    | 1737             0 |1738             0 | 1739           478 | 1741          475  | 5.a.
   b. Foreign debt                  | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
      securities .................  | 1742         2,900 |1743         2,900 | 1744             0 | 1746            0  | 5.b.
6. Equity securities:               | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
   a. Investments in mutual         | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
      funds ......................  | ////////////////// |////////////////// | 1747         9,427 | 1748        9,427  | 6.a.
   b. Other equity securities       | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
      with readily determin-        | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
      able fair values ...........  | ////////////////// |////////////////// | 1749             0 | 1751            0  | 6.b.
   c. All other equity              | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
      securities (1) .............  | ////////////////// |////////////////// | 1752       116,420 | 1753      116,420  | 6.c.
7. Total (sum of items 1            | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
   through 6) (total of             | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
   column A must equal              | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
   Schedule RC, item 2.a)           | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
   (total of column D must          | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
   equal Schedule RC,               | ////////////////// |////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
   item 2.b) .....................  | 1754         3,192 | 1771        3,195 | 1772     1,817,756 | 1773     1,806,430 | 7.
____________                        |__________________________________________________________________________________|
1) Includes equity securities without readily determinable fair values at historical cost in item 6.c, column D.


</TABLE>
                                                                    14

<PAGE>   34

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                     Page RC-5
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RC-B--Continued


<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              ___________
Memoranda                                                                                                     |   C412  | <-
                                                                                                   ___________ _________
                                                                       Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou |
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                                                <C>                    <C>
1. Pledged securities(2) ......................................................................... | 0416       934,681 | M.1.
2. Maturity and repricing data for debt securities(2)(3)(4) (excluding those in nonaccrual status):| ////////////////// |
   a. Fixed rate debt securities with a remaining maturity of:                                     | ////////////////// |
      (1) Three months or less ................................................................... | 0343         5,621 | M.2.a.(1)
      (2) Over three months through 12 months .................................................... | 0344             0 | M.2.a.(2)
      (3) Over one year through five years ....................................................... | 0345     1,548,431 | M.2.a.(3)
      (4) Over five years ........................................................................ | 0346        27,232 | M.2.a.(4)
      (5) Total fixed rate debt securities (sum of Memorandum items 2.a.(1) through 2.a.(4)) ..... | 0347     1,581,284 | M.2.a.(5)
   b. Floating rate debt securities with a repricing frequency of:                                 | ////////////////// |
      (1) Quarterly or more frequently ........................................................... | 4544        99,741 | M.2.b.(1)
      (2) Annually or more frequently, but less frequently than quarterly ........................ | 4545         2,750 | M.2.b.(2)
      (3) Every five years or more frequently, but less frequently than annually ................. | 4551             0 | M.2.b.(3)
      (4) Less frequently than every five years .................................................. | 4552             0 | M.2.b.(4)
      (5) Total floating rate debt securities (sum of Memorandum items 2.b.(1) through 2.b.(4)) .. | 4553       102,491 | M.2.b.(5)
   c. Total debt securities (sum of Memorandum items 2.a.(5) and 2.b.(5)) (must equal total debt   | ////////////////// |
      securities from Schedule RC-B, sum of items 1 through 5, columns A and D, minus nonaccrual   | ////////////////// |
      debt securities included in Schedule RC-N, item 9, column C) ............................... | 0393     1,683,775 | M.2.c.
3. Not applicable                                                                                  | ////////////////// |
4. Held-to-maturity debt securities restructured and in compliance with modified terms (included   | ////////////////// |
   in Schedule RC-B, items 3 through 5, column A, above) ......................................... | 5365             0 | M.4.
5. Not applicable                                                                                  | ////////////////// |
6. Floating rate debt securities with a remaining maturity of one year or less(2)(4) (included in  | ////////////////// |
   Memorandum items 2.b(1) through 2.b.(4) above)................................................. | 5519         1,000 | M.6.
7. Amortized cost of held-to-maturity securities sold or transferred to available-for-sale or      | ////////////////// |
   trading securities during the calendar year-to-date (report the amortized cost at date of sale. | ////////////////// |
   or transfer ................................................................................... | 1778             0 | m.7.
8. High-Risk mortgage securities (included in the held-to-maturity and available-for-sale          | ////////////////// |
   accounts in Schedule RC-B, item 4.b):                                                           | ////////////////// |
   a. Amortized cost ............................................................................. | 8780             0 | M.8.a.
   b. Fair Value ................................................................................. | 8781             0 | M.8.b.
9. Structured notes (included in the held-to-maturity and available-for-sale accounts in           | ////////////////// |
      Schedule RC-B, items.2, 3, and 5):                                                           | ////////////////// |
   a. Amortized cost ............................................................................. | 8782             0 | M.9.a.
   b. Fair Value ................................................................................. | 8783             0 | M.9.b.
                                                                                                   ----------------------
____________
(2) Includes held-to-maturity securities at amortized cost and available-for-sale securities at fair value.
(3) Exclude equity securities, e.g., investments in mutual funds, Federal Reserve stock, common stock, and preferred stock.
(4) Memorandum items 2 and 6 are not applicable to savings banks that must complete supplemental Schedule RC-J.




                                      15

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   35
<TABLE>

Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                   Call Date:  3/31/96  ST-BK:  09-0590 FFIEC 031
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115                                                    Page RC-6

<CAPTION>
Schedule RC-C--Loans and Lease Financing Receivables

Part I. Loans and Leases

Do not deduct the allowance for loan and lease losses from amounts                                            __________
reported in this schedule.  Report total loans and leases, net of unearned   _________________________________|  C415  | <-
income.  Exclude assets held for trading.                                    |     (Column  A)    |     (Column B)     |
                                                                             |    Consolidated    |      Domestic      |
                                                                             |        Bank        |      Offices       |
                                                                              ____________________ ____________________
                                                 Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou | RCON  Bil Mil Thou |
_____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                          <C>                  <C>                     <C>
 1. Loans secured by real estate ........................................... | 1410     3,574,653 | ////////////////// |  1.
    a. Construction and land development ................................... | ////////////////// | 1415        51,282 |  1.a.
    b. Secured by farmland (including farm residential and other             | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       improvements) ....................................................... | ////////////////// | 1420           307 |  1.b.
    c. Secured by 1-4 family residential properties:                         | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       (1) Revolving, open-end loans secured by 1-4 family residential       | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
           properties and extended under lines of credit ................... | ////////////////// | 1797       325,605 |  1.c.(1)
       (2) All other loans secured by 1-4 family residential properties:     | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
           (a) Secured by first liens ...................................... | ////////////////// | 5367     2,073,517 |  1.c.(2)(a)
           (b) Secured by junior liens ..................................... | ////////////////// | 5368       172,054 |  1.c.(2)(b)
    d. Secured by multifamily (5 or more) residential properties ........... | ////////////////// | 1460        65,430 |  1.d.
    e. Secured by nonfarm nonresidential properties ........................ | ////////////////// | 1480       886,458 |  1.e.
 2. Loans to depository institutions:                                        | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    a. To commercial banks in the U.S. ..................................... | ////////////////// | 1505       204,042 |  2.a.
       (1) To U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks .................. | 1506             0 | ////////////////// |  2.a.(1)
       (2) To other commercial banks in the U.S. ........................... | 1507       204,042 | ////////////////// |  2.a.(2)
    b. To other depository institutions in the U.S. ........................ | 1517             0 | 1517             0 |  2.b.
    c. To banks in foreign countries ....................................... | ////////////////// | 1510             0 |  2.c.
       (1) To foreign branches of other U.S. banks ......................... | 1513             0 | ////////////////// |  2.c.(1)
       (2) To other banks in foreign countries ............................. | 1516             0 | ////////////////// |  2.c.(2)
 3. Loans to finance agricultural production and other loans to farmers .... | 1590         1,568 | 1590         1,568 |  3.
 4. Commercial and industrial loans:                                         | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    a. To U.S. addressees (domicile) ....................................... | 1763     5,397,715 | 1763     5,397,715 |  4.a.
    b. To non-U.S. addressees (domicile) ................................... | 1764             0 | 1764             0 |  4.b.
 5. Acceptances of other banks:                                              | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    a. Of U.S. banks ....................................................... | 1756         1,538 | 1756         1,538 |  5.a.
    b. Of foreign banks .................................................... | 1757             0 | 1757             0 |  5.b.
 6. Loans to individuals for household, family, and other personal           | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    expenditures (i.e., consumer loans) (includes purchased paper) ......... | ////////////////// | 1975       548,048 |  6.
    a. Credit cards and related plans (includes check credit and other       | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       revolving credit plans) ............................................. | 2008        25,114 | ////////////////// |  6.a.
    b. Other (includes single payment, installment, and all student loans) . | 2011       522,934 | ////////////////// |  6.b.
 7. Loans to foreign governments and official institutions (including        | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    foreign central banks) ................................................. | 2081             0 | 2081             0 |  7.
 8. Obligations (other than securities and leases) of states and political   | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    subdivisions in the U.S. (includes nonrated industrial development       | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    obligations) ........................................................... | 2107        27,864 | 2107        27,864 |  8.
 9. Other loans ............................................................ | 1563       934,616 | ////////////////// |  9.
    a. Loans for purchasing or carrying securities (secured and unsecured) . | ////////////////// | 1545       155,278 |  9.a.
    b. All other loans (exclude consumer loans) ............................ | ////////////////// | 1564       779,338 |  9.b.
10. Lease financing receivables (net of unearned income) ................... | ////////////////// | 2165         7,297 | 10.
    a. Of U.S. addressees (domicile) ....................................... | 2182         7,297 | ////////////////// | 10.a.
    b. Of non-U.S. addressees (domicile) ................................... | 2183             0 | ////////////////// | 10.b.
11. LESS: Any unearned income on loans reflected in items 1-9 above ........ | 2123        17,613 | 2123        17,613 | 11.
12. Total loans and leases, net of unearned income (sum of items 1 through   | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    10 minus item 11) (total of column A must equal Schedule RC, item 4.a) . | 2122    10,679,728 | 2122    10,679,728 | 12.
                                                                             ___________________________________________
</TABLE>


                                      16


<PAGE>   36

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590 FFIEC031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                               Page:  RC-7
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RC-C--Continued

Part I. Continued
                                                                             ___________________________________________
                                                                             |     (Column  A)    |     (Column B)     |
                                                                             |    Consolidated    |      Domestic      |
Memoranda                                                                    |        Bank        |      Offices       |
                                                                              ____________________ ____________________
                                                 Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou | RCON  Bil Mil Thou |
_____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                          <C>                  <C>                 <C>
 1. Commercial paper included in Schedule RC-C, part I, above .............. | 1496             0 | 1496             0 | M.1.
 2. Loans and leases restructured and in compliance with modified terms      | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    (included in Schedule RC-C, part I, above and not reported as past due   | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    or nonaccrual in Schedule RC-N, Memorandum item 1):                      | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    a. Loans secured by real estate:                                         | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       (1) To U.S. addressees (domicile) ................................... | 1687        19,431 | M.2.a.(1)
       (2) To non-U.S. addressees (domicile) ............................... | 1689             0 | M.2.a.(2)
    b. All other loans and all lease financing receivables (exclude loans    | ////////////////// |
       to individuals for household, family, and other personal expenditures)| 8691             0 | M.2.b.
    c. Commercial and industrial loans to and lease financing receivables    | ////////////////// |
       of non-U.S. addressees (domicile) included in Memorandum item 2.b     | ////////////////// |
       above ............................................................... | 8692             0 | M.2.c.
 3. Maturity and repricing data for loans and leases(1) (excluding those     | ////////////////// |
    in nonaccrual status):                                                   | ////////////////// |
    a. Fixed rate loans and leases with a remaining maturity of:             | ////////////////// |
       (1) Three months or less ............................................ | 0348     4,174,641 | M.3.a.(1)
       (2) Over three months through 12 months ............................. | 0349        85,961 | M.3.a.(2)
       (3) Over one year through five years ................................ | 0356       965,740 | M.3.a.(3)
       (4) Over five years ................................................. | 0357     1,877,648 | M.3.a.(4)
       (5) Total fixed rate loans and leases (sum of                         | ////////////////// |
           Memorandum items 3.a.(1) through 3.a.(4)) ....................... | 0358     7,103,990 | M.3.a.(5)
    b. Floating rate loans with a repricing frequency of:                    | ////////////////// |
       (1) Quarterly or more frequently .................................... | 4554     2,937,472 | M.3.b.(1)
       (2) Annually or more frequently, but less frequently than quarterly . | 4555       547,425 | M.3.b.(2)
       (3) Every five years or more frequently, but less frequently than     | ////////////////// |
           annually ........................................................ | 4561        20,958 | M.3.b.(3)
       (4) Less frequently than every five years ........................... | 4564             0 | M.3.b.(4)
       (5) Total floating rate loans (sum of Memorandum items 3.b.(1)        | ////////////////// |
           through 3.b.(4)) ................................................ | 4567     3,505,855 | M.3.b.(5)
    c. Total loans and leases (sum of Memorandum items 3.a.(5) and 3.b.(5))  | ////////////////// |
       (must equal the sum of total loans and leases, net, from              | ////////////////// |
       Schedule RC-C, part I, item 12, plus unearned income from             | ////////////////// |
       Schedule RC-C, part I, item 11, minus total nonaccrual loans and      | ////////////////// |
       leases from Schedule RC-N, sum of items 1 through 8, column C) ...... | 1479    10,609,845 | M.3.c.
    d. Floating rate loans with a remaining maturity of one year or less     | ////////////////// |
       (included in Memorandum items 3.b.(1) through 3.b.(4) above)......... | A246       277,721 | M.3.d.
 4. Loans to finance commercial real estate, construction, and land          | ////////////////// |
    development activities (not secured by real estate) included in          | ////////////////// |
    Schedule RC-C, part I, items 4 and 9, column A, page RC-6(2) ........... | 2746        47,652 | M.4.
 5. Loans and leases held for sale (included in Schedule RC-C, part I,       | ////////////////// |
    above .................................................................. | 5369             0 | M.5.
 6. Adjustable rate closed-end loans secured by first liens on 1-4 family    | ////////////////// |_____________________
    residential properties (included in Schedule RC-C, part I, item          | ////////////////// | RCON  Bil Mil Thou |
                                                                             | ////////////////// |____________________
    1.c.(2)(a), column B, page RC-6) ....................................... | ////////////////// | 5370       425,358 | M.6.
                                                                             ___________________________________________
<FN>
_____________________________
(1) Memorandum item 3 is not applicable to savings banks that must complete supplememtal Schedule RC-J.
(2) Exclude loans secured by real estate that are included in Schedule RC-C, part I, item 1, column A.






Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                     Page RC-8
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________

Schedule RC-D--Trading Assets and Liabilities                                                                     _________

Schedule RC-D is to be completed only by banks with $1 billion or more intotal assets or with $2 billion or more in par/notional
amount of off-balance sheet derivative contracts (as reported in Schedule RC-L, items 14.a through 14.e, columns A through D).

                                                                                                                  | C420   |
                                                                 Dollar Amounts in Thousands        //////////  Bil Mil Thou
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________|________|
<S>                                                                                               <C>                     <C>
ASSETS                                                                                            | /////////////////////// |
 1. U.S. Treasury securities in domestic offices ................................................ | RCON 3531             0 |  1.
 2. U.S. Government agency and corporation obligations in domestic offices (exclude mortgage-     | /////////////////////// |
    backed securities) .......................................................................... | RCON 3532             0 |  2.
 3. Securities issued by states and political subdivisions in the U.S. in domestic offices ...... | RCON 3533             0 |  3.
 4. Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) in domestic offices ........................................ | /////////////////////// |
    a. Pass-through securities issued or guaranteed by FNMA, FHLMC, or GNMA ..................... | RCON 3534             0 |  4.a.
    b. Other mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by FNMA, FHLMC, or GNMA              | /////////////////////// |
       (include CMOs, REMICs, and stripped MBS) ................................................. | RCON 3535             0 |  4.b.
    c. All other mortgage-backed securities ......................................................| RCON 3536             0 |  4.c.
 5. Other debt securities in domestic offices ................................................... | RCON 3537             0 |  5.
 6. Certificates of deposit in domestic offices ................................................. | RCON 3538             0 |  6.
 7. Commercial paper in domestic offices ........................................................ | RCON 3539             0 |  7.
 8. Bankers acceptances in domestic offices ..................................................... | RCON 3540             0 |  8.
 9. Other trading assets in domestic offices .................................................... | RCON 3541             0 |  9.
10. Trading assets in foreign offices ........................................................... | RCFN 3542             0 | 10.
11. Revaluation gains on interest rate, foreign exchange rate, and other commodity and equity     | /////////////////////// |
    contracts:                                                                                    | /////////////////////// |
    a. In domestic offices ...................................................................... | RCON 3543           484 | 11.a.
    b. In foreign offices ....................................................................... | RCFN 3544             0 | 11.b.
12. Total trading assets (sum of items 1 through 11) (must equal Schedule RC, item 5) ........... | RCFD 3545           484 | 12.
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  ___________________________
                                                                                                  ___________________________
                                                                                                  | /////////  Bil Mil Thou |
LIABILITIES                                                                                        _________________________
<S>                                                                                               <C>                         <C>
13. Liability for short positions ............................................................... | RCFD 3546             0 | 13.
14. Revaluation losses on interest rate, foreign exchange rate, and other commodity and equity    | /////////////////////// |
    contracts ................................................................................... | RCFD 3547           460 | 14.
15. Total trading liabilities (sum of items 13 and 14) (must equal Schedule RC, item 15.b) ...... | RCFD 3548           460 | 15.
                                                                                                  ___________________________
</TABLE>



                                      18


<PAGE>   37

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                     Page RC-9
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RC-E--Deposit Liabilities

Part I. Deposits in Domestic Offices
                                                                                                                __________
                                                                                                                |  C425  | <-
                                                          ______________________________________________________ ________
                                                          |                                         |   Nontransaction   |
                                                          |          Transaction  Accounts          |      Accounts      |
                                                           _________________________________________ ____________________
                                                          |     (Column A)     |    (Column B)      |     (Column C)     |
                                                          |  Total transaction |    Memo: Total     |        Total       |
                                                          | accounts (including|  demand deposits   |   nontransaction   |
                                                          |    total demand    |   (included in     |      accounts      |
                                                          |      deposits)     |     column A)      |  (including MMDAs) |
                                                           ____________________ ____________________ ____________________
                              Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RCON  Bil Mil Thou | RCON  Bil Mil Thou | RCON  Bil Mil Thou |
__________________________________________________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________
<S>                                                       <C>                  <C>                  <C>                    <C>
Deposits of:                                              | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
1. Individuals, partnerships, and corporations .......... | 2201     1,870,879 | 2240     1,790,783 | 2346     5,557,638 | 1.
2. U.S. Government ...................................... | 2202        32,574 | 2280        32,277 | 2520             0 | 2.
3. States and political subdivisions in the U.S. ........ | 2203       150,578 | 2290       127,109 | 2530       106,071 | 3.
4. Commercial banks in the U.S. ......................... | 2206       202,546 | 2310       202,546 | 2550           100 | 4.
5. Other depository institutions in the U.S. ............ | 2207       174,699 | 2312       174,699 | 2349           500 | 5.
6. Banks in foreign countries ........................... | 2213           318 | 2320           318 | 2236             0 | 6.
7. Foreign governments and official institutions          | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   (including foreign central banks) .................... | 2216             0 | 2300             0 | 2377             0 | 7.
8. Certified and official checks ........................ | 2330        38,836 | 2330        38,836 | ////////////////// | 8.
9. Total (sum of items 1 through 8) (sum of               | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   columns A and C must equal Schedule RC,                | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   item 13.a) ........................................... | 2215     2,470,430 | 2210     2,366,568 | 2385     5,664,309 | 9.
                                                          ________________________________________________________________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    ______________________
Memoranda                                                               Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RCON  Bil Mil Thou |
____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                                                 <C>                    <C>
1. Selected components of total deposits (i.e., sum of item 9, columns A and C):                    | ////////////////// |
   a. Total Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and Keogh Plan accounts ......................... | 6835       698,350 | M.1.a.
   b. Total brokered deposits ..................................................................... | 2365       974,688 | M.1.b.
   c. Fully insured brokered deposits (included in Memorandum item 1.b above):                      | ////////////////// |
      (1) Issued in denominations of less than $100,000 ........................................... | 2343            60 | M.1.c.(1)
      (2) Issued either in denominations of $100,000 or in denominations greater than $100,000      | ////////////////// |
          and participated out by the broker in shares of $100,000 or less ........................ | 2344       974,628 | M.1.c.(2)
   d. Maturity data for brokered deposits:                                                          | ////////////////// |
      (1) Brokered deposits issued in denominations of less than $100,000 with a remaining          | ////////////////// |
          maturity of one year or less (included in Memorandum item 1.c.(1) above)................. | A243            40 | M.1.d.(1)
      (2) Brokered deposits issued in denominations of $100,000 or more with a remaining            | ////////////////// |
          maturity of one year or less (included in memorandum item 1.b above)..................... | A244       348,862 | M.1.d.(2)
   e. Preferred deposits (uninsured deposits of states and political subdivisions in the U.S.       | ////////////////// |
      reported in item 3 above which are secured or collateralized as required under state law) ... | 5590       250,556 | M.1.e.
2. Components of total nontransaction accounts (sum of Memoranda items 2.a through 2.d must         | ////////////////// |
   equal item 9, column C above):                                                                   | ////////////////// |
   a. Savings deposits:                                                                             | ////////////////// |
      (1) Money market deposit accounts (MMDAs) ................................................... | 6810     2,070,204 | M.2.a.(1)
      (2) Other savings deposits (excludes MMDAs) ................................................. | 0352       607,255 | M.2.a.(2)
   b. Total time deposits of less than $100,000 ................................................... | 6648     1,723,479 | M.2.b.
   c. Time certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more ............................................ | 6645     1,263,371 | M.2.c.
   d. Open-account time deposits of $100,000 or more .............................................. | 6646             0 | M.2.d.
3. All NOW accounts (included in column A above) .................................................. | 2398       103,862 | M.3.
4. Not applicable.
                                                                                                    ______________________
</TABLE>

                                      19


<PAGE>   38

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                    Page RC-10
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
<CAPTION>
Schedule RC-E--Continued

Part I. Continued

Memoranda (continued)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   ______________________
                                                                       Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RCON  Bil Mil Thou |
___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                                                <C>                    <C>
5. Maturity and repricing data for time deposits of less than $100,000 (sum of                     | ////////////////// |
   Memorandum items 5.a.(1) through 5.b.(3) must equal Memorandum item 2.b above):(1)              | ////////////////// |
   a. Fixed rate time deposits of less than $100,000 with a remaining maturity of:                 | ////////////////// |
      (1) Three months or less.................................................................... | A225       606,686 | M.5.a.(1)
      (2) Over three months through 12 months..................................................... | A226       797,678 | M.5.a.(2)
      (3) Over one year........................................................................... | A227       271,853 | M.5.a.(3)
   b. Floating rate time deposits of less than $100,000 with a repricing frequency of:             | ////////////////// |
      (1) Quarterly or more frequently............................................................ | A228        47,262 | M.5.b.(1)
      (2) Annually or more frequently, but less frequently than quarterly......................... | A229             0 | M.5.b.(2)
      (3) Less frequently than annually........................................................... | A230             0 | M.5.b.(3)
   c. Floating rate time deposits of less than $100,000 with a remaining maturity of               | ////////////////// |
      one year or less (included in Memorandum items 5.b.(1) through 5.b.(3) above)............... | A231        28,168 | M.5.c.
6. Maturity and repricing data for time deposits of $100,000 or more (i.e., time certificates      | ////////////////// |
   of deposits of $100,000 or more and open-account time deposits of $100,000 or more)             | ////////////////// |
   (sum of Memorandum items 6.a.(1) through 6.b.(4) must equal the sum of Memorandum               | ////////////////// |
   items 2.c and 2.d above):(1)                                                                    | ////////////////// |
   a. Fixed rate time deposits of $100,000 or more wiht a remaining maturity of:                   | ////////////////// |
      (1) Three months or less ................................................................... | A232       270,543 | M.6.a.(1)
      (2) Over three months through 12 months .................................................... | A233       297.457 | M.6.a.(2)
      (3) Over one year through five years ....................................................... | A234       695,371 | M.6.a.(3)
      (4) Over five years ........................................................................ | A235             0 | M.6.a.(4)
   b. Floating rate time deposits of $100,000 or more with a repricing frequency of:               | ////////////////// |
      (1) Quarterly or more frequently ........................................................... | A236             0 | M.6.b.(1)
      (2) Annually or more frequently, but less frequently than quarterly ........................ | A237             0 | M.6.b.(2)
      (3) Every five years or more frequently, but less frequently than annually ................. | A238             0 | M.6.b.(3)
      (4) Less frequently than every five years .................................................. | A239             0 | M.6.b.(4)
   c. Floating rate time deposits of $100,000 or more with a remaining maturity of                 | ////////////////// |
      one year or less (included in Memorandum items 6.b.(1) through 6.b.(4) above)............... | A240             0 | M.6.c.
                                                                                                   ______________________
<FN>
_____________
(1) Memorandum items 5 and 6 are not applicable to savings banks that must complete supplemental Schedule RC-J.
</TABLE>


                                      20


<PAGE>   39


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                     Page RC-11
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RC-E--Continued

Part II. Deposits in Foreign Offices (including Edge and
Agreement subsidiaries and IBFs)

                                                                                                   ______________________
                                                                       Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RCFN  Bil Mil Thou |
___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                                                <C>                    <C>
Deposits of:                                                                                       | ////////////////// |
1. Individuals, partnerships, and corporations ................................................... | 2621       256,352 | 1.
2. U.S. banks (including IBFs and foreign branches of U.S. banks) ................................ | 2623             0 | 2.
3. Foreign banks (including U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks, including their IBFs).... | 2625         5,000 | 3.
4. Foreign governments and official institutions (including foreign central banks) ............... | 2650             0 | 4.
5. Certified and official checks ................................................................. | 2330             0 | 5.
6. All other deposits ............................................................................ | 2668             0 | 6.
7. Total (sum of items 1 through 6) (must equal Schedule RC, item 13.b) .......................... | 2200       261,352 | 7.

Memorandum
                                                                       Dollar Amounts in Thousands |RCFN   Bil Mil Thou |
1. Time deposits with a remaining maturity of one year or less (included in Part II, item 7 above) |A245        261,352 | M.1.
                                                                                                   ______________________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RC-F--Other Assets
                                                                                                                   __________
                                                                                                                   |  C430  | <-
                                                                                                  _________________ ________
                                                                      Dollar Amounts in Thousands | ////////// Bil Mil Thou |
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________
<S>                                                                                               <C>                         <C>
1. Income earned, not collected on loans ........................................................ | RCFD 2164        51,988 | 1.
2. Net deferred tax assets(1) ................................................................... | RCFD 2148       166,839 | 2.
3. Excess residential mortgage servicing fees receivable ........................................ | RCFD 5371        17,484 | 3.
4. Other (itemize and describe amounts that exceed 25% of this item)............................. | RCFD 2168       379,174 | 4.
      _____________                                                    ___________________________
   a. | TEXT 3549 |____________________________________________________| RCFD 3549 |              | /////////////////////// | 4.a.
       ___________
   b. | TEXT 3550 |____________________________________________________| RCFD 3550 |              | /////////////////////// | 4.b.
       ___________
   c. | TEXT 3551 |____________________________________________________| RCFD 3551 |              | /////////////////////// | 4.c.
      _____________
                                                                       ___________________________
5. Total (sum of items 1 through 4) (must equal Schedule RC, item 11) ........................... | RCFD 2160       615,485 | 5.
                                                                                                  ___________________________
<CAPTION>
Memorandum                                                                                        ___________________________
                                                                      Dollar Amounts in Thousands | ////////// Bil Mil Thou |
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________
<S>                                                                                               <C>                         <C>
1. Deferred tax assets disallowed for regulatory capital purposes ............................... | RCFD 5610             0 | M.1.
                                                                                                  ___________________________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RC-G--Other Liabilities
                                                                                                                   __________
                                                                                                                   |  C435  | <-
                                                                                                  _________________ ________
                                                                      Dollar Amounts in Thousands | ////////// Bil Mil Thou |
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________
<S>                                                                                               <C>                         <C>
1. a. Interest accrued and unpaid on deposits in domestic offices(2) ............................ | RCON 3645        24,670 | 1.a.
   b. Other expenses accrued and unpaid (includes accrued income taxes payable) ................. | RCFD 3646       305,857 | 1.b.
2. Net deferred tax liabilities(1) .............................................................. | RCFD 3049             0 | 2.
3. Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries ............................................... | RCFD 3000             0 | 3.
4. Other (itemize and describe amounts that exceed 25% of this item)............................. | RCFD 2938        32,552 | 4.
      _____________                                                    ___________________________
   a. | TEXT 3552 |____________________________________________________| RCFD 3552 |              | /////////////////////// | 4.a.
       ___________
   b. | TEXT 3553 |____________________________________________________| RCFD 3553 |              | /////////////////////// | 4.b.
       ___________
   c. | TEXT 3554 |____________________________________________________| RCFD 3554 |              | /////////////////////// | 4.c.
      _____________
                                                                       ___________________________
5. Total (sum of items 1 through 4) (must equal Schedule RC, item 20) ........................... | RCFD 2930       363,079 | 5.
                                                                                                  ___________________________
<FN>
____________
(1) See discussion of deferred income taxes in Glossary entry on "income taxes."
(2) For savings banks, include "dividends" accrued and unpaid on deposits.
</TABLE>


                                      21


<PAGE>   40

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                     Page RC-12
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RC-H--Selected Balance Sheet Items for Domestic Offices
                                                                                                                 __________
                                                                                                                 |  C440  | <-
                                                                                                     ____________ ________
                                                                                                     |  Domestic Offices  |
                                                                                                      ____________________
                                                                         Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RCON  Bil Mil Thou |
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                                                  <C>                     <C>
1. Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding .................................... | 2155         6,513 |  1.
2. Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding ........................................ | 2920         6,513 |  2.
3. Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell .......................... | 1350             0 |  3.
4. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase ...................... | 2800     2,065,157 |  4.
5. Other borrowed money ............................................................................ | 3190     1,098,032 |  5.
   EITHER                                                                                            | ////////////////// |
6. Net due from own foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs ..................... | 2163           N/A |  6.
   OR                                                                                                | ////////////////// |
7. Net due to own foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs ....................... | 2941       261,771 |  7.
8. Total assets (excludes net due from foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs) . | 2192    13,927,565 |  8.
9. Total liabilities (excludes net due to foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs)| 3129    12,286,580 |  9.
                                                                                                     ______________________

</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Items 10-17 include held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities in domestic offices.          ______________________
                                                                                                     | RCON  Bil Mil Thou |
                                                                                                      ____________________
<S>                                                                                                  <C>                     <C>
10. U.S. Treasury securities ....................................................................... | 1779       829,753 | 10.
11. U.S. Government agency and corporation obligations (exclude mortgage-backed                      | ////////////////// |
    securities) .................................................................................... | 1785             0 | 11.
12. Securities issued by states and political subdivisions in the U.S. ............................. | 1786            42 | 12.
13. Mortgage-backed securities (MBS):                                                                | ////////////////// |
    a. Pass-through securities:                                                                      | ////////////////// |
       (1) Issued or guaranteed by FNMA, FHLMC, or GNMA ............................................ | 1787       850,605 | 13.a.(1)
       (2) Other pass-through securities ........................................................... | 1869             0 | 13.a.(2)
    b. Other mortgage-backed securities (include CMOs, REMICs, and stripped MBS):                    | ////////////////// |
       (1) Issued or guaranteed by FNMA, FHLMC, or GNMA ............................................ | 1877             0 | 13.b.(1)
       (2) All other mortgage-backed securities..................................................... | 2253             0 | 13.b.(2)
14. Other domestic debt securities ................................................................. | 3159           475 | 14.
15. Foreign debt securities ........................................................................ | 3160         2,900 | 15.
16. Equity securities:                                                                               | ////////////////// |
    a. Investments in mutual funds ................................................................. | 3161         9,427 | 16.a.
    b. Other equity securities with readily determinable fair values ............................... | 3162             0 | 16.b.
    c. All other equity securities ................................................................. | 3169       116,420 | 16.c.
17. Total held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities (sum of items 10 through 16) .......... | 3170     1,809,622 | 17.
                                                                                                     ______________________

</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Memorandum (to be completed only by banks with IBFs and other "foreign" offices)

                                                                                                     ______________________
                                                                         Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RCON  Bil Mil Thou |
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                                                  <C>                    <C>
   EITHER                                                                                            | ////////////////// |
1. Net due from the IBF of the domestic offices of the reporting bank .............................. | 3051           N/A | M.1.
   OR                                                                                                | ////////////////// |
2. Net due to the IBF of the domestic offices of the reporting bank ................................ | 3059           N/A | M.2.
                                                                                                     ______________________
</TABLE>


                                      22


<PAGE>   41

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                     Page RC-13
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RC-I--Selected Assets and Liabilities of IBFs

To be completed only by banks with IBFs and other "foreign" offices.                                             __________
                                                                                                                 |  C445  | <-
                                                                                                     ____________ ________
                                                                         Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RCFN  Bil Mil Thou |
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                                                  <C>                    <C>
 1. Total IBF assets of the consolidated bank (component of Schedule RC, item 12) .................. | 2133           N/A | 1.
 2. Total IBF loans and lease financing receivables (component of Schedule RC-C, part I, item 12,    | ////////////////// |
    column A) ...................................................................................... | 2076           N/A | 2.
 3. IBF commercial and industrial loans (component of Schedule RC-C, part I, item 4, column A) ..... | 2077           N/A | 3.
 4. Total IBF liabilities (component of Schedule RC, item 21) ...................................... | 2898           N/A | 4.
 5. IBF deposit liabilities due to banks, including other IBFs (component of Schedule RC-E,          | ////////////////// |
    part II, items 2 and 3) ........................................................................ | 2379           N/A | 5.
 6. Other IBF deposit liabilities (component of Schedule RC-E, part II, items 1, 4, 5, and 6) ...... | 2381           N/A | 6.
                                                                                                     ______________________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RC-K--Quarterly Averages (1)
                                                                                                                __________
                                                                                                                |  C455  |  <-
                                                                                               _________________ ________
                                                                   Dollar Amounts in Thousands | /////////  Bil Mil Thou |
_______________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________
<S>                                                                                            <C>                          <C>
ASSETS                                                                                         | /////////////////////// |
 1. Interest-bearing balances due from depository institutions ............................... | RCFD 3381         1,841 |  1.
 2. U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government agency and corporation obligations(2) ....... | RCFD 3382     2,327,287 |  2.
 3. Securities issued by states and political subdivisions in the U.S.(2) .................... | RCFD 3383            42 |  3.
 4. a. Other debt securities(2) .............................................................. | RCFD 3647       537,639 |  4.a.
    b. Equity securities(3) (includes investments in mutual funds and Federal Reserve stock) . | RCFD 3648       124,253 |  4.b.
 5. Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell in domestic offices | /////////////////////// |
    of the bank and of its Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and in IBFs ...................... | RCFD 3365        24,049 |  5.
 6. Loans:                                                                                     | /////////////////////// |
    a. Loans in domestic offices:                                                              | /////////////////////// |
       (1) Total loans ....................................................................... | RCON 3360    11,036,031 |  6.a.(1)
       (2) Loans secured by real estate ...................................................... | RCON 3385     3,924,553 |  6.a.(2)
       (3) Loans to finance agricultural production and other loans to farmers ............... | RCON 3386         1,787 |  6.a.(3)
       (4) Commercial and industrial loans ................................................... | RCON 3387     5,456,987 |  6.a.(4)
       (5) Loans to individuals for household, family, and other personal expenditures ....... | RCON 3388       620,136 |  6.a.(5)
                                                                                               | /////////////////////// |
    b. Total loans in foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs ............. | RCFN 3360             0 |  6.b.
 7. Trading assets ........................................................................... | RCFD 3401           658 |  7.
 8. Lease financing receivables (net of unearned income) ..................................... | RCFD 3484         9,155 |  8.
 9. Total assets (4) ......................................................................... | RCFD 3368    15,745,746 |  9.
LIABILITIES                                                                                    | /////////////////////// |
10. Interest-bearing transaction accounts in domestic offices (NOW accounts, ATS accounts,     | /////////////////////// |
    and telephone and preauthorized transfer accounts) (exclude demand deposits) ............. | RCON 3485       145,491 | 10.
11. Nontransaction accounts in domestic offices:                                               | /////////////////////// |
    a. Money market deposit accounts (MMDAs) ................................................. | RCON 3486     1,367,351 | 11.a.
    b. Other savings deposits ................................................................ | RCON 3487     1,715,719 | 11.b.
    c. Time certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more ...................................... | RCON 3345     1,290,422 | 11.c.
    d. All other time deposits ............................................................... | RCON 3469     2,270,162 | 11.d.
12. Interest-bearing deposits in foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs .. | RCFN 3404       357,799 | 12.
13. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase in domestic     | /////////////////////// |
    offices of the bank and of its Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and in IBFs .............. | RCFD 3353     2,634,782 | 13.
14. Other borrowed money ..................................................................... | RCFD 3355     1,058,218 | 14.
                                                                                               ___________________________
<FN>
_____________
(1) For all items, banks have the option of reporting either (1) an average of daily figures for the quarter, or
    (2) an average of weekly figures (i.e., the Wednesday of each week of the quarter).
(2) Quarterly averages for all debt securities should be based on amortized cost.
(3) Quarterly averages for all equity securities should be based on historical cost.
(4) The quarterly average for total assets should reflect all debt securities (not held for trading) at amortized
    cost, equity securities with readily determinable fair values at the lower of cost or fair value, and equity
    securities without readily determinable fair values at historical cost.
</TABLE>



                                      23


<PAGE>   42

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                    Page RC-14
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RC-L--Off-Balance Sheet Items

Please read carefully the instructions for the preparation of Schedule RC-L.  Some of the amounts
reported in Schedule RC-L are regarded as volume indicators and not necessarily as measures of risk.            __________
                                                                                                                |  C460  |  <-
                                                                                                    ____________ ________
                                                                        Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou |
____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                                                 <C>                     <C>
 1. Unused commitments:                                                                             | ////////////////// |
    a. Revolving, open-end lines secured by 1-4 family residential properties, e.g., home           | ////////////////// |
       equity lines ............................................................................... | 3814       404,731 |  1.a.
    b. Credit card lines .......................................................................... | 3815             0 |  1.b.
    c. Commercial real estate, construction, and land development:                                  | ////////////////// |
       (1) Commitments to fund loans secured by real estate ....................................... | 3816       112,242 |  1.c.(1)
       (2) Commitments to fund loans not secured by real estate ................................... | 6550         4,610 |  1.c.(2)
    d. Securities underwriting .................................................................... | 3817             0 |  1.d.
    e. Other unused commitments ................................................................... | 3818     5,996,651 |  1.e.
 2. Financial standby letters of credit and foreign office guarantees ............................. | 3819     1,038,270 |  2.
                                                                         ___________________________
    a. Amount of financial standby letters of credit conveyed to others  | RCFD 3820 |        1,075 | ////////////////// |  2.a.
                                                                         ___________________________
 3. Performance standby letters of credit and foreign office guarantees ........................... | 3821        48,181 |  3.
    a. Amount of performance standby letters of credit conveyed to                                  | ////////////////// |
                                                                         ___________________________
       others .......................................................... | RCFD 3822 |            0 | ////////////////// |  3.a.
                                                                         ___________________________
 4. Commercial and similar letters of credit ...................................................... | 3411       129,940 |  4.
 5. Participations in acceptances (as described in the instructions) conveyed to others by          | ////////////////// |
    the reporting bank ............................................................................ | 3428             0 |  5.
 6. Participations in acceptances (as described in the instructions) acquired by the reporting      | ////////////////// |
    (nonaccepting) bank ........................................................................... | 3429             0 |  6.
 7. Securities borrowed ........................................................................... | 3432             0 |  7.
 8. Securities lent (including customers' securities lent where the customer is indemnified         | ////////////////// |
    against loss by the reporting bank) ........................................................... | 3433             0 |  8.
 9. Loans transferred (i.e., sold or swapped) with recourse that have been treated as sold for      | ////////////////// |
    Call Report purposes:                                                                           | ////////////////// |
    a. FNMA and FHLMC residential mortgage loan pools:                                              | ////////////////// |
       (1) Outstanding principal balance of mortgages transferred as of the report date ........... | 3650        60,259 |  9.a.(1)
       (2) Amount of recourse exposure on these mortgages as of the report date ................... | 3651        54,182 |  9.a.(2)
    b. Private (nongovernment-issued or -guaranteed) residential mortgage loan pools:               | ////////////////// |
       (1) Outstanding principal balance of mortgages transferred as of the report date ........... | 3652             0 |  9.b.(1)
       (2) Amount of recourse exposure on these mortgages as of the report date ................... | 3653             0 |  9.b.(2)
    c. Farmer Mac agricultural mortgage loan pools:                                                 | ////////////////// |
       (1) Outstanding principal balance of mortgages transferred as of the report date ........... | 3654             0 |  9.c.(1)
       (2) Amount of recourse exposure on these mortgages as of the report date ................... | 3655             0 |  9.c.(2)
    d. Small business obligations transferred with recourse under Section 208 of the                | ////////////////// |
       Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994:                         | ////////////////// |
       (1) Outstanding principal balance of small business obligations transferred                  | ////////////////// |
           as of the report date................................................................... | A249             0 | 9.d.(1)
       (2) Amount of retained recourse on these obligations as of the report date.................. | A250             0 | 9.d.(2)
10. When-issued securities:                                                                         | ////////////////// |
    a. Gross commitments to purchase .............................................................. | 3434             0 | 10.a.
    b. Gross commitments to sell .................................................................. | 3435             0 | 10.b.
11. Spot foreign exchange contracts ............................................................... | 8765             0 | 11.
12. All other off-balance sheet liabilities (exclude off-balance sheet derivatives ) (itemize and   | ////////////////// |
    describe each component of this item over 25% of Schedule RC, item 28, "Total equity capital")  | 3430             0 | 12.
    a. | TEXT 3555 |______________________________________________________| RCFD 3555 |             | ////////////////// | 12.a.

    b. | TEXT 3556 |______________________________________________________| RCFD 3556 |             | ////////////////// | 12.b.
        ___________
    c. | TEXT 3557 |______________________________________________________| RCFD 3557 |             | ////////////////// | 12.c.
       _____________
    d. | TEXT 3558 |______________________________________________________| RCFD 3558 |             | ////////////////// | 12.d.
       _____________


                                                      Dollar Amounts in Thousands                     RCFD  Bil Mil Thou
13. All other off-balance sheet assets (exclude off-balance sheet derivatives) (itemize and         | ////////////////// |
    describe each component of this item over 25% of Schedule RC,item 28,"Total equity capital")    | 5591             0 | 13.

       _____________                                                      __________________________
    a. | TEXT 5592 |______________________________________________________| RCFD 5592 |             | ////////////////// | 13.a.
        ___________
    b. | TEXT 5593 |______________________________________________________| RCFD 5593 |             | ////////////////// | 13.b.
        ___________
    c. | TEXT 5594 |______________________________________________________| RCFD 5594 |             | ////////////////// | 13.c.
       _____________
    d. | TEXT 5595 |______________________________________________________| RCFD 5595 |             | ////////////////// | 13.d.
       _____________
                                                                          ________________________________________________

</TABLE>


                                                                         24

<PAGE>   43


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590 FFIEC 031
  Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                   Page RC-15
  City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
  FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|


Schedule RC-L -- Continued

                                                                                                             _____________
                                                                                                             |    C461   | <-
                                       _________________________________________ ____________________________|___________|
                                      |     (Column A)    |     (Column B)     |     (Column C)     |     (Column D)     |
                                      |   Interest Rate   |   Foreign Exchange | Equity Derivative  | Commodity and other|
                                      |     Contracts     |     Contracts      |    Contracts       |     Contracts      |
                                      |___________________|____________________|____________________|____________________|
          Dollar Amounts in Thousands |Tril Bil Mil Thou  | Tril Bil Mil Thou  | Tril Bil Mil Thou  | Tril Bil Mil Thou  |
   ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________|
<S>                                   <C>                 <C>                  <C>                  <C>                   <C>
   |  Off-balance Sheet Derivatives   | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   |      Position Indicators         | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   ___________________________________| ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
14. Gross amounts (e.g., notional     | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    amounts) (for each column, sum of | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    items 14.a through 14.e must equal| ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    sum of items 15, 16.a, and 16.b): |___________________|____________________|___________________ |____________________|
   a. Future contracts .............. |                 0 |                  0 |                  0 |                  0 | 14.a.
                                      |     RCFD 8693     |      RCFD 8694     |       RCFD 8695    |    RCFD 8696       |
   b. Forward contracts ............. |                 0 |                  0 |                  0 |                  0 | 14.b.
                                      |     RCFD 8697     |      RCFD 8698     |       RCFD 8699    |    RCFD 8700       |
   c. Exchange-traded option contracts| ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       (1) Written options .......... |                 0 |                  0 |                  0 |                  0 | 14.c.(1)
                                      |      RCFD 8701    |      RCFD 8702     |       RCFD 8703    |    RCFD 8704       |
       (2) Purchased options ........ |                 0 |                  0 |                  0 |                  0 | 14.c.(2)
                                      |      RCFD 8705    |      RCFD 8706     |       RCFD 8707    |    RCFD 8708       |
d. Over-the-counter option contracts: | //////////////////| /////////////////  | /////////////////  | ////////////////   |
       (1) Written options .......... |            68,500 |                  0 |                  0 |                  0 | 14.d.(1)
                                      |      RCFD 8709    |      RCFD 8710     |      RCFD 8711     |    RCFD 8712       |
       (2) Purchased options ........ |           368,500 |                  0 |                  0 |                  0 | 14.d.(2)
                                      |      RCFD 8713    |      RCFD 8714     |      RCFD 8715     |    RCFD 8716       |
e. Swaps ............................ |         4,553,328 |                  0 |                  0 |                  0 | 14.e.
                                      |      RCFD 3450    |      RCFD 3826     |      RCFD 8719     |    RCFD 8720       |
15. Total gross notional amount of    | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    derivative contracts held for     | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    trading ......................... |           160,000 |                  0 |                  0 |                  0 | 15.
                                      |      RCFD A126    |      RFD A127      |      RCFD 8723     |    RCFD 8724       |
16. Total gross notional amount of    | ///////////////// |  ////////////////  | /////////////////  | ////////////////// |
    derivative contracts held for     | ///////////////// | /////////////////  | /////////////////  | ////////////////// |
    purposes other than trading:      | ///////////////// | /////////////////  | /////////////////  | ////////////////// |
    a. Contracts marked to market ... |                 0 |                 0  |                  0 |                  0 | 16.a.
                                      |      RCFD 8725    |     RCFD 8726      |      RCF 8727      |     RCFD 8728      |
    b. Contracts not marked to market |         4,830,328 |                 0  |                  0 |                  0 | 16.b.
                                      |      RCFD 8729    |     RCFD 8730      |      RFD 8731      |     RCFD 8732      |
                                      ___________________________________________________________________________________|
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   44
                                                                      25

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
  Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                           Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590 FFIEC 031
  Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                  Page RC-15
  City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
  FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|

Schedule RC-L -- Continued
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       _________________________________________ _________________________________________
                                      |     (Column A)    |     (Column B)     |     (Column C)     |     (Column D)     |
                                      |   Interest Rate   |   Foreign Exchange | Equity Derivative  | Commodity and other|
                                      |     Contracts     |     Contracts      |    Contracts       |     Contracts      |
                                      |___________________|____________________|____________________|____________________|
          Dollar Amounts in thousands |RCFD Bil Mil Thou  | RCFD Bil Mil Thou  | RCFD Bil Mil Thou  | RCFD Bil Mil Thou  |
   ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________|
<S>                                   <C>                 <C>                  <C>                  <C>                   <C>
   |  Off-balance Sheet Derivatives   | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   |      Position Indicators         | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   ___________________________________| ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
                                      | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
17. Gross fair values of              | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    derivative contracts:             | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    a. Contracts held for             | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       trading:                       | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       (1) Gross positive             | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       fair value ................... | 8733          484 | 8734            0  | 8735             0 | 8736             0 | 17.a.(1)
       (2) Gross negative             | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       fair value ................... | 8737          460 | 8738            0  | 8739             0 | 8740             0 | 17.a.(2)
    b. Contracts held for             | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       purposes other than            | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       trading that are marked        | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       to market:                     | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       (1) Gross positive             | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       fair value ................... | 8741            0 | 8742             0 | 8743             0 | 8744             0 | 17.b.(1)
       (2) Gross negative             | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       fair value ................... | 8745            0 | 8746             0 | 8747             0 | 8748             0 | 17.b.(2)
    c. Contracts held for             | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       purposes other than            | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       trading that are not           | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       marked to market:              | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       (1) Gross positive             | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
        fair value .................. | 8749        5,594 | 8750             0 | 8751             0 | 8752             0 | 17.c.(1)
       (2) Gross negative             | ///////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       fair value ................... | 8753       44,514 | 8754             0 | 8755             0 | 8756             0 | 17.c.(2)
                                      |__________________________________________________________________________________|

                                                                                                    ______________________
Memoranda                                                              Dollar Amounts in Thousands  | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou |
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1. -2. Not applicable                                                                               | ////////////////// |
3. Unused commitments with an original maturity exceeding one year that are reported in             | ////////////////// |
   Schedule RC-L, items 1.a through 1.e, above (report only the unused portions of commitments      | ////////////////// |
   that are fee paid or otherwise legally binding) ................................................ | 3833     4,493,867 | M.3.
   a. Participations in commitments with an original maturity                                       | ////////////////// |
      exceeding one year conveyed to others ................................|RCFD 3834  |    93,830 | ////////////////// | M.3.a.
                                                                            ________________________
4. To be completed only by banks with $1 billion or more in total assets:                           | ////////////////// |
   Standby letters of credit and foreign office guarantees (both financial and performance) issued  | ////////////////// |
   to non-U.S. addressees (domicile) included in Schedule RC-L, items 2 and 3, above .............. | 3377       317,126 | M.4.
5. Installment loans to individuals for household, family, and other personal expenditures that     | ////////////////// |
   have been securitized and sold without recourse (with servicing retained), amounts outstanding   | ////////////////// |
   by type of loan:                                                                                 | ////////////////// |
   a. Loans to purchase private passenger automobiles (to be completed for the                      | ////////////////// |
      September report only)....................................................................... | 2741           N/A | M.5.a.
   b. Credit cards and related plans (TO BE COMPLETED QUARTERLY)................................... | 2742             0 | M.5.b.
   c. All other consumer installment credit (including mobile home loans)(to be completed for the   | ////////////////// |
      September report only........................................................................ | 2743           N/A | M.5.c

</TABLE>
<PAGE>   45

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                    Call Date: 03/31/96 ST-BK: 09-0590 FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                  Page RC-17
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|                                                                               _____________
                                                                                                                |  C465     |
                                                                                                       _________|___________|
 Schedule RC-M--Memoranda                                                                              |                    |
                                                                         Dollar Amounts in Thousands   | RCFD Bil Mil Thou  |
 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________|____________________|
<S>                                                                                                   <C>                   <C>
1.  Extensions of credit by the reporting bank to its executive officers, directors, principal        | ////////////////// |
    shareholders, and their related interests as of the report date:                                  | ////////////////// |
    a. Aggregate amount of all extensions of credit to all executive officers, directors, principal   | ////////////////// |
       shareholders and their related interests ..................................................... | 6164       159,583 | 1.a.
    b. Number of executive officers, directors, and principal shareholders to whom the amount of all  | ////////////////// |
       extensions of credit by the reporting bank (including extensions of credit to                  | ////////////////// |
       related interests) equals or exceeds the lesser of $500,000 or 5 percent                Number | ////////////////// |
                                                                           ___________________________| ////////////////// |
       of total capital as defined for this purpose in agency regulations. | RCFD 6165 |            7 | ////////////////// |
                                                                           ___________________________| ////////////////// | 1.b.
2. Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell with U.S. branches          | ////////////////// |
   and agencies of foreign banks(1) (included in Schedule RC, items 3.a and 3.b) .................... | 3405             0 | 2.
3. Not applicable.                                                                                    | ////////////////// |
4. Outstanding principal balance of 1-4 family residential mortgage loans serviced for others         | ////////////////// |
   (include both retained servicing and purchased servicing):                                         | ////////////////// |
   a. Mortgages serviced under a GNMA contract ...................................................... | 5500        20,866 | 4.a.
   b. Mortgages serviced under a FHLMC contract:                                                      | ////////////////// |
      (1) Serviced with recourse to servicer ........................................................ | 5501        11,305 | 4.b.(1)
      (2) Serviced without recourse to servicer ..................................................... | 5502     1,163,045 | 4.b.(2)
   c. Mortgages serviced under a FNMA contract:                                                       | ////////////////// |
      (1) Serviced under a regular option contract .................................................. | 5503        48,954 | 4.c.(1)
      (2) Serviced under a special option contract .................................................. | 5504     2,112,518 | 4.c.(2)
   d. Mortgages serviced under other servicing contracts ............................................ | 5505     3,306,908 | 4.d.
5. To be completed only by banks with $1 billion or more in total assets:                             | ////////////////// |
   Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding (sum of items 5.a and 5.b must        | ////////////////// |
   equal Schedule RC, item 9):                                                                        | ////////////////// |
   a. U.S. addressees (domicile) .................................................................... | 2103         6,513 | 5.a.
   b. Non-U.S. addressees (domicile) ................................................................ | 2104             0 | 5.b.
6. Intangible assets:                                                                                 | ////////////////// |
  a. Mortgage servicing rights .....................................................................  | 3164        28,816 | 6.a.
  b. Other identifiable intangible assets:                                                            | ////////////////// |
     (1) Purchased credit card relationships .......................................................  | 5506             0 | 6.b.(1)
     (2) All other identifiable intangible assets ..................................................  | 5507             0 | 6.b.(2)
   c. Goodwill ...................................................................................... | 3163       255,078 | 6.c.
   d. Total (sum of items 6.a through 6.c) (must equal Schedule RC, item 10) ........................ | 2143       283,894 | 6.d.
   e. Amount of intangible assets (included in item 6.b.(2) above) that have been grandfathered or    | ////////////////// |
      are otherwise qualifying for regulatory capital purposes ...................................... | 6442             0 | 6.e.
7. Mandatory convertible debt, net of common or perpetual preferred stock dedicated to                | ////////////////// |
   redeem the debt ...................................................................................| 3295             0 | 7.
                                                                                                      ______________________

- ------------
(1) Do not report federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell with other
    commercial banks in the U.S. in this item.

</TABLE>
                                                                         27

<PAGE>   46



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATINAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                     Call Date: 03/31/96 ST-BK: 09-0590 FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                         Page RC-18
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|

Schedule RC-M--Continued                                                                      ________________________
                                                           Dollar Amounts in Thousands        |           Bil Mil Thou|
_____________________________________________________________________________________________ |_______________________|
<S>                                                                                          <C>                      C>
 8. a. Other real estate owned:                                                              | /////////////////////// |
       (1) Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures ......................... | RCFD 5372             0 |  8.a.(1)
       (2) All other real estate owned:                                                      | /////////////////////// |
           (a) Construction and land development in domestic offices ....................... | RCON 5508            74 |  8.a.(2)(a)
           (b) Farmland in domestic offices ................................................ | RCON 5509             0 |  8.a.(2)(b)
           (c) 1-4 family residential properties in domestic offices ....................... | RCON 5510           596 |  8.a.(2)(c)
           (d) Multifamily (5 or more) residential properties in domestic offices .......... | RCON 5511           192 |  8.a.(2)(d)
           (e) Nonfarm nonresidential properties in domestic offices ....................... | RCON 5512             9 |  8.a.(2)(e)
           (f) In foreign offices .......................................................... | RCFN 5513             0 |  8.a.(2)(f)
       (3) Total (sum of items 8.a.(1) and 8.a.(2)) (must equal Schedule RC, item 7) ....... | RCFD 2150           871 |  8.a.(3)
    b. Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies:                  | /////////////////////// |
       (1) Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures ......................... | RCFD 5374             0 |  8.b.(1)
       (2) All other investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies ... | RCFD 5375             0 |  8.b.(2)
       (3) Total (sum of items 8.b.(1) and 8.b.(2)) (must equal Schedule RC, item 8) ....... | RCFD 2130             0 |  8.b.(3)
    c. Total assets of unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies ................ | RCFD 5376             0 |  8.c.
 9. Noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus included in Schedule RC,     | /////////////////////// |
    item 23, "Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus" ............................... | RCFD 3778             0 |  9.
10. Mutual fund and annuity sales in domestic offices during the quarter (include            | /////////////////////// |
    proprietary, private label, and third party products):                                   | /////////////////////// |
    a. Money market funds .................................................................. | RCON 6441             0 | 10.a.
    b. Equity securities funds ............................................................. | RCON 8427             0 | 10.b.
    c. Debt securities funds ............................................................... | RCON 8428             0 | 10.c.
    d. Other mutual funds .................................................................. | RCON 8429             0 | 10.d.
    e. Annuities ........................................................................... | RCON 8430             0 | 10.e.
    f. Sales of proprietary mutual funds and annuities (included in itmes 10.a through       | /////////////////////// |
    10.e. above) ........................................................................... | RCON 8784             0 | 10.f.
                                                                                              _________________________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|                                                                                                                               |
                                                                                                  ______________________
|Memorandum                                                           Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou |        |
 _________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                                               <C>                    <C>
|1. Interbank holdings of capital instruments (to be completed for the December report only):     | ////////////////// |        |
|   a. Reciprocal holdings of banking organizations' capital instruments ........................ | 3836           N/A | M.1.a. |
|   b. Nonreciprocal holdings of banking organizations' capital instruments ..................... | 3837           N/A | M.1.b. |
                                                                                                  ______________________
|                                                                                                                               |
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
</TABLE>



                                      28


<PAGE>   47

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                    Page RC-19
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RC-N--Past Due and Nonaccrual Loans, Leases,
               and Other Assets

The FFIEC regards the information reported in                                                               __________
all of Memorandum item 1, in items 1 through 10,                                                            |  C470  | <-
column A, and in Memorandum items 2 through 4,        ______________________________________________________ ________
column A, as confidential.                            |     (Column A)     |    (Column B)      |    (Column C)      |
                                                      |      Past due      |    Past due 90     |    Nonaccrual      |
                                                      |   30 through 89    |    days or more    |                    |
                                                      |   days and still   |     and still      |                    |
                                                      |      accruing      |     accruing       |                    |
                                                       ____________________ ____________________ ____________________
                          Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou |
______________________________________________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________
<S>                                                   <C>                  <C>                  <C>                     <C>
 1. Loans secured by real estate:                     | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    a. To U.S. addressees (domicile) ................ | 1245               | 1246        18,232 | 1247        53,840 |  1.a.
    b. To non-U.S. addressees (domicile) ............ | 1248               | 1249             0 | 1250             0 |  1.b.
 2. Loans to depository institutions and              | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    acceptances of other banks:                       | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    a. To U.S. banks and other U.S. depository        | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       institutions ................................. | 5377               | 5378             0 | 5379             0 |  2.a.
    b. To foreign banks ............................. | 5380               | 5381             0 | 5382             0 |  2.b.
 3. Loans to finance agricultural production and      | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    other loans to farmers .......................... | 1594               | 1597             0 | 1583           100 |  3.
 4. Commercial and industrial loans:                  | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    a. To U.S. addressees (domicile) ................ | 1251               | 1252         1,756 | 1253        31,162 |  4.a.
    b. To non-U.S. addressees (domicile) ............ | 1254               | 1255             0 | 1256             0 |  4.b.
 5. Loans to individuals for household, family, and   | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    other personal expenditures:                      | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | /////////////////  |
    a. Credit cards and related plans ............... | 5383               | 5384           183 | 5385           184 |  5.a.
    b. Other (includes single payment, installment,   | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       and all student loans) ....................... | 5386               | 5387         1,542 | 5388         2,138 |  5.b.
 6. Loans to foreign governments and official         | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    institutions .................................... | 5389               | 5390             0 | 5391             0 |  6.
 7. All other loans ................................. | 5459               | 5460           253 | 5461            72 |  7.
 8. Lease financing receivables:                      | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    a. Of U.S. addressees (domicile) ................ | 1257               | 1258             0 | 1259             0 |  8.a.
    b. Of non-U.S. addressees (domicile) ............ | 1271               | 1272             0 | 1791             0 |  8.b.
 9. Debt securities and other assets (exclude other   | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    real estate owned and other repossessed assets) . | 3505               | 3506             0 | 3507             0 |  9.
                                                      ________________________________________________________________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
====================================================================================================================================

Amounts reported in items 1 through 8 above include guaranteed and unguaranteed portions of past due and nonaccrual loans and
leases.  Report in item 10 below certain guaranteed loans and leases that have already been included in the amounts reported in
items 1 through 8.

                                                      ________________________________________________________________
                                                      | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou |
                                                       ____________________ ____________________ ____________________
<S>                                                   <C>                  <C>                  <C>                    <C>
10. Loans and leases reported in items 1              |                    |                    |                    |
    through 8 above which are wholly or partially     | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    guaranteed by the U.S. Government ............... | 5612               | 5613           324 | 5614           317 | 10.
    a. Guaranteed portion of loans and leases         | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       included in item 10 above .................... | 5615               | 5616           256 | 5617           263 | 10.a.
                                                      ________________________________________________________________
</TABLE>


                                      29


<PAGE>   48

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                    Page RC-20
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RC-N--Continued
                                                                                                            __________
                                                                                                            |  C473  | <-
                                                      ______________________________________________________ ________
                                                      |     (Column A)     |    (Column B)      |    (Column C)      |
                                                      |      Past due      |    Past due 90     |    Nonaccrual      |
                                                      |   30 through 89    |    days or more    |                    |
                                                      |   days and still   |     and still      |                    |
Memoranda                                             |      accruing      |     accruing       |                    |
                                                       ____________________ ____________________ ____________________
                          Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou |
______________________________________________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________
<S>                                                   <C>                  <C>                  <C>                    <C>
 1. Restructured loans and leases included in         | ////////////////// | /////////////////// | ///////////////// |
    Schedule RC-N, items 1 through 8, above (and not  | ////////////////// | /////////////////// | ///////////////// |
    reported in Schedule RC-C, part I, Memorandum     | ////////////////// | /////////////////// | ///////////////// |
    item 2) ......................................... | 1658               |                     |                   | M.1.
 2. Loans to finance commercial real estate,          | ////////////////// | /////////////////// | ///////////////// |
    construction, and land development activities     | ////////////////// | /////////////////// | ///////////////// |
    (not secured by real estate) included in          | ////////////////// | /////////////////// | ///////////////// |
    Schedule RC-N, items 4 and 7, above ............. | 6558               | 6559            593 | 6560           26 | M.2.
                                                      |____________________|____________________ |___________________
 3. Loans secured by real estate in domestic offices  | RCON  Bil Mil Thou | RCON   Bil Mil Thou | RCON  Bil Mil Thou|
                                                      |___________________ |____________________ ____________________
    (included in Schedule RC-N, item 1, above):       | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    a. Construction and land development ............ | 2759               | 2769             0 | 3492         1,108 | M.3.a.
    b. Secured by farmland .......................... | 3493               | 3494             0 | 3495             0 | M.3.b.
    c. Secured by 1-4 family residential properties:  | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       (1) Revolving, open-end loans secured by       | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
           1-4 family residential properties and      | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
           extended under lines of credit ........... | 5398               | 5399         1,772 | 5400         2,746 | M.3.c.(1)
       (2) All other loans secured by 1-4 family      | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
           residential properties ................... | 5401               | 5402        12,822 | 5403        13,798 | M.3.c.(2)
    d. Secured by multifamily (5 or more)             | ////////////////// | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       residential properties ....................... | 3499               | 3500         1,426 | 3501         1,352 | M.3.d.
    e. Secured by nonfarm nonresidential properties . | 3502               | 3503         2,212 | 3504        34,836 | M.3.e.
                                                      ________________________________________________________________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      ___________________________________________
                                                      |     (Column A)     |    (Column B)      |
                                                      |    Past due 30     |    Past due 90     |
                                                      |  through 89 days   |    days or more    |
                                                       ____________________ ____________________
                                                      | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou |
                                                       ____________________ ____________________
<S>                                                   <C>                  <C>                    <C>
 4. Interest rate, foreign exchange rate, and other   | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    commodity and equity contracts:                   | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
    a. Book value of amounts carried as assets ...... | 3522               | 3528             0 | M.4.a.
    b. Replacement cost of contracts with a           | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
       positive replacement cost .................... | 3529               | 3530             0 | M.4.b.
                                                      ___________________________________________
</TABLE>

                                      30


<PAGE>   49

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                    Page RC-21
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                                                                                          ______________________
Schedule RC-O--Other Data for Deposit Insurance Assessments                                        |       C475         |
                                                                                                   |____________________|
                                                                      Dollar Amounts in Thousands  | RCON  Bil Mil Thou |
___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                                               <C>                  <C>
 1. Unposted debits (see instructions):                                                            | ////////////////// |
    a. Actual amount of all unposted debits ...................................................... | 0030             0 |  1.a.
       OR                                                                                          | ////////////////// |
    b. Separate amount of unposted debits:                                                         | ////////////////// |
       (1) Actual amount of unposted debits to demand deposits ................................... | 0031           N/A |  1.b.(1)
       (2) Actual amount of unposted debits to time and savings deposits(1) ...................... | 0032           N/A |  1.b.(2)
 2. Unposted credits (see instructions):                                                           | ////////////////// |
    a. Actual amount of all unposted credits ..................................................... | 3510             0 |  2.a.
       OR                                                                                          | ////////////////// |
    b. Separate amount of unposted credits:                                                        | ////////////////// |
       (1) Actual amount of unposted credits to demand deposits .................................. | 3512           N/A |  2.b.(1)
       (2) Actual amount of unposted credits to time and savings deposits(1) ..................... | 3514           N/A |  2.b.(2)
 3. Uninvested trust funds (cash) held in bank's own trust department (not included in total       | ////////////////// |
    deposits in domestic offices) ................................................................ | 3520        28,655 |  3.
 4. Deposits of consolidated subsidiaries in domestic offices and in insured branches in           | ////////////////// |
    Puerto Rico and U.S. territories and possessions (not included in total deposits):             | ////////////////// |
    a. Demand deposits of consolidated subsidiaries .............................................. | 2211         3,266 |  4.a.
    b. Time and savings deposits(1) of consolidated subsidiaries ................................. | 2351         5,000 |  4.b.
    c. Interest accrued and unpaid on deposits of consolidated subsidiaries ...................... | 5514             2 |  4.c.
 5. Deposits in insured branches in Puerto Rico and U.S. territories and possessions:              | ////////////////// |
    a. Demand deposits in insured branches (included in Schedule RC-E, Part II) .................. | 2229             0 |  5.a.
    b. Time and savings deposits(1) in insured branches (included in Schedule RC-E, Part II) ..... | 2383             0 |  5.b.
    c. Interest accrued and unpaid on deposits in insured branches                                 | ////////////////// |
       (included in Schedule RC-G, item 1.b) ..................................................... | 5515             0 |  5.c.
                                                                                                   ______________________
                                                                                                   ______________________
 Item 6 is not applicable to state nonmember banks that have not been authorized by the            | ////////////////// |
 Federal Reserve to act as pass-through correspondents.                                            | ////////////////// |
 6. Reserve balances actually passed through to the Federal Reserve by the reporting bank on       | ////////////////// |
    behalf of its respondent depository institutions that are also reflected as deposit liabilities| ////////////////// |
    of the reporting bank:                                                                         | ////////////////// |
    a. Amount reflected in demand deposits (included in Schedule RC-E, item 4 or 5, column B)..... | 2314             0 |  6.a.
    b. Amount reflected in time and savings deposits(1) (included in Schedule RC-E,                | ////////////////// |
       item 4 or 5, column A or C, but not column B).............................................. | 2315             0 |  6.b.
 7. Unamortized premiums and discounts on time and savings deposits:(1)                            | ////////////////// |
    a. Unamortized premiums ...................................................................... | 5516             0 |  7.a.
    b. Unamortized discounts ..................................................................... | 5517             0 |  7.b.
                                                                                                   ______________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|                                                                                                                             |
|8.  To be completed by banks with "Oakar deposits."                                                                          |
                                                                                                   ______________________
|    Total "Adjusted Attributable Deposits" of all institutions acquired under Section 5(d)(3) of  | ////////////////// |     |
|    the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (from most recent FDIC Oakar Transaction Worksheet(s)) .... | 5518       864,186 |  8. |
                                                                                                   ______________________
|                                                                                                                             |
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                                                                                   ______________________
 9. Deposits in lifeline accounts ................................................................ | 5596 ///////////// |  9.
10. Benefit-responsive "Depository Institution Investment Contracts" (included in total            | ////////////////// |
    deposits in domestic offices) ................................................................ | 8432             0 | 10.
                                                                                                   ______________________
<FN>
______________
(1) For FDIC insurance assessment purposes, "time and savings deposits" consists of nontransaction
    accounts and all transaction accounts other than demand deposits.
</TABLE>

                                      31


<PAGE>   50


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                     Page RC-22
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RC-O--Continued

                                                                     Dollar Amounts in Thousands  | RCON  Bil Mil Thou |
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                                              <C>                  <C>
11. Adjustments to demand deposits in domestic offices reported in Schedule RC-E for              | ////////////////// |
    certain reciprocal demand balances:                                                           | ////////////////// |
a.  Amount by which demand deposits would be reduced if reciprocal demand balances                | ////////////////// |
    between the reporting bank and savings associations were reported on a net basis              | ////////////////// |
    rather than a gross basis in Schedule RC-E .................................................. | 8785             0 | 11.a.
b.  Amount by which demand deposits would be increased if reciprocal demand balances              | ////////////////// |
    between the reporting bank and U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks were               | ////////////////// |
    reported on a gross basis rather than a net basis in Schedule RC-E .......................... | A181             0 | 11.b.
c.  Amount by which demand deposits would be reduced if cash items in process of                  | ////////////////// |
    collections were included in the calculation of net reciprocal demand balances between        | ////////////////// |
    the reporting bank and the domestic offices of U.S. banks and savings associations            | ////////////////// |
    in Schedule RC-E ............................................................................ | A182             0 | 11.c.
                                                                                                   ____________________

Memoranda (to be completed each quarter except as noted)          Dollar Amounts in Thousands   | RCON  Bil Mil Thou |
________________________________________________________________________________________________|____________________|
1.  Total deposits in domestic offices of the bank (sum of Memorandum items 1.a. (1) and        | ////////////////// |
    1.b.(1) must equal Schedule RC, item 13.a):                                                 | ////////////////// |
    a.  Deposits accounts of $100,000 or less:                                                  | ////////////////// |
        (1) amount of deposit accounts of $100,000 or less .................................... | 2702     4,389,311 | M.1.a.(1)
        (2) Number of deposit accounts of $100,000 or less (to be                        Number | ////////////////// |
            completed for the June report only) ..........................|RCON 3779________N/A | ////////////////// | M.1.a.(2)
    b.  Deposit accounts of more than $100,000:                                                 | ////////////////// |
        (1) Amount of deposit accounts of more than $100,000 .................................. | 2710     3,745,428 | M.1.b.(1)
                                                                                         Number | ////////////////// |
        (2) Number of deposit accounts of more than $100,000 .............|RCON 2722______6,366 | ////////////////// | M.1.b.(2)
2.  Estimated amount of uninsured deposits in domestic offices of the bank:
    a.  An estimate of your bank's uninsured deposits can be determined by mutiplying the
        number of deposit accounts of more than $100,000 reported in Memorandum item 1.b.(2)
        above by $100,000 and subtracting the result from the amount of deposit accounts of
        more than $100,000 reported in Memorandum item 1.b.(1) above.


Indicate in the appropriate box at the right whether your bank has a method or
procedure for determining a better estimate of uninsured deposits that the                ____________YES_______NO__
estimated described above ............................................................... |RCON 6861|      |///| x | M.2.a.

                                                                                                 ____________________
    b.  If the box marked YES has been checked, report the estimate of uninsured deposits        |RCON  Bil Mil Thou|
        determined by using your bank's method or procedure .................................... | 5597         N/A | M.2.b.



_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                                                                                                   |  C477  | <-
Person to whom questions about the Reports of Condition and Income should be directed:                             __________

PAMELA S. FLYNN, VICE PRESIDENT                                              (401) 278-5194
___________________________________________________________________________________    ______________________________________
Name and Title (TEXT 8901)                                                             Area code and phone number (TEXT 8902)

</TABLE>

                                      32


<PAGE>   51

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590  FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                     Page RC-23
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RC-R--Regulatory Capital

This schedule must be completed by all banks as follows:  Banks that reported total assets of $1 billion or more in Schedule RC,
item 12, for June 30, 1995, must complete items 2 through 9 and Memoranda items 1 and 2.  Banks with assets of less than
$1 billion must complete items 1 through 3 below or Schedule RC-R in its entirety, depending on their response to item 1 below.
<S>                                                                                                                       <C>
                                                                                                             ____________
                                                                                                             |   C480   | <-
1. Test for determining the extent to which Schedule RC-R must be completed.  To be completed           _____|__________|
   only by banks with total assets of less than $1 billion.  Indicate in the appropriate                | YES        NO |
   box at the right whether the bank has total capital greater than or equal to eight percent___________ _______________
   of adjusted total assets ............................................................... | RCFD 6056 |     |////|    | 1.
                                                                                            _____________________________
     For purposes of this test, adjusted total assets equals total assets less cash, U.S. Treasuries, U.S. Government
   agency obligations, and 80 percent of U.S. Government-sponsored agency obligations plus the allowance for loan
   and lease losses and selected off-balance sheet items as reported on Schedule RC-L (see instructions).
     If the box marked YES has been checked, then the bank only has to complete items 2 and 3 below.  If the box marked
   NO has been checked, the bank must complete the remainder of this schedule.
     A NO response to item 1 does not necessarily mean that the bank's actual risk-based capital ratio is less than eight
   percent or that the bank is not in compliance with the risk-based capital guidelines.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              ___________________________________________
                                                                              |     (Column A)     |     (Column B)     |
                                                                              |Subordinated Debt(1)|       Other        |
                                                                              |  and Intermediate  |      Limited-      |
Items 2 and 3 are to be completed by all banks.                               |   Term Preferred   |    Life Capital    |
                                                                              |       Stock        |    Instruments     |
                                                                               ____________________ ____________________
                                                  Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou |
______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                           <C>                  <C>                    <C>
2. Subordinated debt(1) and other limited-life capital instruments (original  | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   weighted average maturity of at least five years) with a remaining         | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   maturity of:                                                               | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   a. One year or less ...................................................... | 3780             0 | 3786             0 | 2.a.
   b. Over one year through two years ....................................... | 3781             0 | 3787             0 | 2.b.
   c. Over two years through three years .................................... | 3782             0 | 3788             0 | 2.c.
   d. Over three years through four years ................................... | 3783             0 | 3789             0 | 2.d.
   e. Over four years through five years .................................... | 3784             0 | 3790             0 | 2.e.
   f. Over five years ....................................................... | 3785       440,000 | 3791             0 | 2.f.
3. Amounts used in calculating regulatory capital ratios (report amounts      | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   determined by the bank for its own internal regulatory capital analyses):  | ////////////////// | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou |
   a. Tier 1 capital......................................................... | ////////////////// | 8274     1,131,906 | 3.a.
   b. Tier 2 capital......................................................... | ////////////////// | 8275       614,539 | 3.b.
   c. Total risk-based capital............................................... | ////////////////// | 3792     1,746,445 | 3.c.
   d. Excess allowance for loan and lease losses............................. | ////////////////// | A222        85,540 | 3.d.
   e. Risk-weighted assets................................................... | ////////////////// | A223    13,877,543 | 3.e.
   f. "Average total assets"................................................. | ////////////////// | A224    15,490,668 | 3.f.
                                                                              ___________________________________________
                                                                              |     (Column A)     |     (Column B)     |
Items 4-9 and Memoranda items 1 and 2 are to be completed                     |       Assets       |   Credit Equiv-    |
by banks that answered NO to item 1 above and                                 |      Recorded      |    alent Amount    |
by banks with total assets of $1 billion or more.                             |       on the       |   of Off-Balance   |
                                                                              |   Balance Sheet    |   Sheet Items(2)   |
                                                                               ____________________ ____________________
                                                                              | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou |
                                                                               ____________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                          <C>                  <C>                    <C>
4. Assets and credit equivalent amounts of off-balance sheet items assigned   |                    |                    |
   to the Zero percent risk category:                                         | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   a. Assets recorded on the balance sheet:                                   | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
      (1) Securities issued by, other claims on, and claims unconditionally   | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
          guaranteed by, the U.S. Government and its agencies and other       | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
          OECD central governments .......................................... | 3794       848,861 | ////////////////// | 4.a.(1)
      (2) All other ......................................................... | 3795       168,507 | ////////////////// | 4.a.(2)
   b. Credit equivalent amount of off-balance sheet items ................... | ////////////////// | 3796             0 | 4.b.
                                                                              ___________________________________________
<FN>
______________
(1) Exclude mandatory convertible debt reported in Schedule RC-M, item 7.
(2) Do not report in column B the risk-weighted amount of assets reported in column A.
</TABLE>


                                      33


<PAGE>   52

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590 FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                                                    Page RC-24
City, State   Zip:    HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|
                      ___________
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule RC-R--Continued
                                                                              ___________________________________________
                                                                              |     (Column A)     |     (Column B)     |
                                                                              |       Assets       |   Credit Equiv-    |
                                                                              |      Recorded      |    alent Amount    |
                                                                              |       on the       |   of Off-Balance   |
                                                                              |   Balance Sheet    |   Sheet Items(1)   |
                                                                               ____________________ ____________________
                                                  Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou |
______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________ ____________________
<S>                                                                           <C>                  <C>                    <C>
5. Assets and credit equivalent amounts of off-balance sheet items            | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   assigned to the 20 percent risk category:                                  | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   a. Assets recorded on the balance sheet:                                   | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
      (1) Claims conditionally guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its      | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
          agencies and other OECD central governments ....................... | 3798        21,083 | ////////////////// | 5.a.(1)
      (2) Claims collateralized by securities issued by the U.S. Govern-      | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
          ment and its agencies and other OECD central governments; by        | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
          securities issued by U.S. Government-sponsored agencies; and        | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
          by cash on deposit ................................................ | 3799             0 | ////////////////// | 5.a.(2)
      (3) All other ......................................................... | 3800     1,567,242 | ////////////////// | 5.a.(3)
   b. Credit equivalent amount of off-balance sheet items ................... | ////////////////// | 3801        67,114 | 5.b.
6. Assets and credit equivalent amounts of off-balance sheet items            | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   assigned to the 50 percent risk category:                                  | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   a. Assets recorded on the balance sheet .................................. | 3802     2,037,765 | ////////////////// | 6.a.
   b. Credit equivalent amount of off-balance sheet items ................... | ////////////////// | 3803       116,963 | 6.b.
7. Assets and credit equivalent amounts of off-balance sheet items            | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   assigned to the 100 percent risk category:                                 | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   a. Assets recorded on the balance sheet .................................. | 3804     9,551,472 | ////////////////// | 7.a.
   b. Credit equivalent amount of off-balance sheet items ................... | ////////////////// | 3805     3,288,367 | 7.b.
8. On-balance sheet asset values excluded from the calculation of the         | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   risk-based capital ratio(2) .............................................. | 3806        (7,286)| ////////////////// | 8.
9. Total assets recorded on the balance sheet (sum of                         | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   items 4.a, 5.a, 6.a, 7.a, and 8, column A)(must equal Schedule RC,         | ////////////////// | ////////////////// |
   item 12 plus items 4.b and 4.c) .......................................... | 3807    14,187,644 | ////////////////// | 9.
                                                                              ___________________________________________



Memoranda
                                                                                                 ______________________
                                                                     Dollar Amounts in Thousands | RCFD  Bil Mil Thou |
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________
1.Current credit exposure across all off-balance sheet derivative contracts covered by the        | ///////////////// |
risked-based capital standards ...................................................................| 8764         6,077| M.1.
                                                                                                  |___________________|

                                             ________________________________________________________________
                                             |                           With a remaining maturity of       |
                                             |______________________________________________________________|
                                             |     (Column A)     |    (Column B)      |    (Column C)      |
                                             |                    |                    |                    |
                                             |  One year or less  |  Over one year     |  Over five years   |
                                             |                    | through five years |                    |
                                             |______________________________________________________________|
                                             |RCFD Tril Bil Mil Th|RCFD Tril Bil Mil Th|RCFD Tril Bil Mil Th|
                                             |____________________|____________________|____________________|
2. Notional principal amounts of            <C>                  <C>                  <C>                 <C>
   off-balance sheet derivative contracts(3):|                    |                    |                    |
a. Interest rate contracts ................. | 3809     1,308,203 | 8766     3,328,625 | 8767             0 | M.2.a.
b. Foreign exchange contracts .............. | 3812             0 | 8769             0 | 8770             0 | M.2.b.
c. Gold contracts .......................... | 8771             0 | 8772             0 | 8773             0 | M.2.c.
d. Other precious metals contracts ......... | 8774             0 | 8775             0 | 8776             0 | M.2.d.
e. Other commodity contracts ............... | 8777             0 | 8778             0 | 8779             0 | M.2.e.
f. Equity derivative contracts ............. | A000             0 | A001             0 | A002             0 | M.2.f.
                                             |______________________________________________________________|

_________________
1) Do not report in column B the risk-weighted amount of assets reported in column A.
2) Include the difference between the fair value and the amortized cost of available-for-sale securities in item 8 and report
   the amortized cost of these securities in items 4 through 7 above.  Item 8 also includes on-balance sheet asset values (or
   portions thereof) of off-balance sheet interest rate, foreign exchange rate, and commodity contracts and those contracts (e.g.,
   futures contracts) not subject to risk-based capital.  Exclude from item 8 margin accounts and accrued receivables as well as
   any portion of the allowance for loan and lease losses in excess of the amount that may be included in Tier 2 capital.
3) Exclude foreign exchange contracts with an original maturity of 14 days or less and all futures contracts.
</TABLE>

                                                                              34


<PAGE>   53

<TABLE>
<S>                   <C>                                                           <C>
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                            Call Date:  03/31/96  ST-BK: 09-0590
Address:              777 MAIN STREET
City, State  Zip:     HARTFORD, CT  06115
FDIC Certificate No.: |0|2|4|9|9|


                                THIS PAGE IS TO BE COMPLETED BY ALL BANKS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              |                     OMB No.  For OCC:  1557-0081
                 Name and address of Bank                     |                     OMB No.  For FDIC: 3064-0052
                                                              |               OMB No. For Federal Reserve: 7100-0036
                                                              |                      Expiration Date:   3/31/96
                                                              |
                      PLACE LABEL HERE                        |
                                                              |                            SPECIAL REPORT
                                                              |                  (Dollar Amounts in Thousands)
                                                              |
                                                              |___________________________________________________________________
                                                              | CLOSE OF BUSINESS| FDIC Certificate Number   |          |
                                                              | DATE             |                           | C-700    | <-
                                                              |         12/31/95 |    |0|2|4|9|9             |          |
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LOANS TO EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (Complete as of each Call Report Date)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following information is required by Public Laws 90-44 and 102-242, but does not constitute a part of the Report of Condition.
With each Report of Condition, these Laws require all banks to furnish a report of all loans or other extensions of credit to
their executive officers made since the date of the previous Report of Condition.  Data regarding individual loans or other
extensions of credit are not required.  If no such loans or other extensions of credit were made during the period, insert "none"
against subitem (a).  (Exclude the first $15,000 of indebtedness of each executive officer under bank credit card plan.)  See
Sections 215.2 and 215.3 of Title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations (Federal Reserve Board Regulation 0) for the definitions
of "executive officer" and "extension of credit," respectively.  Exclude loans and other extensions of credit to directors and
principal shareholders who are not executive officers.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a.  Number of loans made to executive officers since the previous Call Report date ...................| RCFD 3561|         0  a.
b.  Total dollar amount of above loans (in thousands of dollars) .....................................| RCFD 3652|         0  b.
c.  Range of interest charged on above loans
    (example:  9  3/4% = 9.75) ........................................|RCFD 7701|   0.00 | % to  | RCFD 7702 |   0.00 |   %  c.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________








________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE OF TITLE OF OFFICER AUTHORIZED TO SIGN REPORT                                 | DATE (Month, Day, Year)
                                                                                        |
                                                                                        |
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON TO WHOM INQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED (TEXT 8903)                  | AREA CODE/PHONE NUMBER/EXTENSION
                                                                                        | (TEXT 8904)
                                                                                        |
ROBERT P. DUFF VICE PRESIDENT                                                           |       (203) 986-2474
                                                                                        |
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
FDIC 8040/53 (6-95)
</TABLE>


                                      35

<PAGE>   54

<TABLE>
<S>                   <C>                                                            <C>                                         
Legal Title of Bank:  FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT                             Call Date:  3/31/96 ST-BK: 09-0590 FFIEC 031
Address:              777 MAIN STREET                                                Page RC-25                                  
City, State, Zip:     HARTFORD, CT  06115                                                                                        
FDIC Certificate No.:  02499
</TABLE>

              Optional Narrative Statement Concerning the Amounts
                Reported in the Reports of Condition and Income
                        at close of business on March 31, 1996


FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF CONNECTICUT     HARTFORD        ,   CONNECTICUT
Legal Title of Bank                    City                State

The management of the reporting bank may, if it wishes, submit a brief
narrative statement on the amounts reported in the Reports of Condition and
Income.  This optional statement will be made available to the public, along
with the publicly available data in the Reports of Condition and Income, in
response to any request for individual bank report data.  However, the
information reported in column A and in all of Memorandum item 1 of Schedule
RC-N is regarded as confidential and will not be released to the public.
BANKS CHOOSING TO SUBMIT THE NARRATIVE STATEMENT SHOULD ENSURE THAT THE
STATEMENT DOES NOT CONTAIN THE NAMES OR OTHER IDENTIFICATIONS OF INDIVIDUAL
BANK CUSTOMERS, REFERENCES TO THE AMOUNTS REPORTED IN THE CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS
IN SCHEDULE RC-N, OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION THAT THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO HAVE
MADE PUBLIC OR THAT WOULD COMPROMISE THE PRIVACY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS.  Banks
choosing not to make a statement may check the "No comment" box below and
should make no entries of any kind in the space provided for the narrative
statement; i.e., DO NOT enter in this space such phrases as "No statement,"
"Not applicable," "N/A," "No comment," and "None."

The optional statement must be entered on this sheet.  The statement should
not exceed 100 words.  Further, regardless of the number of words, the
statement must not exceed 750 characters, including punctuation, indentation,
and standard spacing between words and sentences.  If any submission should
exceed 750 characters, as defined, it will be truncated at 750 characters with
no notice to the submitting bank and the truncated statement will appear as the
bank's statement both on agency computerized records and in computer-file
releases to the public.

All information furnished by the bank in the narrative statement must be
accurate and not misleading.  Appropriate efforts shall be taken by the
submitting bank to ensure the statement's accuracy.  The statement must be
signed, in the space provided below, by a senior officer of the bank who
thereby attests to its accuracy.

If, subsequent to the original submission, material changes are submitted for
the data reported in the Reports of Condition and Income, the existing
narrative statement will be deleted from the files, and from disclosure; the
bank, at its option, may replace it with a statement, under signature,
appropriate to the amended data.

The optional narrative statement will appear in agency records and in release
to the public exactly as submitted (or amended as described in the preceding
paragraph) by the management of the bank (except for the truncation of
statements exceeding the 750-character limit described above).  THE STATEMENT
WILL NOT BE EDITED OR SCREENED IN ANY WAY BY THE SUPERVISORY AGENCIES FOR
ACCURACY OR RELEVANCE.  DISCLOSURE OF THE STATEMENT SHALL NOT SIGNIFY THAT ANY
FEDERAL SUPERVISORY AGENCY HAS VERIFIED OR CONFIRMED THE ACCURACY OF THE
INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN.  A STATEMENT TO THIS EFFECT WILL APPEAR ON ANY
PUBLIC RELEASE OF THE OPTIONAL STATEMENT SUBMITTED BY THE MANAGEMENT OF THE
REPORTING BANK.
_____________________________________________________________________________
No comment |X| )RCON 6979)                                      | c471 | C472 |

<PAGE>   55

BANK MANAGEMENT STATEMENT (please type or print clearly):
(TEXT 6980)





/s/ GIRO DEROSA_______________________________         ___4/25/96________
Signature of Executive Officer of Bank               Date of Signature


<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.1

 
                            CLIFFS DRILLING COMPANY
 
                             LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
                                      FOR
        TENDER OF ALL OUTSTANDING 10.25% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2003, SERIES A
                                IN EXCHANGE FOR
                     10.25% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2003, SERIES B
 
        THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME,
       ON                , 1996, UNLESS EXTENDED (THE "EXPIRATION DATE")
 
           OLD NOTES TENDERED IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER MAY BE WITHDRAWN
              AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME,
                ON THE BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE
 
                         DELIVER TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT:
 
                              FLEET NATIONAL BANK
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                     <C>
               By Hand/Overnight Courier:                                       By Mail:
                  Fleet National Bank                                     Fleet National Bank
                    777 Main Street                                         777 Main Street
                     MSN CT/MO/0224                                          MSN CT/MO/0224
              Hartford, Connecticut 06115                             Hartford, Connecticut 06115
         Attention: Corporate Trust Operations                   Attention: Corporate Trust Operations
</TABLE>
 
                                 By Facsimile:
                                 (860) 986-7908
 
                             Confirm by Telephone:
                                 (860) 986-1271

                            ------------------------
 
    DELIVERY OF THIS INSTRUMENT TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE OR
TRANSMISSION OF INSTRUCTIONS VIA A FACSIMILE NUMBER OTHER THAN THE ONE LISTED
ABOVE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY. THE INSTRUCTIONS ACCOMPANYING THIS
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
IS COMPLETED.
 
    The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt and review of the Prospectus
dated              , 1996 (the "Prospectus") of Cliffs Drilling Company, a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and this Letter of Transmittal (the
"Letter of Transmittal"), which together describe the Company's offer (the
"Exchange Offer") to exchange its 10.25% Senior Notes due 2003, Series B (the
"Exchange Notes"), which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "Securities Act"), pursuant to a Registration Statement of which
the Prospectus is a part, for a like principal amount of its issued and
outstanding 10.25% Senior Notes due 2003, Series A (the "Old Notes").
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the respective meaning given
to them in the Prospectus.
 
    The Company reserves the right, at any time or from time to time, to extend
the Exchange Offer at its discretion, in which event the term "Expiration Date"
shall mean the latest date to which the Exchange Offer is extended. The Company
shall notify the holders of the Old Notes of any extension by oral or written
notice and will mail to the record holders of Old Notes an announcement thereof,
each prior to 9:00 A.M., New York City time, on the next business day after the
previously scheduled Expiration Date.
 
    This Letter of Transmittal is to be used by a holder of Old Notes either if
original Old Notes, if available, are to be forwarded herewith or if delivery of
Old Notes is to be made by book-entry transfer to the account maintained by the
Exchange Agent at The Depository Trust Company (the "Book-Entry Transfer
Facility") pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Prospectus under the
caption "The Exchange Offer -- Procedures for Tendering" and "Book-Entry
Transfer." Holders of Old Notes whose Old Notes are not immediately available,
or who are unable to deliver their Old Notes and all other documents required by
this Letter of Transmittal to the Exchange Agent on or prior to the Expiration
Date, or who are unable to complete the procedure for book-entry transfer on a
timely basis, must tender their Old Notes according to the guaranteed delivery
procedures set forth in the Prospectus under the caption "The Exchange
Offer -- Guaranteed Delivery Procedures." See Instruction 1. Delivery of
documents to the Book-Entry Transfer Facility does not constitute delivery to
the Exchange Agent.
 
    The term "holder" with respect to the Exchange Offer means any person in
whose name Old Notes are registered on the books of the Company or any other
person who has obtained a properly completed bond power from the registered
holder. The undersigned has completed, executed and delivered this Letter of
Transmittal to indicate the action the undersigned desires to take with respect
to the Exchange Offer. Holders who wish to tender their Old Notes must complete
this Letter of Transmittal in its entirety.
 
    PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND THE PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY
BEFORE CHECKING ANY BOX BELOW.
 
    THE INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED WITH THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL MUST BE FOLLOWED.
QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE OR FOR ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS
AND THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT.
 
    List below the Old Notes to which this Letter of Transmittal relates. If the
space below is inadequate, list the registered numbers and principal amounts on
a separate signed schedule and affix the list to this Letter of Transmittal.
<PAGE>   2
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     DESCRIPTION OF OLD NOTES TENDERED
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) OF REGISTERED
        HOLDER(S) EXACTLY AS NAME(S)
           APPEAR(S) ON OLD NOTES
         (PLEASE FILL IN, IF BLANK)                              OLD NOTE(S) TENDERED
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL       PRINCIPAL 
                                                 REGISTERED      AMOUNT REPRESENTED BY       AMOUNT
                                                 NUMBER(S)*             NOTE(S)            TENDERED**
<S>                                         <C>                  <C>                       <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   * Need not be completed by book-entry holders.
  ** Unless otherwise indicated, any tendering holder of Old Notes will be deemed to have tendered the
     entire aggregate principal amount represented by such Old Notes. All tenders must be in integral
     multiples of $1,000.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
/ / CHECK HERE IF TENDERED OLD NOTES ARE ENCLOSED HEREWITH.
 
/ / CHECK HERE IF TENDERED OLD NOTES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER
    MADE TO THE ACCOUNT MAINTAINED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT WITH THE BOOK-ENTRY
    TRANSFER FACILITY AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING (FOR USE BY ELIGIBLE
    INSTITUTIONS ONLY):
 
Name of Tendering Institution:..................................................
 
Account Number:.................................................................
 
Transaction Code Number:........................................................
 
/ / CHECK HERE IF TENDERED OLD NOTES ARE BEING DELIVERED PURSUANT TO A NOTICE OF
    GUARANTEED DELIVERY ENCLOSED HEREWITH AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING (FOR USE BY
    ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS ONLY):
 
Name(s) of Registered holder(s) of Old Notes:...................................
 
Date of Execution of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery:.............................
 
Window Ticket Number (if available):............................................
 
Name of Eligible Institution that Guaranteed Delivery:..........................
 
Account Number (if delivered by book-entry transfer):...........................
 
/ / CHECK HERE IF YOU ARE A BROKER-DEALER AND WISH TO RECEIVE 10 ADDITIONAL
    COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS AND 10 COPIES OF ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS
    THERETO:
 
Name:...........................................................................
 
Address:........................................................................
<PAGE>   3
 
                       SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED BELOW
              PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
    Subject to the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer, the undersigned
hereby tenders to the Company for exchange the principal amount of Old Notes
indicated above. Subject to and effective upon the acceptance for exchange of
the principal amount of Old Notes tendered in accordance with this Letter of
Transmittal, the undersigned hereby exchanges, assigns and transfers to the
Company all right, title and interest in and to the Old Notes tendered for
exchange hereby. The undersigned hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the
Exchange Agent, the agent and attorney-in-fact of the undersigned (with full
knowledge that the Exchange Agent also acts as the agent of the Company in
connection with the Exchange Offer) with respect to the tendered Old Notes with
full power of substitution to (i) deliver such Old Notes, or transfer ownership
of such Old Notes on the account books maintained by the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility, to the Company and deliver all accompanying evidences of transfer and
authenticity, and (ii) present such Old Notes for transfer on the books of the
Company and receive all benefits and otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial
ownership of such Old Notes, all in accordance with the terms of the Exchange
Offer. The power of attorney granted in this paragraph shall be deemed to be
irrevocable and coupled with an interest.
 
    The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has full
power and authority to tender, exchange, assign and transfer the Old Notes
tendered hereby and to acquire the Exchange Notes issuable upon the exchange of
such tendered Old Notes, and that the Company will acquire good and unencumbered
title thereto, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and
encumbrances and not subject to any adverse claim, when the same are accepted
for exchange by the Company.
 
    The undersigned acknowledge(s) that this Exchange Offer is being made in
reliance upon interpretations contained in no-action letters issued to third
parties by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"),
including Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation, SEC No-Action Letter (available
April 13, 1989), Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc., SEC No-Action Letter (available June
5, 1991) (the "Morgan Stanley Letter") and Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc., SEC
No-Action Letter (available June 5, 1991), that the Exchange Notes issued in
exchange for the Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be offered for
resale, resold and otherwise transferred by holders thereof (other than (i) a
broker-dealer who purchased Old Notes exchanged for such Exchange Notes directly
from the Company to resell pursuant to Rule 144A or any other available
exemption under the Securities Act or (ii) any such holder that is an
"affiliate" of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities
Act), without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery
provisions of the Securities Act, provided that such Exchange Notes are acquired
in the ordinary course of such holders' business and such holders are not
participating in, and have no arrangement with any person to participate in, the
distribution of such Exchange Notes. The undersigned specifically represent(s)
to the Company that (i) any Exchange Notes acquired in exchange for Old Notes
tendered hereby are being acquired in the ordinary course of business of the
person receiving such Exchange Notes, whether or not the undersigned, (ii) the
undersigned is not participating in, and has no arrangement with any person to
participate in, the distribution of Exchange Notes, and (iii) neither the
undersigned nor any such other person is an "affiliate" (as defined in Rule 405
under the Securities Act) of the Company or a broker-dealer tendering Old Notes
acquired directly from the Company for its own account.
 
    If the undersigned or the person receiving the Exchange Notes is a
broker-dealer that is receiving Exchange Notes for its own account pursuant to
the Exchange Offer, the undersigned acknowledges that it or such other person
will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes.
The undersigned acknowledges that if the undersigned is participating in the
Exchange Offer for the purpose of distributing the Exchange Notes (i) the
undersigned cannot rely on the position of the staff of the SEC in the Morgan
Stanley Letter and similar SEC no-action letters, and, in the absence of an
exemption therefrom, must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale
transaction of the Exchange Notes, in which case the registration statement must
contain the selling security holder information required by Item 507 or Item
508, as applicable, of Regulation S-K of the SEC, and (ii) a broker-dealer that
delivers such a prospectus to purchasers in connection with such resales will be
subject to certain of the civil liability provisions under the Securities Act
and will be bound by the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement
(including certain indemnification rights and obligations).
 
    The undersigned will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional
documents deemed by the Exchange Agent or the Company to be necessary or
desirable to complete the exchange, assignment and transfer of the Old Notes
tendered hereby, including the transfer of such Old Notes on the account books
maintained by the Book-Entry Transfer Facility.
 
    For purposes of the Exchange Offer, the Company shall be deemed to have
accepted for exchange validly tendered Old Notes when, as and if the Company
gives oral or written notice thereof to the Exchange Agent. Any tendered Old
Notes that are not accepted for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer for any
reason will be returned, without expense, to the undersigned at the address
shown below or at a different address as may be indicated herein under "Special
Delivery Instructions" as promptly as practicable after the Expiration Date.
 
    All authority conferred or agreed to be conferred by this Letter of
Transmittal shall survive the death, incapacity or dissolution of the
undersigned, and every obligation of the undersigned under this Letter of
Transmittal shall be binding upon the undersigned's heirs, personal
representatives, successors and assigns.
 
    The undersigned acknowledges that the Company's acceptance of properly
tendered Old Notes pursuant to the procedures described under the caption "The
Exchange Offer--Procedures for Tendering" in the Prospectus and in the
instructions hereto will constitute a binding agreement between the undersigned
and the Company upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange
Offer.
 
    Unless otherwise indicated under "Special Issuance Instructions," please
issue the Exchange Notes issued in exchange for the Old Notes accepted for
exchange and return any Old Notes not tendered or not exchanged, in the name(s)
of the undersigned. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated under "Special
Delivery Instructions," please mail or deliver the Exchange Notes issued in
exchange for the Old Notes accepted for exchange and any Old Notes not tendered
or not exchanged (and accompanying documents, as appropriate) to the undersigned
at the address shown below the undersigned's signature(s). In the event that
both "Special Issuance Instructions" and "Special Delivery Instructions" are
completed, please issue the Exchange Notes issued in exchange for the Old Notes
accepted for exchange in the name(s) of, and return any Old Notes not tendered
or not exchanged to, the person(s) so indicated. The undersigned recognizes that
the Company has no obligation pursuant to the "Special Issuance Instructions"
and "Special Delivery Instructions" to transfer any Old Notes from the name of
the registered holder(s) thereof if the Company does not accept for exchange any
of the Old Notes so tendered for exchange.
<PAGE>   4
  ..............................................................................

                         SPECIAL ISSUANCE INSTRUCTIONS
                           (SEE INSTRUCTIONS 5 AND 6)
 
     To be completed ONLY (i) if Old Notes in a principal amount not tendered,
 or Exchange Notes issued in exchange for Old Notes accepted for exchange, are
 to be issued in the name of someone other than the undersigned, or (ii) if Old
 Notes tendered by book-entry transfer which are not exchanged are to be
 returned by credit to an account maintained at the Book-Entry Transfer
 Facility. Issue Exchange Notes and/or Old Notes to:
 
 Name:
      .........................................................................
 
                             (Please Type or Print)
 
 ..............................................................................
 
 Address:  ....................................................................
                                (include Zip Code)
 
 ..............................................................................
                  (Tax Identification or Social Security No.)
 ..............................................................................

 
                         (Complete Substitute Form W-9)
 
                         SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
                           (SEE INSTRUCTIONS 5 AND 6)
 
 To be completed ONLY if Old Notes in the principal amount not tendered, or
 Exchange Notes issued in exchange for Old Notes accepted for exchange, are to
 be mailed or delivered to someone other than the undersigned, or to the
 undersigned at an address other than that shown below the undersigned's
 signature.
 
 Mail or deliver Exchange Notes and/or Old Notes to:
 
 Name:
       ........................................................................
                              (Please Type or Print)
 
 ..............................................................................
 
 Address:  .................................................................... 
                               (include Zip Code)

 ..............................................................................
                  (Tax Identification or Social Security No.)
 ..............................................................................
 
/ /  Credit unexchanged Old Notes delivered by book-entry transfer to the
     Book-Entry Transfer Facility set forth below:
 
Book-Entry Transfer Facility Account Number:
<PAGE>   5
 
          ------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                   IMPORTANT
                        PLEASE SIGN HERE WHETHER OR NOT
                 OLD NOTES ARE BEING PHYSICALLY TENDERED HEREBY
          (Complete Accompanying Substitute Form W-9 on Reverse Side)
 
          X...........................................................
 
          X...........................................................
 
               (Signature(s) of Registered Holders of Old Notes)
 
                   Dated:......................................., 1996
 
          (The above lines must be signed by the registered holder(s)
          of Old Notes as name(s) appear(s) on the Old Notes or on a
          security position listing, or by person(s) authorized to
          become registered holder(s) by a properly completed bond
          power from the registered holder(s), a copy of which must be
          transmitted with this Letter of Transmittal. If Old Notes to
          which this Letter of Transmittal relate are held of record
          by two or more joint holders, then all such holders must
          sign this Letter of Transmittal. If signature is by a
          trustee, executor, administrator, guardian,
          attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other person
          acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, then such
          person must (i) set forth his or her full title below and
          (ii) unless waived by the Company, submit evidence
          satisfactory to the Company of such person's authority so to
          act. See Instruction 5 regarding the completion of this
          Letter of Transmittal, printed below.)
 
          Name(s):....................................................
                             (Please Type or Print)

          Capacity:...................................................

          Address:....................................................

          ............................................................
                               (Include Zip Code)
 
          Area Code and Telephone Number:.............................

          ------------------------------------------------------------


 
          ------------------------------------------------------------
 
                         MEDALLION SIGNATURE GUARANTEE
                         (If Required by Instruction 5)
 
          Certain signatures must be Guaranteed by an Eligible
          Institution.
 
          Signature(s) Guaranteed by an Eligible Institution:.........
 
                                            (Authorized Signature)
 
          ............................................................
 
                                    (Title)
 
          ............................................................
 
                                 (Name of Firm)
 
          ............................................................
 
                          (Address, Include Zip Code)
 
          ............................................................
 
                        (Area Code and Telephone Number)
 
          Dated:................................................, 1996
          ------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   6
 
                                  INSTRUCTIONS
 
         FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER

     1. Delivery of this Letter of Transmittal and Old Notes or Book-Entry
Confirmations. All physically delivered Old Notes or any confirmation of a
book-entry transfer to the Exchange Agent's account at the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility of Old Notes tendered by book-entry transfer (a "Book-Entry
Confirmation"), as well as a properly completed and duly executed copy of this
Letter of Transmittal or facsimile hereof, and any other documents required by
this Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the Exchange Agent at its
address set forth herein prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the
Expiration Date. The method of delivery of the tendered Old Notes, this Letter
of Transmittal and all other required documents to the Exchange Agent is at the
election and risk of the holder and, except as otherwise provided below, the
delivery will be deemed made only when actually received or confirmed by the
Exchange Agent. Instead of delivery by mail, it is recommended that the holder
use an overnight or hand delivery service. In all cases, sufficient time should
be allowed to assure delivery to the Exchange Agent before the Expiration Date.
No Letter of Transmittal or Old Notes should be sent to the Company.
 
     2. Guaranteed Delivery Procedures. Holders who wish to tender their Old
Notes and whose Old Notes are not immediately available or who cannot deliver
their Old Notes, this Letter of Transmittal or any other documents required
hereby to the Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date or who cannot complete
the procedure for book-entry transfer on a timely basis, must tender their Old
Notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in the
Prospectus. Pursuant to such procedures: (i) such tender must be made by or
through a firm which is a member of a registered national securities exchange or
of the National Association of Securities Dealers Inc., a commercial bank or a
trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States or an
"eligible guarantor institution" within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the
Exchange Act (an "Eligible Institution"); (ii) prior to the Expiration Date, the
Exchange Agent must have received from the Eligible Institution a properly
completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery (by facsimile
transmission, mail or hand delivery) setting forth the name and address of the
holder of the Old Notes, the registration number(s) of such Old Notes and the
total principal amount of Old Notes tendered, stating that the tender is being
made thereby and guaranteeing that, within five business days after the
Expiration Date, this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile hereof) together with
the Old Notes in proper form for transfer (or a Book-Entry Confirmation) and any
other documents required hereby, must be deposited by the Eligible Institution
with the Exchange Agent within five business days after the Expiration Date; and
(iii) the certificates for all physically tendered shares of Old Notes, in
proper form for transfer (or Book-Entry Confirmation, as the case may be) and
all other documents required hereby are received by the Exchange Agent within
five business days after the Expiration Date.
 
     Any holder of Old Notes who wishes to tender Old Notes pursuant to the
guaranteed delivery procedures described above must ensure that the Exchange
Agent receives the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery prior to 5:00 p.m., New York
City time, on the Expiration Date. Upon request of the Exchange Agent, a Notice
of Guaranteed Delivery will be sent to holders who wish to tender their Old
Notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth above.
 
     See "The Exchange Offer -- Guaranteed Delivery Procedures" section of the
Prospectus.
 
     3. Tender by Holder. Only a holder of Old Notes may tender such Old Notes
in the Exchange Offer. Any beneficial holder of Old Notes who is not the
registered holder and who wishes to tender should arrange with the registered
holder to execute and deliver this Letter of Transmittal on his behalf or must,
prior to completing and executing this Letter of Transmittal and delivering his
Old Notes, either make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the Old
Notes in such holder's name or obtain a properly completed bond power from the
registered holder.
 
     4. Partial Tenders. Tenders of Old Notes will be accepted only in integral
multiples of $1,000. If less than the entire principal amount of any Old Notes
is tendered, the tendering holder should fill in the principal amount tendered
in the third column of the box entitled "Description of Old Notes Tendered"
above. The entire principal amount of Old Notes delivered to the Exchange Agent
will be deemed to have been tendered unless otherwise indicated. If the entire
principal amount of all Old Notes is not tendered, then Old Notes for the
principal amount of Old Notes not tendered and Exchange Notes issued in exchange
for any Old Notes accepted will be sent to the holder at his or her registered
address, unless a different address is provided in the appropriate box on this
Letter of Transmittal, promptly after the Old Notes are accepted for exchange.
 
     5. Signatures on this Letter of Transmittal; Bond Powers and Endorsements;
Medallion Guarantee of Signatures. If this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile
hereof) is signed by the record holder(s) of the Old Notes tendered hereby, the
signature must correspond with the name(s) as written on the face of the Old
Notes without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever. If this Letter
of Transmittal (or facsimile hereof) is signed by a participant in the
Book-Entry Transfer Facility, the signature must correspond with the name as it
appears on the security position listing as the holder of the Old Notes.
 
     If this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile hereof) is signed by the
registered holder or holders of Old Notes listed and tendered hereby and the
Exchange Notes issued in exchange therefor are to be issued (or any untendered
principal amount of Old Notes is to be reissued) to the registered holder, the
said holder need not and should not endorse any
<PAGE>   7
 
tendered Old Notes, nor provide a separate bond power. In any other case, such
holder must either properly endorse the Old Notes tendered or transmit a
properly completed separate bond power with this Letter of Transmittal, with the
signatures on the endorsement or bond power guaranteed by an Eligible
Institution.
 
     If this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile hereof) is signed by a person
other than the registered holder or holders of any Old Notes listed, such Old
Notes must be endorsed or accompanied by appropriate bond powers, in each case
signed as the name of the registered holder or holders appears on the Old Notes.
 
     If this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile hereof) or any Old Notes or
bond powers are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians,
attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or
representative capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing, and,
unless waived by the Company, evidence satisfactory to the Company of their
authority to act must be submitted with this Letter of Transmittal.
 
     Endorsements on Old Notes or signatures on bond powers required by this
Instruction 5 must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.
 
     No signature guarantee is required if (i) this Letter of Transmittal (or
facsimile hereof) is signed by the registered holder(s) of the Old Notes
tendered herein (or by a participant in the Book-Entry Transfer Facility whose
name appears on a security position listing as the owner of the tendered Old
Notes) and the Exchange Notes are to be issued directly to such registered
holder(s) (or, if signed by a participant in the Book-Entry Transfer Facility,
deposited to such participant's account at such Book-Entry Transfer Facility)
and neither the box entitled "Special Delivery Instructions" nor the box
entitled "Special Registration Instructions" has been completed, or (ii) such
Old Notes are tendered for the account of an Eligible Institution. In all other
cases, all signatures on this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile hereof) must
be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.
 
     6. Special Registration and Delivery Instructions. Tendering holders should
indicate, in the applicable box or boxes, the name and address (or account at
the Book-Entry Transfer Facility) to which Exchange Notes or substitute Old
Notes for principal amounts not tendered or not accepted for exchange are to be
issued or sent, if different from the name and address of the person signing
this Letter of Transmittal. In the case of issuance in a different name, the
taxpayer identification or social security number of the person named must also
be indicated.
 
     7. Transfer Taxes. The Company will pay all transfer taxes, if any,
applicable to the exchange of Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. If,
however, Exchange Notes or Old Notes for principal amounts not tendered or
accepted for exchange are to be delivered to, or are to be registered or issued
in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of the Old Notes
tendered hereby, or if tendered Old Notes are registered in the name of any
person other than the person signing this Letter of Transmittal, or if a
transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of Old Notes
pursuant to the Exchange Offer, then the amount of any such transfer taxes
(whether imposed on the registered holder or any other persons) will be payable
by the tendering holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes or
exemption therefrom is not submitted with this Letter of Transmittal, the amount
of such transfer taxes will be billed directly to such tendering holder.
 
     EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THIS INSTRUCTION 7, IT WILL NOT BE NECESSARY FOR
TRANSFER TAX STAMPS TO BE AFFIXED TO THE OLD NOTES LISTED IN THIS LETTER OF
TRANSMITTAL.
 
     8. Tax Identification Number. Federal income tax law requires that a holder
of any Old Notes which are accepted for exchange must provide the Company (as
payor) with its correct taxpayer identification number ("TIN"), which, in the
case of a holder who is an individual is his or her social security number. If
the Company is not provided with the correct TIN, the holder may be subject to a
$50 penalty imposed by Internal Revenue Service. (If withholding results in an
over-payment of taxes, a refund may be obtained.) Certain holders (including,
among others, all corporations and certain foreign individuals) are not subject
to these backup withholding and reporting requirements. See the enclosed
"Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute
Form W-9" for additional instructions.
 
     To prevent backup withholding, each tendering holder must provide such
holder's correct TIN by completing the Substitute Form W-9 set forth herein,
certifying that the TIN provided is correct (or that such holder is awaiting a
TIN), and that (i) the holder has not been notified by the Internal Revenue
Service that such holder is subject to backup withholding as a result of failure
to report all interest or dividends or (ii) the Internal Revenue Service has
notified the holder that such holder is no longer subject to backup withholding.
If the Old Notes are registered in more than one name or are not in the name of
the actual owner, see the enclosed "Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer
Identification Number of Substitute Form W-9" for information on which TIN to
report.
 
     The Company reserves the right in its sole discretion to take whatever
steps are necessary to comply with the Company's obligations regarding backup
withholding.
 
     9. Validity of Tenders. All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility
(including time of receipt), acceptance and withdrawal of tendered Old Notes
will be determined by the Company in its sole discretion, which determination
will be final and binding. The Company reserves the absolute right to reject any
and all Old Notes not properly tendered or any Old Notes the Company's
acceptance of which would, in the opinion of the Company or its counsel, be
unlawful. The
<PAGE>   8
 
Company also reserves the absolute right to waive any conditions of the Exchange
Offer or defects or irregularities in tenders as to particular Old Notes. The
Company's interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer
(includes this Letter of Transmittal and the instructions hereto) shall be final
and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in
connection with tenders of Old Notes must be cured within such time as the
Company shall determine. Neither the Company, the Exchange Agent nor any other
person shall be under any duty to give notification of defects or irregularities
with regard to tenders of Old Notes nor shall any of them incur any liability
for failure to give such notification.
 
     10. Waiver of Conditions. The Company reserves the absolute right to waive,
in whole or part, any of the conditions to the Exchange Offer set forth in the
Prospectus.
 
     11. No Conditional Tender. No alternative, conditional, irregular or
contingent tender of Old Notes on transmittal of this Letter of Transmittal will
be accepted.
 
     12. Mutilated, Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Old Notes. Any holder whose Old
Notes have been mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed should contact the Exchange
Agent at the address indicated above for further instructions.
 
     13. Requests for Assistance or Additional Copies. Requests for assistance
or for additional copies of the Prospectus or this Letter of Transmittal may be
directed to the Exchange Agent at the address or telephone number set forth on
the cover page of this Letter of Transmittal. Holders may also contact their
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance
concerning the Exchange Offer.
 
     14. Withdrawal. Tenders may be withdrawn only pursuant to the limited
withdrawal rights set forth in the Prospectus under the caption "The Exchange
Offer -- Withdrawal of Tenders."
 
IMPORTANT: THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL OR A MANUALLY SIGNED FACSIMILE HEREOF
(TOGETHER WITH THE OLD NOTES DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER OR IN ORIGINAL
HARD COPY FORM) MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT, OR THE NOTICE OF
GUARANTEED DELIVERY MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT, PRIOR TO THE
EXPIRATION TIME.
 
         (TO BE COMPLETED BY ALL TENDERING HOLDERS (SEE INSTRUCTION 5))
                     PAYER'S NAME: CLIFFS DRILLING COMPANY
 
<TABLE>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>                                  <C>         <C>
                                                                           Social Security Number
                                                                       OR     Employer Identification
 SUBSTITUTE                   PART 1 -- PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR TIN                    Number
                              IN THE BOX AT RIGHT AND CERTIFY
 FORM W-9                     BY SIGNING AND DATING BELOW.         --------------------------------------
                              ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              PART 2 -- Certification -- Under penalties of           PART 3 --              
                              perjury, I certify that:                                Awaiting TIN / /       
                              (1) The number shown on this form is my correct         Please complete the    
                                  Taxpayer Identification Number (or I am             Certificate of Awaiting
                                  waiting for a number to be issued to me) and        Taxpayer Identification
                              (2) I am not subject to backup withholding              Number below.          
                                  either because I have not been notified by the 
                                  Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") that I am
                                  subject to backup withholding as a result of
                                  failure to report all interest or dividends, 
                                  or the IRS has notified me that I am no
                                  longer subject to backup withholding.                       
 DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
 INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
 PAYER'S REQUEST FOR TAXPAYER
 IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (TIN)                      
                               ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Certification Instructions -- You must cross out item (2) in Part 2 above
                               if you have been notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup
                               withholding because of underreporting interest or dividends on your tax
                               return. However, if after being notified by the IRS that you were subject
                               to backup withholding you received another notification from the IRS
                               stating that you are no longer subject to backup withholding, do not cross
                               out item (2).

                               SIGNATURE DATE  ___________________________, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM MAY RESULT IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING
      OF 31% OF ANY PAYMENTS MADE TO YOU PURSUANT TO THE OFFER. PLEASE REVIEW
      THE ENCLOSED GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
      NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
<PAGE>   9
 
           YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATE IF YOU CHECKED
                  THE BOX IN PART 3 OF THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
 
      I certify under penalties of perjury that a taxpayer identification
 number has not been issued to me, and either (a) I have mailed or delivered an
 application to receive a taxpayer identification number to the appropriate
 Internal Revenue Service Center or Social Security Administration Office or
 (b)I intend to mail or deliver an application in the near future. I understand
 that if I do not provide a taxpayer identification number within 60 days, 31%
 of all reportable payments made to me thereafter will be withheld until I
 provide a number.
 
 -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                -----------------------------------------, 1996
             Signature                                      Date
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     CERTIFICATE FOR FOREIGN RECORD HOLDERS
 
 Under penalties of perjury, I certify that I am not a United States citizen or
 resident (or I am signing for a foreign corporation, partnership, estate or
 trust).
 
 -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                -----------------------------------------, 1996
             Signature                                      Date
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   10
 
                            CLIFFS DRILLING COMPANY
 
                        LETTER TO REGISTERED HOLDERS AND
                     DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY PARTICIPANTS
                                      FOR
        TENDER OF ALL OUTSTANDING 10.25% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2003, SERIES A
                                IN EXCHANGE FOR
                     10.25% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2003, SERIES B
 
        THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME,
         ON           , 1996. UNLESS EXTENDED (THE "EXPIRATION DATE").
 
           OLD NOTES TENDERED IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER MAY BE WITHDRAWN
           AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON THE
                   BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.
 
To Registered Holders and Depository
  Trust Company Participants:
 
     We are enclosing herewith the material listed below relating to the offer
by Cliffs Drilling Company, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), to exchange
its 10.25% Senior Notes due 2003, Series B (the "Exchange Notes"), which have
been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"), for a like principal amount of its issued and outstanding 10.25% Senior
Notes due 2003, Series A (the "Old Notes") upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth in the Company's Prospectus, dated           , 1996, and
the related Letter of Transmittal (which together constitute the "Exchange
Offer").
 
     Enclosed herewith are copies of the following documents:
 
          1. Prospectus dated           , 1996;
 
          2. Letter of Transmittal (together with accompanying Substitute Form
     W-9 Guidelines);
 
          3. Notice of Guaranteed Delivery;
 
          4. Letter which may be sent to your clients for whose account you hold
     Old Notes in your name or in the name of your nominee; and
 
          5. Letter which may be sent from your clients to you with such
     client's instruction with regard to the Exchange Offer.
 
     We urge you to contact your clients promptly. Please note that the Exchange
Offer will expire on the Expiration Date unless extended.
 
     The Exchange Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum number of Old Notes
being tendered.
 
     Pursuant to the Letter of Transmittal, each holder of Old Notes will
represent to the Company that (i) the Exchange Notes acquired in exchange for
Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer are being acquired in the ordinary
course of business of the person receiving such Exchange Notes, whether or not
the holder, (ii) the holder is not participating in, and has no arrangement with
any person to participate in, the distribution of Exchange Notes within the
meaning of the Securities Act, and (iii) neither the holder nor any such other
person is an "affiliate" (within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities
Act) of the Company or a broker-dealer tendering Old Notes acquired directly
from the Company. If the holder is a broker-dealer that will receive Exchange
Notes for its own account in exchange for Old Notes, it acknowledges that it
will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes.
 
     The enclosed Letter to Clients contains an authorization by the beneficial
owners of the Old Notes for you to make the foregoing representations.
 
     The Company will not pay any fee or commission to any broker or dealer or
to any other persons (other than the Exchange Agent) in connection with the
solicitation of tenders of Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. The Company
will pay or cause to be paid any transfer taxes payable on the transfer of Old
Notes to it, except as otherwise provided in Instruction 7 of the enclosed
Letter of Transmittal.
 
     Additional copies of the enclosed material may be obtained from the
undersigned.
 
                                      Very truly yours,
 
                                      FLEET NATIONAL BANK
<PAGE>   11
 
                            CLIFFS DRILLING COMPANY
 
                               LETTER TO CLIENTS
                                      FOR
        TENDER OF ALL OUTSTANDING 10.25% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2003, SERIES A
                                IN EXCHANGE FOR
                     10.25% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2003, SERIES B
 
        THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME,
       ON                , 1996, UNLESS EXTENDED (THE "EXPIRATION DATE").
             NOTES TENDERED IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER MAY BE WITHDRAWN
           AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON THE
                   BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.
 
To Our Clients:
 
     We are enclosing herewith a Prospectus, dated                , 1996, of
Cliffs Drilling Company, a Delaware corporation (the "Company") and a related
Letter of Transmittal, which together constitute (the "Exchange Offer") relating
to the offer by the Company, to exchange its 10.25% Senior Notes due 2003,
Series B (the "Exchange Notes"), which have been registered under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") for a like principal amount of
its issued and outstanding 10.25% Senior Notes due 2003, Series A (the "Old
Notes"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Exchange
Offer.
 
     The Exchange Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum number of Old Notes
being tendered.
 
     We are the holder of record of Old Notes held by us for your own account. A
tender of such Old Notes can be made only by us as the record holder and
pursuant to your instructions. The Letter of Transmittal is furnished to you for
your information only and cannot be used by you to tender Old Notes held by us
for your account.
 
     We request instructions as to whether you wish to tender any or all of the
Old Notes held by us for your account pursuant to the terms and conditions of
the Exchange Offer. We also request that you confirm that we may on your behalf
make the representations and warranties contained in the Letter of Transmittal.
 
                                      Very truly yours,
<PAGE>   12
 
     PLEASE RETURN YOUR INSTRUCTIONS TO US IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE WITHIN AMPLE
TIME TO PERMIT US TO SUBMIT A TENDER ON YOUR BEHALF PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION
DATE.
 
                  INSTRUCTION TO REGISTERED HOLDER AND/OR BOOK
                           ENTRY TRANSFER PARTICIPANT
 
To Registered Holder and/or Participant of the Book-Entry Transfer Facility:
 
     The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Prospectus dated
               , 1996 (the "Prospectus") of Cliffs Drilling Company, a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), and the accompanying Letter of Transmittal (the
"Letter of Transmittal"), that together constitute the Company's offer (the
"Exchange Offer") to exchange its 10.25% Senior Notes due 2003, Series B (the
"Exchange Notes"), for all of its outstanding 10.25% Senior Notes due 2003,
Series A (the "Old Notes"). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have
the meanings ascribed to them in the Prospectus.
 
     This will instruct you, the registered holder and/or book-entry transfer
facility participant, as to the action to be taken by you relating to the
Exchange Offer with respect to the Old Notes held by you for the account of the
undersigned.
 
     The aggregate face amount of the Old Notes held by you for the account of
the undersigned is (FILL IN AMOUNT):
 
     $________________________ of the 10.25% Senior Notes due 2003, Series A.
 
     With respect to the Exchange Offer, the undersigned hereby instructs you
(CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX):
 
          / /  To TENDER the following Old Notes held by you for the account of
     the undersigned (INSERT PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF OLD NOTES TO BE TENDERED) (IF
     ANY):  $________________________.
 
          / /  NOT to TENDER any Old Notes held by you for the account of the
     undersigned.
 
     If the undersigned instructs you to tender the Old Notes held by you for
the account of the undersigned, it is understood that you are authorized to
make, on behalf of the undersigned (and the undersigned, by its signature below,
hereby makes to you), the representations and warranties contained in the Letter
of Transmittal that are to be made with respect to the undersigned as a
beneficial owner, including but not limited to the representations, that (i) the
Exchange Notes acquired in exchange for Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer
are being acquired in the ordinary course of business of the person receiving
such Exchange Notes, whether or not undersigned, (ii) the undersigned is not
participating in, and has no arrangement with any person to participate in, the
distribution within the meaning of the Securities Act of Exchange Notes, and
(iii) neither the undersigned nor any such other person is an "affiliate"
(within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of the Company or a
broker-dealer tendering Old Notes acquired directly from the Company. If the
undersigned is a broker-dealer that will receive Exchange Notes for its own
account in exchange for Old Notes, it acknowledges that it will deliver a
prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes.
 
                                   SIGN HERE
 
Name of beneficial owner(s): ________________________________________________
 
Signature(s): _______________________________________________________________
 
Name(s) (please print): _____________________________________________________
 
Address: ____________________________________________________________________
 
Telephone Number: ___________________________________________________________
 
Taxpayer Identification or Social Security Number: __________________________
 
Date: _______________________________________________________________________
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   13
 
                         NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY
                                      FOR
        TENDER OF ALL OUTSTANDING 10.25% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2003, SERIES A
                                IN EXCHANGE FOR
                     10.25% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2003, SERIES B
 
     This form, or one substantially equivalent hereto, must be used by a holder
to accept the Exchange Offer of Cliffs Drilling Company, a Delaware corporation
(the "Company"), and to tender 10.25% Senior Notes due 2003, Series A (the "Old
Notes") to the Exchange Agent pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures
described in "The Exchange Offer -- Guaranteed Delivery Procedures" of the
Company's Prospectus, dated           , 1996 (the "Prospectus") and in
Instruction 2 to the related Letter of Transmittal. Any holder who wishes to
tender Old Notes pursuant to such guaranteed delivery procedures must ensure
that the Exchange Agent receives this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery prior to the
Expiration Date (as defined below) of the Exchange Offer. Capitalized terms used
but not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Prospectus or
the Letter of Transmittal.
 
     THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON
          , 1996. UNLESS EXTENDED (THE "EXPIRATION DATE"). OLD NOTES TENDERED IN
THE EXCHANGE OFFER MAY BE WITHDRAWN AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK
CITY TIME, ON THE BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.
 
                 The Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer is:
 
                              FLEET NATIONAL BANK
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                <C>
            By Hand/Overnight Courier:                                  By Mail:
                Fleet National Bank                                Fleet National Bank
                  777 Main Street                                    777 Main Street
                  MSN CT/MO/0224                                     MSN CT/MO/0224
            Hartford, Connecticut 06175                        Hartford, Connecticut 06175
       Attention: Corporate Trust Operations              Attention: Corporate Trust Operations
</TABLE>
 
                                 By Facsimile:
                                 (860) 986-7908
 
                             Confirm by Telephone:
                                 (860) 986-1271
                             ---------------------
 
     DELIVERY OF THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS
SET FORTH ABOVE, OR TRANSMISSION OF INSTRUCTIONS VIA FACSIMILE OTHER THAN AS SET
FORTH ABOVE, WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY.
 
     THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY IS NOT TO BE USED TO GUARANTEE
SIGNATURES. IF A SIGNATURE ON A LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IS REQUIRED TO BE
GUARANTEED BY AN "ELIGIBLE INSTITUTION" UNDER THE INSTRUCTIONS THERETO, SUCH
SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MUST APPEAR IN THE APPLICABLE SPACE PROVIDED BOX ON THE
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL FOR GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURES.
<PAGE>   14
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
     The undersigned hereby tenders to the Company, upon the terms and subject
to the conditions set forth in the Prospectus and the related Letter of
Transmittal, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the principal amount of
Old Notes set forth below pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures set
forth in the Prospectus and in Instruction 2 of the Letter of Transmittal.
 
     The undersigned hereby tenders the Old Notes listed below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     AGGREGATE
CERTIFICATE NUMBER(S) (IF KNOWN) OF OLD NOTES         PRINCIPAL          AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
OR ACCOUNT NUMBER AT THE BOOK-ENTRY FACILITY     AMOUNT REPRESENTED       AMOUNT TENDERED
- ---------------------------------------------    ------------------     -------------------
<S>                                              <C>                    <C>
</TABLE>
 
                            PLEASE SIGN AND COMPLETE
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                  <C>
Names of Record Holders: __________________________  Signatures: _________________________________

Addresses: _______________________________________________________________________________________                                 

_________________________________________            Dated: _______________________________ , 1996
                                                 
                                                         
Area Code and Telephone Numbers: _________________________________
  
- -------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
     This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery must be signed by the holder(s) exactly
as their name(s) appear on certificates for Old Notes or on a security position
listing as the owner of Old Notes, or by person(s) authorized to become
holder(s) by endorsements and documents transmitted with this Notice of
Guaranteed Delivery. If signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator,
guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer or other person acting in a fiduciary or
representative capacity, such person must provide the following information.
 
                      PLEASE PRINT NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES)
 
Name(s):
________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________
 
 
Capacity:
 
________________________________________________________________________________
 
Address(es):
 
________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   15
 
                                   GUARANTEE
 
                    (NOT TO BE USED FOR SIGNATURE GUARANTEE)
 
     The undersigned, a firm which is a member of a registered national
securities exchange or of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.,
or is a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in
the United States, or is otherwise an "eligible guarantor institution" within
the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
guarantees deposit with the Exchange Agent of the Letter of Transmittal (or
facsimile thereof), together with the Old Notes tendered hereby in proper form
for transfer (or confirmation of the book-entry transfer of such Old Notes into
the Exchange Agent's account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility described in
the Prospectus under the caption "The Exchange Offer -- Book-Entry Transfer" and
in the Letter of Transmittal) and any other required documents, all by 5:00
p.m., New York City time, within five business days following the Expiration
Date.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                              <C>
Name of Firm: ______________________________     ______________________________________________
                                                        (AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE) 
Address: ___________________________________     Name: ________________________________________                           
              (INCLUDE ZIP CODE)                      

Area Code and Tel. Number:                       Title: _______________________________________                        
____________________________________________                (PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)                                      
                                                              
                                                 Date: ___________________________________ ,1996                              
</TABLE>
 
     DO NOT SEND OLD NOTES WITH THIS FORM. ACTUAL SURRENDER OF OLD NOTES MUST BE
MADE PURSUANT TO, AND BE ACCOMPANIED BY, A PROPERLY COMPLETED AND DULY EXECUTED
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND ANY OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   16
 
                 INSTRUCTIONS FOR NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY
 
     1. Delivery of this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.  A properly completed
and duly executed copy of this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery and any other
documents required by this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery must be received by the
Exchange Agent at its address set forth herein prior to the Expiration Date. The
method of delivery of this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery and any other required
documents to the Exchange Agent is at the election and sole risk of the holder,
and the delivery will be deemed made only when actually received by the Exchange
Agent. If delivery is by mail, registered mail with return receipt requested,
properly insured, is recommended. As an alternative to delivery by mail, the
holders may wish to consider using an overnight or hand delivery service. In all
cases, sufficient time should be allowed to assure timely delivery. For a
description of the guaranteed delivery procedures, see Instruction 2 of the
Letter of Transmittal.
 
     2. Signatures on this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.  If this Notice of
Guaranteed Delivery is signed by the registered holder(s) of the Old Notes
referred to herein, the signature must correspond with the name(s) written on
the face of the Old Notes without alteration, enlargement, or any change
whatsoever. If this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery is signed by a participant of
the Book-Entry Transfer Facility whose name appears on a security position
listing as the owner of the Old Notes, the signature must correspond with the
name shown on the security position listing as the owner of the Old Notes.
 
     If this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery is signed by a person other than the
registered holder(s) of any Old Notes listed or a participant of the Book-Entry
Transfer Facility, this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery must be accompanied by
appropriate bond powers, signed as the name of the registered holder(s) appears
on the Old Notes or signed as the name of the participant shown on the
Book-Entry Transfer Facility's security position listing.
 
     If this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery is signed by a trustee, executor,
administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation, or other
person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such person should so
indicate when signing and submit with the Letter of Transmittal evidence
satisfactory to the Company of such person's authority to so act.
 
     3. Requests for Assistance or Additional Copies.  Questions and requests
for assistance and requests for additional copies of the Prospectus may be
directed to the Exchange Agent at the address specified in the Prospectus.
Holders may also contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company,
or other nominee for assistance concerning the Exchange Offer.
 
                                        4


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