EXHIBIT 23.1



                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-43183) and Form S-8 (Nos. 33-3289, 33-15269,
33-18966, 33-46724, 33-50270, 33-50272, 33-62394, 33-57675, 333-17407,
333-25857, 333-80511 and 333-53912) of Noble Drilling Corporation of our report
dated January 31, 2002 relating to the consolidated financial statements, which
appears in this Form 10-K.


PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

Houston, Texas
February 6, 2002