EXHIBIT 99.1

Annual CEO Certification
(Section 303A.12(a))

     
 
As the Chief Executive Officer of
Rowan Companies, Inc. ,
   
  (Name of the Company)

     and as required by Section 303A.12(a) of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual, I hereby certify that as of the date hereof I am not aware of any violation by the Company of NYSE’s Corporate Governance listing standards, other than has been notified to the Exchange pursuant to Section 303A.12(b) and disclosed as an attachment hereto.

             
  By:       /s/ D. F. McNease
           
 
            
  Print Name:       D. F. MCNEASE
 
            
  Title:       Chairman, President and CEO
 
            
  Date:       May 21, 2004