litigation release announcing that it charged Tidewater Inc. with violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. According to the SEC, the company has consented to a court order settling the charges.

On November 4, 2010, the SEC announced that it had reached a settlement with Tidewater Inc. ("Tidewater") for the company's violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Through a subsidiary, the New Orleans-based shipping company reimbursed approximately $1.6 million to its customs broker in Nigeria from 2002 to 2007, allowing the broker to make improper payments to Nigerian customs officials and induce them to disregard regulatory requirements related to the importation of Tidewater's vessels. As part of the settlement, Tidewater, without admitting or denying the SEC's allegations, agreed to an injunction and will pay $8,104,362 in disgorgement and a $217,000 penalty. In related criminal proceedings brought by the U.S. Department of Justice, Tidewater Marine International agreed to pay a criminal fine of $7.35 million.

On November 8, 2010, Federal District Judge Helen G. Berrigan entered final judgment against Tidewater Inc. pursuant to the consent of Tidewater Inc.