Exhibit 23.1
                                                                    ------------



                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

                    As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference in this the registration statement on Form S-3 of our
reports dated February 15, 2000 included in SEACOR SMIT Inc.'s Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1999 and to all references to our Firm included in this
registration statement.


/s/Arthur Andersen LLP
Arthur Andersen LLP


New Orleans, Louisiana,
March 9, 2001