Episode 3: Alden “Doc” LaBorde—the Father of the Offshore Industry

Throughout the history of this industry, there are a select few who have made significant contributions to business and technological innovation. These key individuals literally shaped the offshore industry. Doc LaBorde is one of them. He is considered by many to be the “Father of the Offshore Oil Industry.” LaBorde was involved in three successful offshore companies. He founded the Offshore Drilling and Exploration Company—ODECO--in the early 1950s, followed shortly thereafter with Tidewater Marine, and decades late, Gulf Island Fabricators. He is best noted for designing and operating the first submersible offshore drilling rig—the Mr. Charlie. This first mobile drilling unit revolutionized the offshore oil industry and led to the semi-submersible floating drilling vessels that have become the standard for offshore operations around the world.