As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 27, 2005

Registration No. 333-125276

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

POST-EFFECTIVE

AMENDMENT NO. 2

TO

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

CAL DIVE INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

400 N. Sam Houston Parkway E., Suite 400

Houston, Texas 77060

(281) 618-0400

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

James Lewis Connor, III

400 N. Sam Houston Parkway E., Suite 400

Houston, Texas 77060

281-618-0400

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

Copy to:

Arthur H. Rogers

Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.

Fulbright Tower

1301 McKinney, Suite 5100

Houston, Texas 77010

(713) 651-5151

      Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:  From time to time after this registration statement becomes effective, subject to market conditions and other factors.

      If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.     o

      If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.     þ

      If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.     o

      If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.     o

      If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box.     o

PROSPECTUS

$300,000,000

Cal Dive International, Inc.

3.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2025

        The securities to be offered and sold using this prospectus will be offered and sold by the selling security holders named in this prospectus or in any supplement to this prospectus. See “Selling Security Holders” beginning on page 13. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale by the selling security holders of the securities offered by this prospectus.

      The notes bear interest at the rate of 3.25% per year. Interest on the notes is payable on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on June 15, 2005. Beginning with the period commencing on December 20, 2012 and ending on June 14, 2013, and for each of the six-month periods thereafter commencing on June 15, 2013, we will pay contingent interest during the applicable interest period if the average trading price of the notes on the five trading days ending on the third trading day immediately preceding the first day of the applicable interest period equals or exceeds 120% of the principal amount of the notes. The contingent interest payable per note within any applicable interest period will equal an annual rate of 0.25% of the average trading price of a note during the measuring period.

      The notes will mature on December 15, 2025, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased by us. We may also, at our option, redeem some or all of the notes for cash at any time on or after December 20, 2012 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest (and contingent interest and additional amounts, if any) to the redemption date. You may require us to repurchase in cash some or all of your notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest (including contingent interest and additional amounts, if any) up to but excluding the applicable repurchase date, on December 15, 2012, December 15, 2015 and December 15, 2020 or, subject to specified exceptions, at any time prior to the notes’ maturity following a fundamental change as described in this prospectus.

      Holders may convert their notes into cash and shares of our common stock, if any, at a conversion rate of 15.5600 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes, subject to adjustment upon certain events, under the following circumstances: (1) during specified periods, if the price of our common stock reaches specified thresholds described in this prospectus; (2) if we call the notes for redemption; or (3) upon the occurrence of certain corporate transactions. Upon conversion, we will deliver cash equal to the lesser of the aggregate principal amount of notes to be converted and our total conversion obligation and shares of our common stock in respect of the remainder, if any, of our conversion obligation. If certain corporate transactions occur on or prior to December 20, 2012, we will increase the conversion rate by a number of additional shares of common stock or, in lieu thereof, we may under certain circumstances elect to adjust the conversion rate and the related conversion obligation so that the notes will be convertible into shares of the acquiring or surviving company, in each case as described in this prospectus.

      The notes are our senior secured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of our other existing and future senior unsecured debt. The notes are effectively subordinated to all our existing and future secured debt and to the indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries.

      Our common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “CDIS.” The last reported sale price of our common stock on the Nasdaq National Market on October 26, 2005 was $60.57 per share.

      Under the indenture governing the notes, we and each holder agree to treat the notes as indebtedness for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is subject to the Treasury regulations governing contingent payment debt instruments. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

      There is no established market for the notes. The selling security holders may sell the securities offered by this prospectus from time to time on any exchange on which the securities are listed on terms to be negotiated with buyers. They may also sell the securities in private sales or through dealers or agents. The selling security holders may sell the securities at prevailing market prices or at prices negotiated with buyers. The selling security holders will be responsible for any commissions due to brokers, dealers or agents. We will be responsible for all other offering expenses. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale by the selling security holders of the securities offered by this prospectus.

       Investing in the notes involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 6.

       Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is                  , 2005.

Table of Contents

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

      This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission using a “shelf” registration process. This means the securities described in this prospectus may be offered and sold using this prospectus from time to time as described in the “Plan of Distribution”. You should carefully read this prospectus and the information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information”. Under no circumstances should the delivery to you of this prospectus or any offering or sales made pursuant to this prospectus create any implication that the information contained in this prospectus is correct as of any time after the date of this prospectus.

Issuer		Cal Dive International, Inc., a Minnesota corporation.
Selling Security Holders		The securities to be offered and sold using this prospectus will be offered and sold by the selling security holders named in this prospectus or in any supplement to this prospectus. See “Selling Security Holders”.
Notes Offered		$300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2025.
Maturity Date		December 15, 2025, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased.
Ranking		The notes are our direct, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations and rank pari passu with all of our existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness and senior in right of payment to all of our existing and future subordinated indebtedness. The notes effectively rank junior to any of our existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral and effectively junior to our subsidiaries’ existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade payables.
		As of June 30, 2005, we had long-term debt, including current maturities, totaling approximately $442.6 million. As of June 30, 2005, our subsidiaries had long-term indebtedness, including current maturities, totaling approximately $142.6 million. For a discussion of our secured debt, see “Description of Notes — Ranking.”
Interest Payment		3.25% per year on the principal amount, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning June 15, 2005.
Contingent Interest		Beginning with the period commencing on December 20, 2012 to June 14, 2013, and for each six-month period thereafter, we will pay contingent interest during the applicable interest period if the average trading price of the notes during the five trading days ending on the third trading day immediately preceding the first day of the applicable interest period equals or exceeds 120% of the principal amount of the notes. The amount of contingent interest payable per $1,000 principal amount of notes during the applicable interest period will equal an annual rate of 0.25% of the average trading price of such $1,000 principal amount of notes during the applicable five-trading-day reference period, payable in arrears.

Conversion Rights		You may convert the notes into cash and shares of our common stock, if any, at a conversion rate of 15.5600 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equal to a conversion price of approximately $64.27 per share), subject to adjustment, prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding stated maturity only under the following circumstances:
		• during any fiscal quarter commencing after March 31, 2005, if the last reported sale price of our common stock is greater than or equal to 120% of the conversion price for at least 20 trading days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the preceding fiscal quarter;
		• if we have called the notes for redemption and the redemption has not yet occurred; or
		• upon the occurrence of specified corporate transactions described under “Description of Notes — Conversion Rights — Conversion Upon Specified Corporate Transactions.”
		You will not receive any cash payment or additional shares representing accrued and unpaid interest upon conversion of a note, except in limited circumstances. Instead, interest, including contingent interest and additional amounts, if any, will be deemed paid by the cash and common stock, if any, delivered to you upon conversion. Once we have called the notes for redemption, you may surrender your notes for conversion prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the redemption date.
		Upon a surrender of your notes for conversion, we will deliver cash equal to the lesser of the aggregate principal amount of notes to be converted and our total conversion obligation. We will deliver shares of our common stock in respect of the remainder, if any, of our conversion obligation as described under “Description of Notes — Conversion Rights — Payment Upon Conversion.”
		If you elect to convert your notes in connection with certain corporate transactions that occur on or prior to December 20, 2012, we will increase the conversion rate by a number of additional shares of common stock upon conversion as described under “Description of Notes — Conversion Rights — Conversion Rate Adjustments — Make Whole Amount and Adjustments for Conversion After a Public Acquirer Change of Control” or, in lieu thereof, we may in certain circumstances elect to adjust the conversion rate and related conversion obligation so that the notes are convertible into shares of the acquiring or surviving company.
Optional Redemption		Prior to December 20, 2012, the notes will not be redeemable. On or after December 20, 2012, we may, at our option, redeem some or all of the notes in cash, at any time, upon at least 30 days’ notice at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest,

		including contingent interest and additional amounts, if any, up to but not including the date of redemption.
Repurchase of Notes at the Option of the Holder		You may require us to repurchase for cash all or a portion of your notes on December 15, 2012, December 15, 2015 and December 15, 2020 at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest, including contingent interest and additional amounts, if any, up to but not including, the date of repurchase.
Fundamental Change		If we undergo a fundamental change (as defined in this prospectus) prior to maturity of the notes, you will have the right, subject to certain conditions, to require us to repurchase for cash all or a portion of your notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes being repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, including contingent interest and additional amounts, if any, up to but excluding the date of repurchase.
Registration Rights		Under a registration rights agreement that we have entered into with the initial purchasers, we have filed a shelf registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. If we do not fulfill certain of our obligations under the registration rights agreement, we will be required to pay additional amounts to holders of the notes. If you convert some or all of your notes into common stock, you will not be entitled to additional amounts with respect to the common stock. However, if you convert your notes when there exists a registration default, we will adjust the conversion rate as described under “Description of Notes — Conversion Rights — General.”
No Proceeds		We will not receive any proceeds from the sale by any selling security holder of the notes or our common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations		Under the indenture governing the notes, we and each holder agree to treat the notes as indebtedness for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is subject to the Treasury regulations governing contingent payment debt instruments. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, interest income on the notes will accrue at the rate of 7.045% compounded semi-annually, which rate represents our determination of the yield at which we could issue a comparable noncontingent, nonconvertible, fixed-rate debt instrument with terms and conditions otherwise similar to the notes. A U.S. holder will be required to accrue interest income on a constant yield to maturity basis at this rate (subject to certain adjustments), with the result that a U.S. holder may recognize interest income significantly in excess of stated interest payments received while the notes are outstanding.
		A U.S. holder will also recognize gain or loss on the sale, exchange, conversion, repurchase or redemption of a note in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on

		the sale, exchange, conversion, repurchase or redemption of a note, including the fair market value of our common stock received, if any, and the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in the note. Any gain recognized on the sale, exchange, conversion, repurchase or redemption of a note generally will be ordinary interest income; any loss will be ordinary loss to the extent of the interest previously included in income, and thereafter, capital loss. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”
Trustee, Paying Agent and Conversion Agent		JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association.
Book-Entry Form		The notes were issued in book-entry form and are represented by a global certificate or certificates deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) and registered in the name of a nominee of DTC. Beneficial interests in any of the notes will be shown on, and transfers will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee and any such interest may not be exchanged for certificated securities except in limited circumstances.
Trading		The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange or included in any automated quotation system. However, the notes issued in the private placements are eligible for trading in the Private Offerings, Resale and Trading through Automated Linkages Market, commonly referred to as the PORTAL Market. The notes sold using this prospectus, however, will no longer be eligible for trading in the PORTAL Market.
Trading Symbol for Our Common Stock		Our common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the trading symbol “CDIS.”
Risk Factors		You should carefully consider the information set forth in the section of this prospectus entitled “Risk Factors” as well as the other information included in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus before deciding whether to invest in the notes.

RISK FACTORS

      An investment in the notes represents a high degree of risk. There are a number of factors associated with our business that could affect your decision whether to invest in the notes or the common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes. The following discussion describes the material risks currently known to us. However, additional risks that we do not know about or that we currently view as immaterial may also impair our business or adversely affect an investment in the notes or the common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes. You should carefully consider the risks described below together with the other information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus before making a decision to invest in the notes.

Risks Related to our Business:

      Our business is substantially dependent upon the condition of the oil and gas industry and, in particular, the willingness of oil and gas companies to make capital expenditures for offshore exploration, drilling and production operations. The level of capital expenditures generally depends on the prevailing view of future oil and gas prices, which are influenced by numerous factors affecting the supply and demand for oil and gas, including, but not limited to:

      The level of offshore construction activity improved somewhat in 2004 and is continuing in 2005. We cannot assure you that activity levels will remain the same or increase. A sustained period of low drilling and production activity or the return of lower commodity prices would likely have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.

      Marine construction involves a high degree of operational risk. Hazards, such as vessels sinking, grounding, colliding and sustaining damage from severe weather conditions, are inherent in marine operations. These hazards can cause personal injury or loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of property and equipment, pollution or environmental damage and suspension of operations. Damage arising from such occurrences may result in lawsuits asserting large claims. We maintain such insurance protection as we deem prudent, including Jones Act employee coverage, which is the maritime equivalent of workers’ compensation, and hull insurance on our vessels. We cannot assure you that any such insurance will be sufficient or effective under all circumstances or against all hazards to which we may be subject. A successful claim for which we are not fully insured could have a material adverse effect on us. Moreover, we cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates that we consider reasonable. As a result of market conditions, premiums and deductibles for certain of our

insurance policies have increased substantially and could escalate further. In some instances, certain insurance could become unavailable or available only for reduced amounts of coverage. For example, insurance carriers are now requiring broad exclusions for losses due to war risk and terrorist acts. As construction activity expands into deeper water in the Gulf and other Deepwater basins of the world, a greater percentage of our revenues may be from Deepwater construction projects that are larger and more complex, and thus riskier, than shallow water projects. As a result, our revenues and profits are increasingly dependent on our larger vessels. The current insurance on our vessels, in some cases, is in amounts approximating book value, which is less than replacement value. In the event of property loss due to a catastrophic marine disaster, mechanical failure or collision, insurance may not cover a substantial loss of revenues, increased costs and other liabilities, and could have a material adverse effect on our operating performance if we were to lose any of our large vessels.

      Marine operations conducted in the Gulf and North Sea are seasonal and depend, in part, on weather conditions. Historically, we have enjoyed our highest vessel utilization rates during the summer and fall when weather conditions are favorable for offshore exploration, development and construction activities. We typically have experienced our lowest utilization rates in the first quarter. As is common in the industry, we typically bear the risk of delays caused by some, but not all, adverse weather conditions. Accordingly, our results in any one quarter are not necessarily indicative of annual results or continuing trends.

      A majority of our projects are performed on a qualified turnkey basis where described work is delivered for a fixed price and extra work, which is subject to customer approval, is billed separately. The revenue, cost and gross profit realized on a turnkey contract can vary from the estimated amount because of changes in offshore job conditions, variations in labor and equipment productivity from the original estimates, and the performance of others such as alliance partners. These variations and risks inherent in the marine construction industry may result in our experiencing reduced profitability or losses on projects.

      Our proved reserves at December 31, 2004 included the reserves assigned to our ownership position in the Gunnison project, a Deepwater Gulf oil and gas field operated by Kerr-McGee Oil & Gas Corp. The Gunnison reserves constitute approximately 38% of our total proved reserves as of December 31, 2004. Our report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference, contains estimates of our proved oil and gas reserves and the estimated future net cash flows therefrom based upon reports for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2004, audited by our independent petroleum engineer. These reports rely upon various assumptions, including assumptions required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, as to oil and gas prices, drilling and operating expenses, capital expenditures, abandonment costs, taxes and availability of funds. The process of estimating oil and gas reserves is complex, requiring significant decisions and assumptions in the evaluation of available geological, geophysical, engineering and economic data for each reservoir. As a result, these estimates are inherently imprecise. Actual future production, cash flows, development expenditures, operating and abandonment expenses and quantities of recoverable oil and gas reserves may vary substantially from those estimated in these reports. Any significant variance in these assumptions could materially affect the estimated quantity and value of our proved reserves. You should not assume that the present value of future net cash flows from our proved reserves referred to in our report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference, is the current market value of our estimated oil and gas reserves. In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission requirements, we base the estimated discounted future net cash flows from our proved reserves on prices and costs on the date of the estimate. Actual future prices and costs may differ

materially from those used in the net present value estimate. In addition, if costs of abandonment are materially greater than our estimates, they could have an adverse effect on our financial position, cash flows and results of operations.

      Oil and gas properties are depleting assets. We replace reserves through acquisitions and exploitation of current properties. If we are unable to acquire additional properties or if we are unable to find additional reserves through exploitation of our properties or exploration activities, our future cash flows from oil and gas operations could decrease.

      Our oil and gas operations are subject to risks incident to the operation of oil and gas wells, including, but not limited to, uncontrollable flows of oil, gas, brine or well fluids into the environment, blowouts, cratering, mechanical difficulties, fires, explosions, pollution and other risks, any of which could result in substantial losses to us. We maintain insurance against some, but not all, of the risks described above. Drilling for oil and gas involves numerous risks, including the risk that our company will not encounter commercially productive oil or gas reservoirs. If certain exploration efforts are unsuccessful in establishing proved reserves and exploration activities cease, the amounts accumulated as unproved property costs would be charged against earnings as impairments.

      The businesses in which we operate are highly competitive. Several of our competitors are substantially larger and have greater financial and other resources than we have. If other companies relocate or acquire vessels for operations in the Gulf or the North Sea, levels of competition may increase and our business could be adversely affected.

      Our industry has lost a significant number of experienced subsea professionals over the years due to, among other reasons, the volatility in commodity prices. Our continued success depends on the active participation of our key employees. The loss of our key people could adversely affect our operations. We believe that our success and continued growth are also dependent upon our ability to attract and retain skilled personnel. We believe that our wage rates are competitive; however, unionization or a significant increase in the wages paid by other employers could result in a reduction in our workforce, increases in the wage rates we pay, or both. If either of these events occurs for any significant period of time, our revenues and profitability could be diminished and our growth potential could be impaired.

      We have a history of growing through acquisitions of large assets and acquisitions of companies. We must plan and manage our acquisitions effectively to achieve revenue growth and maintain profitability in our evolving market. If we fail to effectively manage current and future acquisitions, our results of operations could be adversely affected. Our growth has placed, and is expected to continue to place, significant demands on our personnel, management and other resources. We must continue to improve our operational, financial, management and legal/compliance information systems to keep pace with the growth of our business.

      Our subsea construction, intervention, inspection, maintenance and decommissioning operations and our oil and gas production from offshore properties, including decommissioning of such properties, are subject to and affected by various types of government regulation, including numerous federal, state and local environmental protection laws and regulations. These laws and regulations are becoming increasingly complex, stringent and expensive to comply with, and significant fines and penalties may be imposed for noncompliance. We cannot assure you that we will always be in compliance with these laws and regulations or that our continued compliance with existing or future laws or regulations will not adversely affect our operations.

      In addition to the 55,000 shares of preferred stock issued to Fletcher International, Ltd. under the First Amended and Restated Agreement dated January 17, 2003, but effective as of December 31, 2002, by and between Cal Dive and Fletcher International, Ltd., our board of directors has the authority, without any action by our shareholders, to fix the rights and preferences on up to 4,945,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock, including dividend, liquidation and voting rights. In addition, our by-laws divide the board of directors into three classes. See “Description of Capital Stock — Purposes and Effects of Certain Provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.” We are also subject to certain anti-takeover provisions of the Minnesota Business Corporation Act. See “Description of Capital Stock — Certain Anti-Takeover Legislation.” We also have employment contracts with all of our senior officers that require cash payments in the event of a “change of control.” Any or all of the provisions or factors described above may have the effect of discouraging a takeover proposal or tender offer not approved by management and the board of directors and could result in shareholders who may wish to participate in such a proposal or tender offer receiving less for their shares than otherwise might be available in the event of a takeover attempt.

Risks Related to the Notes:

      The notes are obligations exclusively of our company and not guaranteed by our subsidiaries. The notes are unsecured and effectively subordinated to the liabilities, including trade payables, of our subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries are not prohibited from incurring additional debt or other liabilities, including senior indebtedness. If our subsidiaries were to incur additional debt or liabilities, our ability to pay our obligations on the notes, including cash payments upon conversion or repurchase, could be adversely affected. As of June 30, 2005, our subsidiaries had liabilities of approximately $516 million. The notes are also effectively subordinated to any secured obligations to the extent of the value of the assets securing such obligations.

      The indenture governing the notes does not prohibit us from incurring substantial additional indebtedness in the future, which may rank equal in right of payment with the notes. We are also permitted to incur additional secured debt that would be senior in right of payment to these notes. The indenture governing these notes also permits unlimited additional borrowings by our subsidiaries that could be effectively senior to the notes. In addition, the indenture does not contain any restrictive covenants limiting our ability to pay dividends, make any payments on junior or other indebtedness or otherwise limit our financial condition.

      On December 15, 2012, 2015 and, 2020, holders of the notes have the right to require us to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their notes at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, including contingent interest and additional amounts, if any, up to but not including the date of repurchase. Upon a fundamental change, subject to certain conditions, we will be required to make an offer to repurchase for cash all outstanding notes at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, including contingent interest and additional amounts, if any, up to but not including the date of repurchase. Upon a conversion, we will be required to make a cash payment of up to $1,000 for each $1,000 in principal amount of notes converted. However, we may not have enough available cash or be able to obtain financing at the time we are required to make repurchases of tendered notes or settlement of converted notes. Any credit facility in place at the time of a repurchase or conversion of the notes may also limit our ability to use borrowings to pay any cash payable on a repurchase or conversion of the notes and may prohibit us from making any cash payments on the repurchase or conversion of the notes if a default or event of default has occurred under that facility without the consent of the lenders under that credit facility. Our existing credit agreement permits the payment of cash upon conversion of the notes, but only if (i) there is availability under the credit agreement, (ii) we meet certain covenants and (iii) no default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such conversion or would result from such conversion. Our failure to repurchase tendered notes at a time when the repurchase is required by the indenture or to pay any cash payable on a conversion of the notes would constitute a default under the indenture. A default under the indenture or the fundamental change could lead to a default under other existing and future agreements governing our indebtedness. If the repayment of the related indebtedness were to be accelerated after any applicable notice or grace periods, we may not have sufficient funds to repay the indebtedness and repurchase the notes.

      If certain specified corporate transactions occur on or prior to December 20, 2012, we will under certain circumstances increase the conversion rate on notes converted in connection with the specified corporate transaction by a number of additional shares of common stock. The number of additional shares of common stock will be determined based on the date on which the specified corporate transaction becomes effective and the price paid per share of our common stock in the specified corporate transaction as described under “Description of Notes — Conversion Rights — Conversion Rate Adjustments — Make Whole Amount and Adjustments for Conversion After a Public Acquirer Change of Control.” The additional shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes in connection with a specified corporate transaction may not adequately compensate you for any loss you may experience as a result of such specified corporate transaction. If the specified corporate transaction occurs after December 20, 2012 or if the price paid per share of our common stock in the specified corporate transaction is less than the common stock price at the date of issuance of the notes or above a specified price, there will be no increase in the conversion rate. In addition, in certain circumstances upon a change of control arising from our acquisition by a public company, we may elect to adjust the conversion rate as described under “Description of Notes — Conversion Rate Adjustment — Make Whole Amount Adjustments for Conversion After a Public Acquirer Change of Control” and, if we so elect, holders of notes will not be entitled to the increase in the conversion rate determined as described above.

      Our obligation to adjust the conversion rate in connection with specified corporate transactions could be considered a penalty, in which case the enforceability thereof would be subject to general principles of reasonableness and equitable remedies.

      The conversion rate of the notes is subject to adjustment for certain events, including but not limited to the issuance of stock dividends on our common stock, the issuance of rights or warrants, subdivisions, combinations, distributions of capital stock, indebtedness or assets, certain cash dividends and certain tender or exchange offers as described under “Description of Notes — Conversion Rights — Conversion Rate Adjustments.” The conversion rate will not be adjusted for other events, such as an issuance of common stock for cash, that may adversely affect the trading price of the notes or the common stock. There can be no assurance that an event that adversely affects the value of the notes, but does not result in an adjustment to the conversion rate, will not occur.

      Under the indenture governing the notes, we and each holder agree to treat the notes as indebtedness for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is subject to the Treasury regulations governing contingent payment debt instruments. Under these Treasury regulations, a U.S. holder may recognize interest income on the notes significantly in excess of the stated interest payments received thereon. Also under these Treasury regulations, a U.S. holder generally will recognize ordinary income, rather than capital gain, upon a sale, exchange, conversion, repurchase or redemption of the notes at a gain. Certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the notes are summarized under “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

      The notes are a new issue of securities for which there is no established trading market. The notes are designated for trading by qualified institutional buyers in the PORTAL market, but we do not intend to apply for listing of the notes on any securities exchange or to arrange for quotation on any automated dealer quotation system. As a result, an active trading market for the notes may not develop. If an active trading market does not develop or is not maintained, the market price and liquidity of the notes may be adversely affected. In that case, you may not be able to sell your notes at a particular time or you may not be able to sell your notes at a favorable price. Future trading prices of the notes will depend on many factors, including:

      Historically, the markets for non-investment grade debt securities have been subject to disruptions that have caused volatility in prices. It is possible that the markets for the notes will be subject to disruptions. Any such disruptions may have a negative effect on a holder of the notes, regardless of our prospects and financial performance. The initial purchasers may discontinue market making activities at any time, in their sole discretion, which could further negatively impact your ability to sell the notes or the prevailing market price at the time you choose to sell.

      If Moody’s Investor Service, Standard & Poor’s or another rating service rates the notes and if any of such rating services lowers its rating on the notes below the rating initially assigned to the notes or otherwise announces its intention to put the notes on credit watch, the trading price of the notes could decline.

      The price of our common stock could be affected by possible sales of our common stock by investors who view the notes as a more attractive means of equity participation in us and by hedging or arbitrage trading activity that may develop involving our common stock. The hedging or arbitrage could, in turn, affect the trading prices of the notes.

      The notes are convertible into cash and shares of common stock, if any, only if specific conditions are met. If the specific conditions for conversion are not met, you may not be able to receive the value of the common stock into which your notes would otherwise be convertible.

      The conversion value that you will receive upon conversion of your notes is in part determined by the average of the last reported sale prices of our common stock for the ten trading days beginning on the second trading day immediately following the day the notes are tendered for conversion. Accordingly, if the price of our common stock decreases after you tender your notes for conversion, the conversion value you will receive may be adversely affected, and if the price at the end of such period is below the average, the value of the cash and shares delivered may be less than the conversion value.

      In the future, we may sell additional shares of our common stock to raise capital. In addition, a substantial number of shares of our common stock is reserved for issuance upon the exercise of stock options and upon conversion of the notes. We cannot predict the size of future issuances or the effect, if any, that they may have on the market price for our common stock. The issuance and sales of substantial amounts of common stock, or the perception that such issuances and sales may occur, could adversely affect the trading price of the notes and the market price of our common stock.

      The stock market in recent years has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated to the operating performance of companies. The market price of our common stock may be affected adversely by factors such as actual or anticipated changes in our operating results, acquisition activity, the impact of international markets, changes in financial estimates by securities analysts, general market conditions, rumors and other factors. The decrease in the market price of our common stock would likely adversely impact the trading price of the notes.

      We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not intend to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain earnings, if any, for the future operations and growth of our business. Moreover, our current financing arrangements prohibit the payment of cash dividends on common stock. As a result, our common stock may be less attractive to certain investors than the stock of dividend-paying companies.

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

      The following table shows our historical ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the five most recent fiscal years, and the six months ended June 30, 2005.

      For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, “earnings” represents income before income taxes and change in accounting principle (including only distributed income of less than 50% owned subsidiaries), plus fixed charges. “Fixed charges” consists of interest, including amortization of debt issuance costs and that portion of rental expense considered to be a reasonable approximation of interest.

NO PROCEEDS

      The securities to be offered and sold using this prospectus will be offered and sold by the selling security holders named in this prospectus or in any supplement to this prospectus. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the securities or conversion of the notes. The shares of our common stock offered by this prospectus are issuable upon conversion of the notes.

SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS

      On March 30, 2005, we issued and sold a total of $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the notes in private placements to Banc of America Securities LLC and UBS Securities LLC (which we refer to as the initial purchasers in this prospectus). The initial purchasers have advised us that they resold the notes in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to “qualified institutional buyers” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) in compliance with Rule 144A. The selling security holders, which term includes their transferees, pledgees, donees and successors, may from time to time offer and sell pursuant to this prospectus any and all of the notes and the shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes.

      The notes and our shares of common stock to be issued upon conversion of the notes are being registered pursuant to a registration rights agreement between us and the initial purchasers. In that agreement, we undertook to file a registration statement with regard to the notes and our shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes and, subject to certain exceptions, to keep that registration statement effective for up to two years. The registration statement to which this prospectus relates is intended to satisfy our obligations under that agreement.

      The selling security holders named below have advised us that they currently intend to sell the notes and our shares of common stock set forth below pursuant to this prospectus. Additional selling security holders may choose to sell notes and our shares of common stock from time to time upon notice to us. None of the selling security holders named below, has, within the past three years, held any position, office or other material relationship with us or any of our predecessors or affiliates, except as noted below in “Plan of Distribution.”

      Unless the securities were purchased pursuant to this registration statement, before a security holder not named below may use this prospectus in connection with an offering of securities, this prospectus will be amended to include the name and amount of notes and common stock beneficially owned by the selling security holder and the amount of notes and common stock to be offered. Any amended prospectus will also disclose whether any selling security holder selling in connection with that amended prospectus has held any position, office or other material relationship with us or any of our predecessors or affiliates during the three years prior to the date of the amended prospectus.

      The following table is based solely on information provided by the selling security holders. This information represents the most current information provided to us by selling security holders.

      Selling security holders who are registered broker-dealers are deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933. In addition, selling security holders who are affiliates of registered broker-dealers may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 if such selling security holder (i) did not acquire its notes or underlying common stock in the ordinary course of business or (ii) had any agreement or understanding, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the notes or underlying common stock. To our knowledge, no selling security holder who is a registered broker-dealer or an affiliate of a registered broker-dealer received any securities as underwriting compensation.

DESCRIPTION OF NOTES

      We issued the notes under an indenture, dated as of March 30, 2005, between us and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as trustee. The notes and the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes, if any, are covered by a registration rights agreement. Each holder may request a copy of the indenture and the registration rights agreement from the trustee at the address provided herein.

      The following description is a summary of the material provisions of the notes, the indenture and the registration rights agreement and does not purport to be complete. This summary is subject to and is qualified by reference to all the provisions of the notes and the indenture, including the definitions of certain terms used in the indenture, and to all provisions of the registration rights agreement. Wherever particular provisions or defined terms of the indenture or the notes are referred to, these provisions or defined terms are incorporated in this prospectus by reference. We urge you to read the indenture because it, and not this description, defines each holder’s rights as a holder of the notes.

      As used in this “Description of Notes” section, references to “Cal Dive,” the “company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer only to Cal Dive International, Inc. and do not include its subsidiaries.

General

      The notes will mature on December 15, 2025 unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased. Each holder has the option, subject to certain qualifications and the satisfaction of certain conditions and during the periods described below, to convert its notes into cash and shares, if any, of our common stock at an initial conversion rate of 15.5600 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes. This is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $64.27 per share of common stock. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment if certain events occur. Upon a surrender of a holder’s notes for conversion, we will deliver cash equal to the lesser of the aggregate principal amount of notes to be converted and our total conversion obligation. We will deliver shares of our common stock in respect of the remainder, if any, of our conversion obligation, as described below under “— Conversion Rights — Payment Upon Conversion.” If we deliver shares of common stock upon conversion of a note, a holder will not receive fractional shares but a cash payment to account for any such fractional share as described below. A holder will not receive any cash payment for interest (or contingent interest or additional amounts, if any) accrued and unpaid to the conversion date except under the limited circumstances described below including under “— Registration Rights” below.

      If any interest payment date, maturity date, redemption date, repurchase date or settlement date (including upon the occurrence of a fundamental change, as described below) falls on a day that is not a business day, then the required payment will be made on the next succeeding business day with the same force and effect as if made on the date that the payment was due, and no additional interest will accrue on that payment for the period from and after the interest payment date, maturity date, redemption date or repurchase date (including upon the occurrence of a fundamental change, as described below), as the case may be, to that next succeeding business day.

      The notes were issued only in denominations of $1,000 principal amount and integral multiples thereof. References to “a note” or “each note” in this prospectus refer to $1,000 principal amount of the notes. The notes are limited to $300 million aggregate principal amount.

      As used in this prospectus, “business day” means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which commercial banks are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close in The City of New York.

      Any reference to “common stock” means our common stock, no par value per share.

Ranking

      The notes are our direct, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations. The notes rank pari passu with all of our existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness and senior in right of payment to

all of our existing and future subordinated indebtedness. The notes effectively rank junior to all of our existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the collateral securing that indebtedness.

      Creditors of each of our subsidiaries, including trade creditors, generally have priority with respect to the assets and earnings of the subsidiary over the claims of our creditors, including holders of the notes. The notes, therefore, are effectively subordinated to the claims of creditors, including trade creditors, of our subsidiaries.

      In addition, our rights and the rights of our creditors, including the holders of the notes, to participate in the assets of a subsidiary during its liquidation or reorganization are effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of that subsidiary.

      As of June 30, 2005, our long-term debt, including current maturities, consisted of approximately $442.6 million. As of June 30, 2005, our subsidiaries had long-term indebtedness, including current maturities, of approximately $142.6 million, excluding intercompany indebtedness.

      In August 2004, we replaced our existing credit facility which was scheduled to expire in February 2005 with a new, four-year credit facility with a syndicate of banks that provides for borrowings of up to $150 million. The amount available under this credit facility may be increased to $250 million at any time upon our agreement with the lenders. This new credit facility bears interest at LIBOR plus 75 — 175 basis points depending on our leverage, and contains financial covenants relative to our level of debt to EBITDA, as defined in the credit facility, fixed charge coverage and book value of assets coverage. As of June 30, 2005, the Company was in compliance with these covenants and there were no outstanding amounts under this facility.

      At June 30, 2005, $134.3 million was outstanding on Cal Dive’s long-term financing for construction of the Q4000. This U.S. government guaranteed financing is pursuant to Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 which is administered by the Maritime Administration. This debt is referred to as the “MARAD Debt”. The MARAD Debt is payable in equal semi-annual installments which began in August 2002 and matures 25 years from such date. The MARAD Debt is collateralized by the Q4000, with Cal Dive guaranteeing 50% of the debt, and initially bore interest at a floating rate which approximated AAA Commercial Paper yields plus 20 basis points. As provided for in the MARAD Debt agreements, in September 2005, the Company fixed the interest rate on the debt through the issuance of a 4.93% fixed-rate note with the same maturity date (February 2027). In accordance with the MARAD Debt agreements, Cal Dive is required to comply with certain covenants and restrictions, including the maintenance of minimum net worth, working capital and debt-to-equity requirements. As of June 30, 2005, Cal Dive was in compliance with these covenants.

      In August 2003, Canyon Offshore, Ltd., or “COL” (with a guarantee from Cal Dive) completed a capital lease with a bank refinancing the construction costs of a newbuild 750 horsepower trenching unit and a ROV. COL received proceeds of $12 million for the assets and agreed to pay the bank sixty monthly installment payments of $217,174 (resulting in an implicit interest rate of 3.29%). COL has an option to purchase the assets at the end of the lease term for $1. The proceeds were used to reduce Cal Dive’s revolving credit facility, which had initially funded the construction costs of the assets.

Interest

      The notes bear interest at a rate of 3.25% per year. We will also pay contingent interest on the notes in the circumstances described under “— Contingent Interest” and, if applicable, additional amounts in the circumstances described under “— Registration Rights.” Interest, including contingent interest and additional amounts, if any, shall be payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing June 15, 2005.

      Interest on a note, including contingent interest and additional amounts, if any, will be paid to the person in whose name the note is registered at the close of business on the June 1 or December 1, as the case may be (each, a “record date”), immediately preceding the relevant interest payment date (whether or not such day is a business day); provided, however, that accrued and unpaid interest, including

contingent interest and additional amounts, if any, payable upon redemption or repurchase by us will be paid to the person to whom principal is payable, unless the redemption date or repurchase date, as the case may be, is an interest payment date. Interest will be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months and will accrue from March 30, 2005 or from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for.

      Upon conversion of a note, a holder will not receive any cash payment of interest (including contingent interest and additional amounts, if any) unless, as described below, such conversion occurs between a record date and the interest payment date to which that record date relates or such conversion occurs during a registration default as described under “— Registration Rights” below. If we deliver shares of common stock upon surrender of a note for conversion, we will not issue fractional shares of common stock. Instead, we will pay cash in lieu of fractional shares based on the last reported sale price of the common stock on the trading day immediately prior to the conversion date. Our delivery to a holder of the full amount of cash and shares of common stock, if any, as described below under “— Payment upon Conversion,” together with any cash payment for any fractional share, will be deemed to satisfy our obligation to pay:

      As a result, accrued but unpaid interest (including contingent interest and additional amounts, if any) up to but excluding the conversion date will be deemed to be paid in full rather than cancelled, extinguished or forfeited. For a general discussion of the U.S. federal income tax treatment upon receipt of our common stock upon conversion, see “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

      Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, if notes are converted after the close of business on a record date but prior to the opening of business on the interest payment date to which that record date relates, holders of such notes at the close of business on the record date will receive the interest, including contingent interest and additional amounts, if any, payable on the notes on the corresponding interest payment date notwithstanding the conversion. Such notes, upon surrender for conversion, must be accompanied by funds equal to the amount of interest (including contingent interest and additional amounts, if any) payable on the notes so converted on the next succeeding interest payment date; provided that no such payment need be made (1) if we have specified a redemption date or a repurchase date relating to a fundamental change that is after a record date and on or prior to the next interest payment date or (2) to the extent of any overdue interest (and any contingent interest and additional amounts) if any such interest exists at the time of conversion with respect to such note.

Contingent Interest

      Beginning with the period commencing on December 20, 2012 and ending on June 14, 2013, and for each six month period thereafter, we will pay contingent interest on the interest payment date for the applicable interest period if the average trading price (as defined below) of the notes during the five consecutive trading days ending on the third trading day immediately preceding the first day of the applicable interest period (each such trading day during the five trading day period called the “determination date”) equals or exceeds 120% of the principal amount of the notes.

      On any interest payment date when contingent interest is payable, the contingent interest payable per note will equal 0.25% per year of the average trading price of such note during the applicable five trading day reference period.

      We will notify the holders of the notes upon making the determination that they will be entitled to receive contingent interest with respect to any six-month interest period.

      For purposes of this section, the “trading price” of the notes on any date of determination means the average of the secondary market bid quotations obtained by the bid solicitation agent for $5.0 million

aggregate principal amount of the notes at approximately 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on the determination date from three independent nationally recognized securities dealers we select, provided that if:

provided further if no bids are received or, in our reasonable judgment, the bid quotations are not indicative of the secondary market value of the notes, then the trading price of the notes on any date of determination will equal (1) the applicable conversion rate of the notes as of the determination date multiplied by (2) the average last reported sale price (as defined below under “— Conversion Rights — Conversion Upon Satisfaction of Sale Price Condition”) of our common stock on the five trading days ending on the determination date.

      We will appoint a bid solicitation agent and we may change any bid solicitation agent. The bid solicitation agent may not be an affiliate of ours.

      “Trading day” means a day during which trading in securities generally occurs on the Nasdaq National Market or, if our common stock is not quoted on the Nasdaq National Market, then a day during which trading in securities generally occurs on the principal U.S. securities exchange on which our common stock is listed or, if our common stock is not listed on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange, then on the principal other market on which our common stock is then traded or quoted.

Optional Redemption by Cal Dive

      Prior to December 20, 2012, the notes are not redeemable at our option. On or after December 20, 2012, we may redeem the notes for cash in whole or in part at any time for a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus any accrued and unpaid interest (including contingent interest and additional amounts, if any) up to but excluding the redemption date.

      If the redemption date occurs after a record date and on or prior to an interest payment date, accrued and unpaid interest (including contingent interest and additional amounts, if any) shall be paid on such interest payment date to the record holder on the relevant record date.

      We will provide not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice of redemption by mail to each registered holder of notes to be redeemed. If the redemption notice is given and funds are deposited as required, then interest will cease to accrue on and after the redemption date on those notes or portions of notes called for redemption.

      Once we have called the notes for redemption, notes or portions of notes will be convertible by the holder until the close of business on the business day prior to the redemption date.

      If we decide to redeem fewer than all of the outstanding notes, the trustee will select the notes to be redeemed (in principal amounts of $1,000 or integral multiples thereof) by lot, on a pro rata basis or by another method the trustee considers fair and appropriate. If the trustee selects a portion of a holder’s notes for partial redemption and the holder converts a portion of its notes, the converted portion will be deemed to be from the portion selected for redemption.

      We may not redeem the notes if we have failed to pay any interest, including contingent interest and additional amounts on the notes when due and such failure to pay is continuing.

Conversion Rights

      Subject to the qualifications and the satisfaction of the conditions and during the periods described below, a holder may convert each of its notes prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding stated maturity into cash and shares of our common stock, if any, initially at a conversion rate of 15.5600 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $64.27 per share of common stock based on the issue price per note). The conversion rate and the equivalent conversion price in effect at any given time are referred to as the “applicable conversion rate” and the “applicable conversion price,” respectively, and are subject to adjustment as described below. A holder may convert fewer than all of its notes so long as the notes converted are an integral multiple of $1,000 principal amount. Upon surrender of a note for conversion, we will deliver cash and shares of our common stock, if any, as described below under “— Payment upon Conversion.”

      A holder may convert its notes in whole or in part only in the following circumstances, which are described in more detail below, and to the following extent:

      We will notify holders by press release once the notes have become convertible upon any of the foregoing circumstances.

      If we call a holder’s notes for redemption, the holder may convert the notes only until the close of business on the business day prior to the redemption date unless we fail to pay the redemption price. If a holder has already delivered a repurchase election with respect to a note as described under either “— Repurchase of Notes by Cal Dive at Option of Holder” or “— Repurchase of Notes by Cal Dive at Option of Holder upon a Fundamental Change,” it may not surrender that note for conversion until it has withdrawn the repurchase election in accordance with the indenture.

      If a holder converts notes, we will pay any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax due on the issue of shares of our common stock upon the conversion, unless the tax is due because a holder requests the shares to be issued or delivered to another person, in which case that holder will pay that tax.

      A holder may surrender its notes for conversion during any fiscal quarter after the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2005 if the last reported sale price per share of our common stock for at least 20 trading days during the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the previous fiscal quarter is more than 120% of the applicable conversion price per share of our common stock on such last trading day. Upon surrender by a holder of its notes for conversion, we will deliver cash and shares of common stock, if any, as described below under “— Payment upon Conversion.”

      The “last reported sale price” of our common stock on any date means the closing sale price per share (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the bid and asked prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and the average asked prices) on such date as reported by the Nasdaq National Market or, if our common stock is not reported by the Nasdaq National Market, in composite transactions for the principal U.S. national securities exchange on which our common stock is traded. If our common stock is not listed for trading on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange and not reported by the Nasdaq National Market on the relevant date, the “last reported sale price” will be the last quoted bid price for our common stock in the over-the-counter market on the relevant date as reported by the National Quotation Bureau Incorporated or similar organization. If our common stock is not so quoted, the “last reported sale price” will be the average of the mid-point of the last bid and asked

prices for our common stock on the relevant date from each of at least three independent nationally recognized investment banking firms selected by us for this purpose.

      If we call any or all of the notes for redemption, a holder may convert any of its notes at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately prior to the redemption date. Upon surrender by a holder of its notes for conversion, we will deliver cash and shares of common stock, if any, as described below under “— Payment upon Conversion.”

      If we elect to:

we must notify holders of the notes at least 20 business days prior to the ex-dividend date for such distribution. Once we have given such notice, holders may surrender their notes for conversion at any time until the earlier of the close of business on the business day immediately prior to the ex-dividend date or any announcement that such distribution will not take place. No holder may exercise this right to convert if the holder otherwise could participate in the distribution without conversion. The “ex-dividend” date is the first date upon which a sale of the common stock does not automatically transfer the right to receive the relevant distribution from the seller of the common stock to its buyer. Upon surrender by a holder of its notes for conversion, we will deliver cash and shares of common stock, if any, as described below under “— Payment upon Conversion.”

      If:

in either case, regardless of whether a holder has the right to put the notes as described under “— Repurchase of Notes by Cal Dive at Option of Holder upon a Fundamental Change,” then a holder may surrender notes for conversion at any time from and after the date which is 15 days prior to the anticipated effective date of the transaction until and including the date which is 15 days after the actual effective date of such transaction (or, if such transaction also results in holders having a right to require us to repurchase their notes, until the fundamental change repurchase date). We will notify holders and the trustee at the same time we publicly announce such transaction (but in no event less than 15 days prior to the effective date of such transaction).

      If a holder elects to convert its notes during the period specified above on or prior to December 20, 2012 and 10% or more of the consideration for the common stock in the corporate transaction consists of consideration other than common stock that is traded or scheduled to be traded immediately following such transaction on a U.S. national securities exchange or the Nasdaq National Market, we will increase the conversion rate by the additional shares as described below under “— Conversion Rate Adjustments — Make Whole Amount and Adjustments for Conversion After a Public Acquirer Change of Control” or, in lieu thereof, we may in certain circumstances elect to adjust the conversion rate and related conversion obligation so that the notes are convertible into shares of the acquiring or surviving entity.

      If a transaction described above occurs, a holder can, subject to certain conditions, require us to repurchase all or a portion of its notes as described under “— Repurchase of Notes by Cal Dive at Option of Holder upon a Fundamental Change.”

Conversion Procedures

      To convert a note, a holder must do each of the following:

      The date a holder complies with these requirements is the “conversion date” under the indenture. The notes will be deemed to have been converted immediately prior to the close of business on the conversion date. If a holder’s interest is a beneficial interest in a global note, to convert a holder must comply with the last three requirements listed above and comply with the depositary’s procedures for converting a beneficial interest in a global note.

      The conversion agent will initially be the trustee. The conversion agent will, on a holder’s behalf, convert the notes into cash and shares of common stock, if any. A holder may obtain copies of the required form of the conversion notice from the conversion agent. Payments of cash and, if shares of common stock are to be delivered, a stock certificate or certificates will be delivered to the holder, or a book-entry transfer through DTC will be made, by the conversion agent for the number of shares of common stock as set forth below under “— Payment upon Conversion.”

      In connection with any conversion, we will satisfy our obligation to convert the notes (the “conversion obligation”) by delivering to holders in respect of each $1,000 aggregate principal amount of notes being converted a “settlement amount” consisting of:

      We will not issue fractional shares of common stock upon conversion of the notes. Instead, we will pay the cash value of such fractional shares based upon the last reported sale price of our common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the conversion date. Upon conversion of a note, a holder will not receive any cash payment of interest (including contingent interest and additional amounts, if any) unless such conversion occurs between a record date and the interest payment date to which that record date relates or as described under “— Registration Rights” below. We will deliver the settlement amount on the third business day following the date the settlement amount is determined.

      The “conversion value” means the product of (1) the conversion rate in effect (plus any additional shares as described under “— Conversion Rights — Conversion Rate Adjustments — Make Whole Amount and Adjustments for Conversion After a Public Acquirer Change of Control”) or, if the notes are converted during a registration default, 103% of such conversion rate (and any such additional shares), and (2) the average of the last reported sale prices (as defined above under “— Conversion upon Satisfaction of Sale Price Condition”) of our common stock for the trading days during the cash settlement period.

      The “cash settlement period” with respect to any notes means the 10 consecutive trading days beginning on the second trading day after the conversion date for those notes.

      If a holder tenders notes for conversion and the conversion value is being determined at a time when the notes are convertible into other property in addition to or in lieu of our common stock, the conversion value of each note will be determined based on the kind and amount of shares of stock, securities or other property or assets (including cash or any combination thereof) that a holder of a number of shares of our common stock equal to the conversion rate would have owned or been entitled to receive in such transaction and the value thereof during the cash settlement period. Settlement of notes tendered for conversion after the effective date will be as set forth above.

      The applicable conversion rate will be subject to adjustment, without duplication, upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

      In addition to these adjustments, we may in our sole discretion increase the conversion rate as our board of directors deems advisable to avoid or diminish any income tax to holders of our notes resulting from any dividend or distribution of capital stock issuable upon conversion of the notes (or rights to acquire capital stock) or from any event treated as such for income tax purposes. We may also, from time to time, to the extent permitted by applicable law and Nasdaq listing requirements, increase the conversion rate by any amount for any period of at least 20 days if our board of directors has determined that such increase would be in our best interests. If our board of directors makes that determination, it will be conclusive. We will give holders of notes at least 15 days’ prior notice of such an increase in the conversion rate. For a general discussion of the U.S. federal income tax treatment of an adjustment to the conversion rate of the notes, see “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations — U.S. Holders — Constructive distributions.”

      “Current market price” of our common stock on any day means the average of the last reported sale price of our common stock (as defined above under “— Conversion — Conversion upon Satisfaction of Sale Price Condition”) for each of the 10 consecutive trading days ending on the earlier of the day in question and the day before the “ex-dividend date” with respect to the issuance or distribution requiring such computation, subject to adjustment by our board of directors if the related transaction occurs during such 10-day period.

      To the extent that we have a rights plan in effect upon any conversion of the notes into common stock, a holder will receive, in addition to the common stock, the rights under the rights plan, unless, prior to any conversion, the rights have separated from the common stock, in which case the conversion rate will be adjusted at the time of separation as described in clause (4) above. A further adjustment will occur as described in clause (4) above, if such rights become exercisable to purchase different securities, evidences of indebtedness or assets, subject to readjustment in the event of the expiration, termination or redemption of such rights.

      In the event of:

in each case, in which holders of common stock would be entitled to receive stock, other securities, other property, assets or cash for their common stock, upon conversion by a holder of its notes it will be entitled to receive the same type of consideration that it would have been entitled to receive had it owned a number of shares of our common stock equal to the conversion rate immediately prior to any of these events multiplied by the principal amount of the notes converted. The conversion value and the amounts received in settlement of our conversion obligation will be computed as set forth under “— Payment upon Conversion” above and will be determined based on the kind and amount of shares of stock, securities or other property (including cash or any combination thereof) that a holder of a number of shares of our common stock equal to the conversion rate would have owned or been entitled to receive in such transaction.

      The applicable conversion rate will not be adjusted:

      Adjustments to the applicable conversion rate will be calculated to the nearest 1/10,000th of a share. No adjustment to the applicable conversion rate will be required unless the adjustment would require an increase or decrease of at least 1.0% of the applicable conversion rate. However, any adjustments which are not required to be made because they would have required an increase or decrease of less than 1.0% will be carried forward and be made on the first to occur of (i) any subsequent adjustment, (ii) the first day of the next calendar year and (iii) any conversion of the notes.

      If the effective date or anticipated effective date of certain corporate transactions as described under “— Conversion upon Specified Corporate Transactions — Certain Corporate Transactions” occurs on or prior to December 20, 2012 and 10% or more of the consideration for our common stock in the corporate transaction consists of consideration other than common stock that is traded or scheduled to be traded immediately following such transaction on a U.S. national securities exchange or the Nasdaq National Market, we will increase the conversion rate for the notes surrendered for conversion by a number of additional shares (the “additional shares”) as described below. We will notify holders, at least 20 days prior to the anticipated effective date of such corporate transaction and whether we elect to increase the conversion rate as described below or to modify the conversion obligation as described below.

      The number of additional shares will be determined by reference to the table below, based on the date on which the corporate transaction becomes effective (the “effective date”) and the price (the “stock price”) paid per share of our common stock in the corporate transaction. If holders of our common stock receive only cash in the corporate transaction, the stock price will be the cash amount paid per share.
Otherwise, the stock price will be the average of the last reported sale prices (as defined under “— Conversion
upon Satisfaction of Sale Price Condition” above) of our common stock on the five trading days immediately prior to but not including the effective date of the corporate transaction.

      The stock prices set forth in the first row of the table below (i.e., column headers) will be adjusted as of any date on which the conversion rate of the notes is adjusted, as described above under “— Conversion Rate Adjustments.” The adjusted stock prices will equal the stock prices applicable immediately prior to such adjustment multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the conversion rate immediately prior to the adjustment giving rise to the stock price adjustment and the denominator of which is the conversion rate as so adjusted. The number of additional shares will be adjusted in the same manner as the conversion rate as set forth under “— Conversion Rate Adjustments.”

      The following table sets forth the hypothetical stock price, effective date and number of additional shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes:

      The hypothetical stock prices and additional share amounts set forth above are based upon a common stock price of $45.10 at March 23, 2005 and an initial conversion price of $64.27. The maximum amount of additional shares is 6.61 per $1,000 principal amount of notes, subject to adjustment in the same manner as in the conversion rate as set forth under “— Conversion Rate Adjustments.”

      Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event will the total number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion exceed 22.1729 per $1,000 principal amount of notes subject to adjustments in the same manner as the conversion rate as set forth under “— Conversion Rate Adjustments.”

      The exact stock prices and effective dates may not be set forth in the table above, in which case:

      Our obligation to adjust the conversion rate in connection with specified corporate transactions could be considered a penalty, in which case the enforceability thereof would be subject to general principles of reasonableness and equitable remedies.

      Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a holder converts its notes in connection with a corporate transaction for which the conversion rate would be increased by a number of additional shares as described above, in the case of a public acquirer change of control (as defined below), we may, at our option and in lieu of increasing the conversion rate by such number of additional shares, adjust the conversion rate and the related conversion obligation such that from and after the effective date of such public acquirer change of control, holders of the notes will be entitled to convert their notes (subject to the satisfaction of the conditions to conversion described under “— Conversion Rights” above and the settlement procedures described under “— Conversion Procedures — Payment upon Conversion”) into a number of shares of public acquirer common stock (as defined below).

      The conversion rate following the effective date of such transaction will be a number of shares of such public acquirer common stock equal to the product of:

      The “acquisition value” of our common stock means, for each trading day in the valuation period, the value of the consideration paid per share of our common stock in connection with such public acquirer change of control, as follows:

      A “public acquirer change of control” means any event constituting a corporate transaction as described under “— Conversion Upon Specific Corporate Transactions — Certain Corporate Transactions” that would otherwise obligate us to increase the conversion rate as described above under “— Make-Whole Amount and Adjustments for Conversion After a Public Acquirer Change of Control” and the acquirer, the person formed by or surviving the merger or consolidation or any entity that is a direct or indirect “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of more than 50% of the total voting power of all shares of such acquirer’s or person’s capital stock that are entitled to vote generally in the election of directors has a class of common stock traded on a U.S. national securities exchange or quoted on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System or which will be so traded or quoted when issued or exchanged in connection with such fundamental change; provided that if there is more than one of such entity, the relevant entity will be such entity with the most direct beneficial ownership to such acquirer’s or person’s capital stock. We refer to such acquirer’s, person’s or other entity’s class of common stock traded on a U.S. national securities exchange or quoted on the Nasdaq or which will be so traded or quoted when issued or exchange in connection with such transaction as the “public acquirer common stock.”

      Upon a public acquirer change of control, if we so elect, holders may convert their notes (subject to the satisfaction of the conditions to conversion described under “— Conversion Rights” above) at the adjusted conversion rate described in the second preceding paragraph but will not be entitled to the increased conversion rate described under “— Make-Whole Amount and Adjustments for Conversion After a Public Acquirer Change of Control” above. We are required to notify holders of our election in our notice to holders of such transaction. As described under “— Conversion Rights — Conversion upon Specified Corporate Transactions,” holders may convert their notes upon a public acquirer change of control during the period specified therein. In addition, a holder can also, subject to certain conditions, require us to repurchase all or a portion of its notes as described under “— Repurchase of Notes by Cal Dive at Option of Holder upon a Fundamental Change.”

Repurchase of Notes by Cal Dive at Option of Holder

      On December 15, 2012, December 15, 2015 and December 15, 2020 (each, a “repurchase date”), any holder may require us to repurchase for cash any outstanding notes for which that holder has properly delivered and not withdrawn a written repurchase notice. The repurchase price will equal 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest, including contingent interest and additional amounts, if any, to, but not including, the repurchase date. If the repurchase date is on a date that is after a record date and on or prior to the corresponding interest payment date, we will pay such interest (including additional amounts, if any) to the holder of record on the corresponding record date, which may or may not be the same person to whom we will pay the repurchase price.

      A holder may submit a repurchase notice to the paying agent (which will initially be the trustee) at any time from the opening of business on the date that is 20 business days prior to the repurchase date until the close of business on the repurchase date.

      Any repurchase notice given by a holder electing to require us to repurchase notes shall be given so as to be received by the paying agent no later than the close of business on the repurchase date and must state:

      A holder may withdraw its repurchase notice by delivering a written notice of withdrawal to the paying agent prior to the close of business on the repurchase date. The notice of withdrawal shall state:

      In connection with any repurchase, we will, to the extent applicable:

      Our obligation to pay the repurchase price for notes for which a repurchase notice has been delivered and not validly withdrawn is conditioned upon the holder effecting book-entry transfer of the notes or delivering definitive notes, together with necessary endorsements, to the paying agent at any time after delivery of the repurchase notice. We will cause the repurchase price for the notes to be paid promptly following the later of the business day following the repurchase date and the time of book-entry transfer or delivery of definitive notes, together with such endorsements.

      If the paying agent holds money sufficient to pay the repurchase price of the notes for which a repurchase notice has been delivered and not validly withdrawn in accordance with the terms of the indenture, then, immediately after the repurchase date, the notes will cease to be outstanding and interest and additional amounts, if any, on the notes will cease to accrue, whether or not the notes are transferred by book entry or delivered to the paying agent. Thereafter, all of the holder’s other rights shall terminate, other than the right to receive the repurchase price upon book-entry transfer of the notes or delivery of the

notes. Our ability to repurchase notes for cash may be limited by restrictions on our ability to obtain funds for such repurchase through dividends from our subsidiaries, through the terms of our then existing borrowing arrangements or otherwise.

Repurchase of Notes by Cal Dive at Option of Holder upon a Fundamental Change

      If a fundamental change, as defined below, occurs, each holder will have the right on the fundamental change repurchase date to require us to repurchase for cash all of its notes not previously called for redemption, or any portion of those notes that is equal to $1,000 in principal amount or integral multiples thereof, at a fundamental change repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest, including contingent interest and additional amounts, if any, on the notes to but not including the fundamental change repurchase date. If the fundamental change repurchase date is on a date that is after a record date and on or prior to the corresponding interest payment date, we will pay such interest (including additional amounts, if any) to the holder of record on the corresponding record date, which may or may not be the same person to whom we will pay the repurchase price.

      Within 15 days after the occurrence of a fundamental change, we are required to give notice to each holder and the trustee of such occurrence and of each holder’s resulting repurchase right and the procedures that each holder must follow to require us to repurchase its notes as described below. The fundamental change repurchase date specified by us will be 30 days after the date on which we give this notice.

      The fundamental change repurchase notice given by a holder electing to require us to repurchase its notes shall be given so as to be received by the paying agent no later than the close of business on the fundamental change repurchase date and must state:

      A holder may withdraw its fundamental change repurchase notice by delivering a written notice of withdrawal to the paying agent prior to the close of business on the fundamental change repurchase date. The notice of withdrawal shall state:

      A “fundamental change” will be deemed to have occurred upon a change of control of Cal Dive or a termination of trading of our common stock.

      A “change of control” will be deemed to have occurred at such time after the original issuance of the notes when any of the following has occurred:

      A “continuing director” means a director who either was a member of our board of directors on December 31, 2004 or who becomes a member of our board of directors subsequent to that date and whose appointment, election or nomination for election by our shareholders is duly approved by a majority of the continuing directors on our board of directors at the time of such approval, either by specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement issued by us on behalf of the board of directors in which such individual is named as nominee for director.

      The term “person” includes any syndicate or group that would be deemed to be a “person” under Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.

      The definition of change of control includes a phrase relating to the conveyance, transfer, sale, lease or disposition of “all or substantially all” of our assets. There is no precise, established definition of the phrase “substantially all” under applicable law. Accordingly, a holder’s ability to require us to repurchase its notes as a result of a conveyance, transfer, sale, lease or other disposition of less than all our assets may be uncertain.

      Notwithstanding the foregoing, a holder will not have the right to require us to repurchase its notes upon a change of control described in clause (3) above if 90% or more of the consideration in the transaction or transactions consists of shares of common stock traded or to be traded immediately following a change of control on a U.S. national securities exchange or the Nasdaq National Market, and, as a result of the transaction or transactions, the notes become convertible into that common stock (and any rights attached thereto).

      A “termination of trading” will be deemed to have occurred if our common stock (or other common stock into which the notes are then convertible) is neither listed for trading on a U.S. national securities exchange nor approved for trading on the Nasdaq National Market.

      Rule 13e-4 under the Exchange Act requires the dissemination of certain information to security holders if an issuer tender offer occurs and may apply if the repurchase option becomes available to

holders of the notes. We will comply with this rule and file Schedule TO (or any similar schedule) to the extent required at that time.

      If the paying agent holds money sufficient to pay the fundamental change repurchase price of the notes which holders have elected to require us to repurchase on the business day following the fundamental change repurchase date in accordance with the terms of the indenture, then, immediately after the fundamental change repurchase date, those notes will cease to be outstanding and interest and additional amounts, if any, on the notes will cease to accrue, whether or not the notes are transferred by book entry or delivered to the paying agent. Thereafter, all other rights of the holders shall terminate, other than the right to receive the fundamental change repurchase price upon book-entry transfer of the notes or delivery of the notes.

      The term “fundamental change” is limited to specified transactions and does not include other events that might adversely affect our financial condition or business operations. The foregoing provisions would not necessarily protect holders of the notes if highly leveraged or other transactions involving us occur that may affect holders adversely. We could, in the future, enter into certain transactions, including certain recapitalizations, that would not constitute a fundamental change with respect to the fundamental change repurchase feature of the notes but that would increase the amount of our (or our subsidiaries’) outstanding indebtedness.

      Our ability to repurchase notes for cash upon the occurrence of a fundamental change is subject to important limitations. Our ability to repurchase the notes for cash may be limited by restrictions on our ability to obtain funds for such repurchase through dividends from our subsidiaries, the terms of our then existing borrowing arrangements or otherwise.

      The fundamental change purchase feature of the notes may in certain circumstances make it more difficult or discourage a takeover of our company. The fundamental change purchase feature, however, is not the result of our knowledge of any specific effort:

      Instead, the fundamental change repurchase feature is a standard term contained in securities similar to the notes.

Merger or Sale of Assets

      The indenture provides that we may not consolidate with or merge with or into any other person or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all our assets to another person, unless:

      The successor company will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, us under the indenture, but in the case of a conveyance, transfer or lease of all or substantially all our assets, we will not be released from the obligation to pay the principal of and interest on the notes.

Events of Default; Notice and Waiver

      The following constitute defaults under the indenture, subject to any additional limitations and qualifications included in the indenture:

      The foregoing will constitute events of default whatever the reason for any such event of default and whether it is voluntary or involuntary or is effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body.

      If a default under the indenture occurs and is continuing and is known to the trustee, the trustee must mail to each holder of the notes notice of the default within 90 days after it occurs. The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of the notes of a default, except defaults in non-payment of principal or interest (including contingent interest or additional amounts, if any) on the notes. However, the trustee must consider it to be in the interest of the holders of the notes to withhold this notice.

      If an event of default (other than an event of default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of us) occurs and continues, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding notes may declare the principal and accrued and unpaid interest, including contingent interest and additional amounts, if any, on the outstanding notes to be immediately due and payable. In case of certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization involving us, the

principal and accrued and unpaid interest, including contingent interest and additional amounts, if any, on the notes will automatically become immediately due and payable. Under certain circumstances, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes may rescind such acceleration with respect to the notes and, as is discussed below, waive these past defaults.

      The holders of a majority in principal amount of outstanding notes will have the right to direct the time, method and place of any proceedings for any remedy available to the trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee, subject to limitations specified in the indenture. The trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or the indenture or that the trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other holder of the notes or that would involve the trustee in personal liability. Prior to taking any action under the indenture, the trustee will be entitled to indemnification satisfactory to it in its sole discretion against all losses and expenses caused by taking or not taking such action.

      The holders of a majority in principal amount of outstanding notes may waive any past defaults under the indenture, except a default due to the non-payment of principal or interest, including contingent interest or additional amounts, if any, a failure to convert any notes into common stock, a default arising from our failure to redeem or repurchase any notes when required pursuant to the terms of the indenture or a default in respect of any covenant that cannot be amended without the consent of each holder affected.

      No holder of the notes may pursue any remedy under the indenture, except in the case of a default due to the non-payment of principal or interest, including contingent interest or additional amounts, if any, on the notes, unless:

      The indenture requires us (i) every year to deliver to the trustee a statement as to performance of our obligations under the indenture and as to any default, and (ii) to deliver to the trustee prompt notice of any default.

      A default in the payment of the notes, or a default with respect to the notes that causes them to be accelerated, may give rise to a cross-default under our existing borrowing arrangements.

Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

      The notes are not subject to any defeasance provisions under the indenture.

Amendment and Modification

      The consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes is required to modify or amend the indenture. However, a modification or amendment requires the consent of the holder of each outstanding note affected by such modification or amendment if it would:

      We and the trustee may modify certain provisions of the indenture without the consent of the holders of the notes, including to:

Calculations in Respect of Notes

      We will be responsible for making all calculations called for under the notes, unless otherwise set forth above. These calculations include, but are not limited to, determinations of the market prices of our common stock, the amount of accrued interest (including contingent interest and additional amounts, if

any) payable on the notes and the conversion price of the notes. We will make all these calculations in good faith, and, absent manifest error, our calculations will be final and binding on holders of notes. We will provide a schedule of our calculations to each of the trustee and the conversion agent, and each of the trustee and the conversion agent is entitled to rely upon the accuracy of our calculations without independent verification. The trustee will forward our calculations to any holder of notes upon the request of that holder.

Trustee, Paying Agent and Conversion Agent

      We have appointed JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, the trustee under the indenture, as paying agent, conversion agent, note registrar and custodian for the notes. The trustee or its affiliates may also provide banking and other services to us in the ordinary course of their business.

Notices

      Except as otherwise described herein, notices to registered holders of the notes will be given by mail to the addresses as they appear in the security register. Notices will be deemed to have been given on the date of mailing.

Governing Law

      The notes and the indenture shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

Form, Denomination, Exchange, Registration and Transfer

      The notes will be issued:

Payment and Paying Agent

      We will maintain an office or agent in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, where we will pay the principal on the notes and a holder may present the notes for conversion, registration of transfer or exchange for other denominations, which shall initially be an office or agency of the trustee. We may pay interest on any notes represented by the registered certificated securities referred to below by check mailed to a holder’s address as it appears in the note register, provided that if a holder has an aggregate principal amount of notes in excess of $2.0 million, it will be paid, at such holder’s written election, by wire transfer in immediately available funds.

      Payments on the notes represented by the global note referred to below will be made to The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, which is referred to herein as DTC, or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner thereof, in immediately available funds. We expect that DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment on the notes represented by a global note, will credit participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the global note as shown in the records of DTC or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the global note held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practice as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in the names of nominees for such customers. The participants will be responsible for those payments. Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected in accordance with DTC’s rules and will be settled in immediately available funds.

Book-Entry Delivery and Settlement

      We issued the notes in the form of one or more permanent global notes in definitive, fully registered, book-entry form. The global notes have been deposited with or on behalf of DTC and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC.

      DTC has advised us as follows:

      We are providing the following descriptions of the operations and procedures of DTC to the holders solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of DTC and are subject to change by DTC from time to time. None of us, the initial purchasers nor the trustee takes any responsibility for these operations or procedures, and each holder is urged to contact DTC or its participants directly to discuss these matters.

      We expect that under procedures established by DTC:

      The laws of some jurisdictions require that purchasers of securities take physical delivery of those securities in definitive form. Accordingly, the ability to transfer interests in the notes represented by a global note to those persons may be limited. In addition, because DTC can act only on behalf of its participants, who in turn act on behalf of persons who hold interests through participants, the ability of a person having an interest in notes represented by a global note to pledge or transfer those interests to persons or entities that do not participate in DTC’s system, or otherwise to take actions in respect of such interest, may be affected by the lack of a physical definitive security in respect of such interest.

      So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of a global note, DTC or that nominee will be considered the sole owner or holder of the notes represented by that global note for all purposes under the indenture and under the notes. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a global note will not be entitled to have notes represented by that global note registered in their names, will not receive

or be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificated notes and will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the indenture or under the notes for any purpose, including with respect to the giving of any direction, instruction or approval to the trustee. Accordingly, each holder owning a beneficial interest in a global note must rely on the procedures of DTC and, if that holder is not a direct or indirect participant, on the procedures of the participant through which that holder owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder of notes under the indenture or the global note.

      Notes represented by a global note will be exchangeable for registered certificated securities with the same terms only if: (1) DTC is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or if DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and a successor depositary is not appointed by us within 90 days; (2) we decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry transfer through DTC (or any successor depositary); or (3) a default under the indenture occurs and is continuing.

      Neither we nor the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of notes by DTC, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of DTC relating to the notes.

Registration Rights

      We have entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers pursuant to which we have agreed for the benefit of the holders of the notes and the common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes that we will, at our cost, use reasonable best efforts to keep the shelf registration statement of which this prospectus is a part effective until the earliest of:

      We may suspend the effectiveness of the shelf registration statement or the use of this prospectus during specified periods under certain circumstances relating to pending corporate developments, public filings with the SEC and similar events. Any suspension period may not exceed an aggregate of:

      We need not specify the nature of the event giving rise to a suspension in any notice to holders of the notes of the existence of such a suspension. Each holder, by its acceptance of the notes, agrees to hold in confidence any communication by us in response to a notice of a proposed sale.

      Each of the following is a registration default:

      If a registration default occurs, predetermined “additional amounts” will accrue on the notes that are transfer restricted securities, from and including the day following the registration default to but excluding the earlier of (1) the day on which the registration default has been cured and (2) the date the registration statement is no longer required to be kept effective. The additional amounts will be paid to those entitled to interest payments on such dates semiannually in arrears on each June 15 and December 15 and will accrue at a rate per year equal to:

      In no event will additional amounts exceed 0.50% per year. If a holder converts some or all of its notes into common stock when there exists a registration default with respect to the common stock, the holder will not be entitled to receive additional amounts on such common stock, and we will instead adjust the conversion rate as described under “— Conversion Rights — General.” In addition, such holder will receive, on the settlement date for any notes submitted for conversion during a registration default, accrued and unpaid additional amounts to the conversion date relating to such settlement date. If a registration default with respect to the common stock occurs after a holder has converted its notes into common stock, such holder will not be entitled to any compensation with respect to such common stock.

      A holder who elects to sell securities pursuant to the shelf registration statement will:

      Under the registration rights agreement we have agreed to:

      The plan of distribution contained in this prospectus permits resales of registrable securities by selling security holders through brokers and dealers.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

      At September 30, 2005, there were 38,867,202 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding. All issued and outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid, validly issued, and non-assessable. There are currently 55,000 shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding.

      This description is intended as a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our articles of incorporation and by-laws, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus and which are included as exhibits to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 (as amended by Form 10-Q/A).

Common Stock

      Cal Dive is authorized to issue 120,000,000 shares of common stock, no par value per share.

      Subject to any preferences, limitations and relative rights that may be fixed for any series of preferred stock that may be created by the board of directors from time to time, the holders of common stock of Cal Dive are entitled, among other things, (1) to share ratably in dividends if, when and as declared by the board of directors out of funds legally available therefor, (2) to one vote per share on all matters voted on by the shareholders, and (3) in the event of liquidation, to share ratably in the distribution of assets remaining after payment of debts, expenses and the liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred stock. Holders of shares of common stock have no cumulative voting rights or preemptive rights to subscribe for or purchase any additional shares of capital stock issued by Cal Dive. Our common stock is not convertible or redeemable and there are no sinking fund provisions therefor.

Preferred Stock

      Our board of directors, without any action by our shareholders, is authorized to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $.01 par value, in one or more series, and to determine the rights and preferences of each such series. In January 2003, we issued 30,000 shares of Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock to Fletcher International, Ltd., or Fletcher, under the First Amended and Restated Agreement dated January 17, 2003, effective as of December 31, 2002, between us and Fletcher. We subsequently issued 25,000 shares of Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock to Fletcher under the terms of that same agreement. Both of these series of preferred stock are convertible into shares of our common stock on the terms and conditions described in the certificates of rights and preferences for these shares which have been included as exhibits to our annual report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2004, which has been incorporated herein by reference. These preferred shares have a minimum annual dividend rate of 4%, subject to adjustment, payable quarterly in cash or shares of common stock at our option. Beginning January 2005, the holder may redeem the value of its investment in these shares, to be settled in common stock at the then prevailing market price or cash, at our discretion. If we are unable to deliver common shares which have been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, we are required to redeem the preferred shares in cash. You can find a more complete discussion of the rights and preferences of these series of preferred stock in the certificates of rights and preferences which have been included as exhibits to our annual report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2004, which has been incorporated herein by reference.

      See also “Certain Anti-takeover Provisions” under the heading “Purposes and Effects of Certain Provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and By-laws” below for a discussion on the effect that the issuance of preferred stock might have on attempts to take over Cal Dive.

Purposes and Effects of Certain Provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and By-laws

      Our articles of incorporation and by-laws contain a number of provisions that could make the acquisition of Cal Dive by means of a tender or exchange offer, a proxy contest or otherwise more difficult. The description of those provisions set forth below is intended to be only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the pertinent sections of the articles of incorporation and the by-

laws, which are included as exhibits to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 (as amended by Form 10-Q/A), which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

      Our directors are currently divided into three classes, only one class of which is subject to re-election in any given year. The classification of directors have the effect of making it more difficult for shareholders to change the composition of the board of directors. At least two annual meetings of shareholders generally will be required to effect a change in a majority of the board of directors. Such a delay may help ensure that our directors, if confronted by a shareholder attempting to force a proxy contest, a tender or exchange offer or an extraordinary corporate transaction, would have sufficient time to review the proposal as well as any available alternatives to the proposal and to act in what they believe to be the best interest of the shareholders. The classification provisions will apply to every election of directors, regardless of whether a change in the composition of the board of directors would be beneficial to us and our shareholders and whether a majority of our shareholders believes that such a change would be desirable.

      Our articles of incorporation provide that our directors may only be removed by the affirmative vote of the holders of 68% of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, or Voting Stock.

      The classification provisions of our charter could also have the effect of discouraging a third party from initiating a proxy contest, making a tender or exchange offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of Cal Dive, even though such an attempt might be beneficial to us and our shareholders. These provisions could thus increase the likelihood that incumbent directors will retain their positions. In addition, the classification provisions may discourage accumulations of large blocks of our common stock that are effected for purposes of changing the composition of the board of directors. Accordingly, shareholders could be deprived of certain opportunities to sell their shares of common stock at a higher market price than might otherwise be the case.

      Our articles of incorporation authorize our board of directors to establish one or more series of preferred stock and to determine, with respect to any series of preferred stock, the terms and rights of such series, including:

      We believe that the ability of the board of directors to issue one or more series of preferred stock will provide us with flexibility in structuring possible future financings and acquisitions and in meeting other corporate needs which might arise. The authorized shares of preferred stock, as well as shares of common stock, will be available for issuance without further action by our shareholders, unless that action is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which our securities may be listed or traded.

      Although the board of directors has no intention at the present time of doing so, it could issue a series of preferred stock that, depending on the terms of such series, might impede the completion of a proxy contest, merger, tender or exchange offer or other attempt to obtain control of Cal Dive. The board of directors will make any determination to issue such shares based on its judgment as to the best interests of Cal Dive and our shareholders. The board of directors, in so acting, could issue preferred stock having terms that could discourage an acquisition attempt through which an acquirer may be otherwise able to change the composition of the board of directors, including a tender or exchange offer or other transaction that some, or a majority of our shareholders, might believe to be in their best interests or in which shareholders might receive a premium for their stock over the then current market price of such stock.

      Our articles of incorporation and by-laws provide that shareholder action can be taken only at an annual or special meeting of shareholders and prohibit shareholder action by written consent in lieu of a meeting. The by-laws provide that special meetings of shareholders can be called only upon a written request by the chief executive officer or a majority of the members of the board of directors. Shareholders are not permitted to call a special meeting or to require that the board of directors call a special meeting.

      The provisions of our articles of incorporation and by-laws prohibiting shareholder action by written consent may have the effect of delaying consideration of a shareholder proposal, including a shareholder proposal that a majority of shareholders believes to be in the best interest of Cal Dive, until the next annual meeting unless a special meeting is called. These provisions would also prevent the holders of a majority of the Voting Stock from unilaterally using written consents to take shareholder action. Moreover, a shareholder can not force shareholder consideration of a proposal over the opposition of the board of directors by calling a special meeting of shareholders prior to the time a majority of the board of directors believes such consideration to be appropriate.

      Under the Minnesota Business Corporation Act, or the MBCA, our shareholders have the right to adopt, amend or repeal our by-laws and, with the approval of the board of directors, our articles of incorporation. Our articles of incorporation provide that the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of then outstanding shares of Voting Stock, voting together as a single class, and in addition to any other vote required by the articles of incorporation or by-laws, is required to amend provisions of our articles of incorporation or by-laws relating to:

      Our articles of incorporation provide that the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 90% of the then outstanding shares of Voting Stock, voting together as a single class, and in addition to any other vote required by the articles of incorporation or the by-laws, is required to amend provisions of our articles of incorporation relating to the Minnesota Control Share Acquisition Act (Section 302A.671 of the MBCA) or the Minnesota Business Combinations Act (Section 302A.673 of the MBCA).

      The vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Voting Stock is required to amend all other provisions of our articles of incorporation. Our by-laws further provide that the by-laws may be amended by the board of directors. These super-majority voting requirements will have the effect of making more difficult any amendment by shareholders of the by-laws or of any of the provisions that may be in their best interests.

Certain Anti-Takeover Legislation

      As a public corporation, we are governed by the provisions of Section 302A.673 of the MBCA. This anti-takeover provision may operate to deny shareholders the receipt of a premium on their common stock and may also have a depressive effect on the market price of our common stock. Section 302A.673 prohibits a public corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested shareholder” for a period of four years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested shareholder, unless the business combination is approved by a committee of all of the disinterested members of the board of directors before the interested shareholder’s share acquisition date. A “business combination” includes mergers, asset sales and other transaction. An “interested shareholder” is a person who is the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the corporation’s Voting Stock.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

      Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A. acts as transfer agent and registrar for our common stock.

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

      The following is a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences, as of the date of this prospectus, of the purchase, ownership, and disposition of the notes and, where noted, the common stock into which the notes may be converted. This discussion only applies to holders who purchase the notes on original issue at their issue price (as defined below) and hold the notes as a capital asset for U.S. federal income tax purposes (generally property held for investment). This discussion does not describe all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to a holder in light of its particular circumstances. For example, this summary does not address:

      If a partnership or other entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal tax purposes holds the notes, the tax treatment of a partner of such partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding the notes, you should consult your own tax advisors.

      This discussion is based upon the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), its legislative history, and Treasury regulations thereunder, published rulings and judicial decisions as of the date of this prospectus. Those authorities are subject to change, possibly retroactively.

      This discussion is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice to any potential purchaser of notes. Additionally, this discussion cannot be used by any holder for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on such holder. If you are considering the purchase of the notes, you should consult your own tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of the notes and our common stock in light of your particular circumstances and any consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or foreign taxing jurisdiction. You should also consult with your tax advisors concerning any possible enactment of legislation that would affect your investment in the notes in your particular circumstances.

Classification of the Notes

      Under the indenture governing the notes, we and each holder of the notes agree, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to treat the notes as indebtedness that is subject to the “noncontingent bond method” for accruing interest as set forth in the applicable Treasury regulations governing contingent payment debt instruments (the “Contingent Debt Regulations”) in the manner described below. Pursuant to the terms of the indenture, we and every holder agree (in the absence of an administrative determination or judicial ruling to the contrary) to be bound by our application of the Contingent Debt Regulations to the notes, including our determination of the projected payment schedule (as described below) and the comparable yield (as described below), which is the rate at which interest will be deemed to accrue on the notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

      No statutory, administrative or judicial authority directly addresses the treatment of all aspects of the notes or instruments identical to the notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has issued a revenue ruling addressing the U.S. federal income tax classification and treatment of instruments similar, although not identical, to the notes, and concluded that the instruments addressed in that published guidance were subject to the Contingent Debt Regulations. In addition, the IRS clarified various aspects of the potential applicability of certain other provisions of the Code to the instruments addressed in that published guidance. However, the ruling is limited to its particular facts, and the proper application of the Contingent Debt Regulations to the notes is uncertain in a number of respects. We have not sought, and do not intend to seek, any private letter rulings from the IRS with respect to any of the tax consequences discussed below. As such, no assurance can be given that the IRS or a court will agree with the treatment of the notes described herein. A different treatment of the notes upon a successful challenge by the IRS or a change in law could significantly affect the amount, timing and character of income, gain or loss with respect to an investment in the notes. Accordingly, holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the tax treatment of holding and disposing of the notes in their particular circumstances.

      The remainder of this discussion assumes that the notes will be treated as indebtedness subject to the Contingent Debt Regulations and does not address any possible differing treatments of the notes.

U.S. Holders

      The following summarizes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. holders of the purchase, ownership, and disposition of notes and the common stock into which the notes may be converted. For purposes of this discussion, a U.S. holder is a beneficial owner of notes who or that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

      As discussed more fully below, the effects of applying the noncontingent bond method will be (1) to require each U.S. holder, regardless of such holder’s regular method of tax accounting, to use an accrual method with respect to the interest income on the notes, (2) to require each U.S. holder to accrue interest income in excess of interest payments, including any contingent interest payments, actually received, and (3) to result in ordinary, rather than capital, treatment of any gain and to some extent loss on the sale, exchange, conversion, repurchase or redemption of the notes.

      Under the Contingent Debt Regulations, a U.S. holder will be required to accrue interest income in each year, regardless of its regular method of tax accounting, on a constant yield to maturity basis based on the “comparable yield” of the notes, which we are required to determine. Under this method, a U.S. holder will be required to accrue an amount of interest income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, for each accrual period prior to and including the maturity date of the notes, that equals: