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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
Rowan Companies, Inc. on Form S-3 of our report dated March 3, 2000, and
incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Rowan Companies,
Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1999 and to the reference to us under the
heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is a part of this Registration
Statement.


DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas
August 30, 2000



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