ADVISORY/Varco International to Introduce Major Advances in Automation at Booth 3741 During OTC.

Energy Editors/Business Editors

Offshore Technologies Conference

ADVISORY...for Monday through Wednesday (May 5 through May 7)

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 1, 2003

Who:   Joseph Winkler, chief operating officer of Varco International.

What:  Mr. Winkler will be available to discuss Varco's major advances
       in automation technology, including:

       --  The introduction of Shaffer's ARC(TM) Automated Ram
           Changing System for Shaffer's existing line of NXT(R)
           Blowout Preventers. NXT BOPs are in wide use around the
           world and the ARC Automated Ram Changer removes all
           hands-on activity involved in changing ram blocks, which
           reduces the time spent by 83 percent -- from four hours to
           just 40 minutes.

       --  Enthusiastic customer response to Varco's e-drill rig
           operations control system after its first year of use in
           the field. As expected, e-drill is revolutionizing
           downtime management and raising the bar for optimum rig
           performance worldwide. Booth 3741 will feature a fully
           operational e-drill Service Center to illustrate how Varco
           professionals proactively monitor rig equipment to prevent
           problems and minimize downtime exposure.

       --  Rapid customer adoption of the ST-80 Iron Roughneck since
           its launch in December 2002. The result of customer
           feedback and concerns about safety, the ST-80 is a compact
           (44 percent lighter and smaller than previous models),
           pedestal-mounted machine that combines spinning and torque
           functions into a single, easily controlled tool. Customers
           love it. More than 50 units already have been delivered.

When:  Mr. Winkler's time will be limited, but he will be available
       for media interviews upon request, Monday, May 5 through
       Wednesday, May 7, during the Offshore Technologies Conference.

Why:   Varco's continuing leadership in offshore technology has
       contributed significantly to improvements in safety. What makes
       these advances especially meaningful and relevant is that they
       all result from direct input and feedback from customers.

Contact:  To schedule an interview time, please contact Carlos Arcos,
       Fogarty Klein Monroe Public Relations, 713/867-3187 or e-mail
       [e-mail].