Compliance with the existing governmental regulations that have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment has not had, nor is expected to have, a material effect on the company. However, environmental laws and regulations are subject to change and may impose increasingly strict requirements and, as such, the company cannot estimate the ultimate cost of complying with such laws and regulations. 

Further, the company is involved in various legal proceedings that relate to asbestos and other environmental matters. In the opinion of management, based on current information, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these proceedings is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. The company is proactive in establishing policies and operating procedures for safeguarding the environment against any hazardous materials aboard its vessels and at shore base locations. Whenever possible, hazardous materials are maintained or transferred in confined areas in an attempt to ensure containment if accidents occur. In addition, the company has established operating policies that are intended to increase awareness of actions that may harm the environment. 

## Safety 

The company is committed to ensuring the safety of its operations for both its employees and its customers. The company’s principal operations occur in offshore waters where the workplace environment presents safety challenges. Because the work environment presents these challenges, the company works diligently to maintain workplace safety. Management regularly communicates with its personnel to promote safety and instill safe work habits through company media and safety review sessions. The company also regularly conducts safety training meetings for its seamen and staff personnel. The company dedicates personnel and resources to ensure safe operations and regulatory compliance. The company’s Director of Health, Safety and Environmental Management is involved in proactive efforts to prevent accidents and injuries and reviews all incidents that occur throughout the company. In addition, the company employs safety personnel at every operating location who are responsible for administering the company’s safety programs and fostering the company’s safety culture. 

## Risk Management 

The operation of any marine vessel involves an inherent risk of catastrophic marine disaster; adverse sea and weather conditions; mechanical failure; collisions and property losses to the vessel. In addition, the nature of our operations exposes the company to damage to and loss of drilling rigs and production facilities; war, sabotage, pirate and terrorism risks; and business interruption due to political action or inaction, including nationalization of assets by foreign governments. Any such event may result in a reduction in revenues or increased costs. The company's vessels are generally insured for their estimated market value against damage or loss, including war, terrorism acts, and pollution risks, but the company does not fully insure for business interruption. The company also carries workers' compensation, maritime employer's liability, director and officer liability, general liability (including third party pollution) and other insurance customary in the industry. 

The company seeks to secure appropriate insurance coverage at competitive rates by maintaining a self- retention layer up to certain limits on its marine package policies. The company carefully monitors claims and participates actively in claims estimates and adjustments. Estimated costs of self-insured claims, which include estimates for incurred but unreported claims, are accrued as liabilities on our balance sheet. 

The continued threat of terrorist activity and other acts of war or hostility have significantly increased the risk of political, economic and social instability in some of the geographic areas in which the company operates. It is possible that further acts of terrorism may be directed against the United States domestically or abroad, and such acts of terrorism could be directed against properties and personnel of U.S.-owned companies such as ours. The resulting economic, political and social uncertainties, including the potential for future terrorist acts and war, could cause the premiums charged for our insurance coverage to increase. The company currently maintains war risk coverage on its entire fleet. 

Management believes that the company’s insurance coverage is adequate. The company has not experienced a loss in excess of insurance policy limits; however, there is no assurance that the company’s liability coverage will be adequate to cover all potential claims that may arise. While the company believes 

