exv10w45






Exhibit 10.45






SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT




     THIS SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made by and between
Trico Marine Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Company”), and David Michael Wallace
(“Executive”).



W I T N E S S E T H:




     WHEREAS, Executive and Company have heretofore entered into an Amended and Restated Employment
Agreement effective as of January 1, 2007 (the “Prior Agreement”); and



     WHEREAS, both Employee and Company are desirous of revising certain of the terms and
conditions in the Prior Agreement and amending and restating the Prior Agreement in the form of
this Agreement; and



     WHEREAS, Company is desirous of continuing to employ Executive in an executive capacity on the
terms and conditions, and for the consideration, hereinafter set forth and Executive is desirous of
continuing to be employed by Company on such terms and conditions and for such consideration;



     NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and obligations
contained herein, Company and Executive agree as follows:



ARTICLE 1: EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES




     1.1 Employment; Effective Date. Effective as of December 9, 2008 (the “Effective Date”) and
continuing for the period of time set forth in Article 2 of this Agreement, Executive’s employment
by Company shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.



     1.2 Positions. From and after the Effective Date, Company shall employ Executive in the
positions of Vice President of Company, or in such other positions as the parties mutually may
agree.



     1.3 Duties and Services. Executive agrees to serve in the position referred to in paragraph
1.2 and to perform diligently and to the best of his abilities the duties and services appertaining
to such office, as well as such additional duties and services appropriate to such office which the
parties mutually may agree upon from time to time. Executive’s employment shall also be subject to
the policies maintained and established by Company that are of general applicability to Company’s
executive employees, as such policies may be amended from time to time.



     1.4 Other Interests. Executive agrees, during the period of his employment by Company, to
devote substantially all of his business time, energy and best efforts to the business and affairs
of Company and its affiliates and not to engage, directly or indirectly, in any other business or
businesses, whether or not similar to that of Company, except with the consent of the Board of
Directors of Company (the “Board of Directors”). The foregoing notwithstanding, the parties
recognize and agree that Executive may engage in other business activities that do not



 









 







conflict with the business and affairs of Company or interfere with Executive’s performance of
his duties hereunder, which shall be at the sole determination of the Board of Directors.



     1.5 Duty of Loyalty. Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive owes a fiduciary duty
of loyalty to act at all times in the best interests of Company. In keeping with such duty,
Executive shall make full disclosure to Company of all business opportunities pertaining to
Company’s business and shall not appropriate for Executive’s own benefit business opportunities
concerning Company’s business.



ARTICLE 2: TERM AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT




     2.1 Term. Unless sooner terminated pursuant to other provisions hereof, Company agrees to
employ Executive for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the first
anniversary of the Effective Date (the “New Expiration Date”); provided, however, that beginning on
the New Expiration Date, and on each anniversary of the New Expiration Date thereafter, if this
Agreement has not been terminated pursuant to paragraph 2.2 or 2.3, then said term of employment
shall automatically be extended for an additional one-year period unless on or before the date that
is 30 days prior to the first day of any such extension period either party shall give written
notice to the other that no such automatic extension shall occur.



     2.2 Company’s Right to Terminate. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 2.1, Company
shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment under this Agreement at any time for any
of the following reasons:




     (i) upon Executive’s death;




     (ii) upon Executive’s becoming incapacitated by accident, sickness, or other
circumstances which, in the opinion of a physician selected by Company, renders him mentally
or physically incapable of performing the duties and services required of him hereunder;




     (iii) for “Cause”, which shall mean Executive (A) has engaged in gross negligence or
willful misconduct in the performance of the duties required of him hereunder, (B) has
willfully refused without proper legal reason to perform the duties and responsibilities
required of him hereunder, (C) has materially breached any material provision of this
Agreement or any material corporate policy maintained and established by Company that is of
general applicability to Company’s executive employees, (D) has willfully engaged in conduct
that he knows or should know is materially injurious to Company or any of its affiliates, or
(E) has been convicted of, or pleaded no contest to, a crime involving moral turpitude or
any felony, or (F) has engaged in any act of serious dishonesty which adversely affects, or
reasonably could in the future adversely affect, the value, reliability, or performance of
Executive in a material manner; provided, however, that Executive’s employment may be
terminated for Cause only if such termination is approved by at least a majority of a quorum
(as defined in Company’s By-laws) of the members of the Board of Directors after Executive
has been given written notice by Company of the specific reason for such termination and an
opportunity for Executive, together with his counsel, to be heard before the Board of
Directors; or



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     (iv) for any other reason whatsoever, in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors.


Members of the Board of Directors may participate in any hearing that is required pursuant to
paragraph 2.2(iii) by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of
which all persons participating in the hearing can hear and speak to each other.




     2.3 Executive’s Right to Terminate. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 2.1,
Executive shall have the right to terminate his employment under this Agreement for any of the
following reasons:




     (i) for “Good Reason”, which shall mean, within 60 days of and in connection with or
based upon (A) a material breach by Company of any material provision of this Agreement
(provided, however, that a reduction in Executive’s annual base salary that is consistent
with reductions taken generally by other executives of Company shall not be considered a
material breach of a material provision of this Agreement), (B) the assignment to Executive
of duties and responsibilities that are materially inconsistent with the position referred
to in paragraph 1.2 and that result in a material negative change to Executive, or (C)
Executive not being offered a comparable position at the “resulting entity” (as defined in
paragraph 4.1) in connection with a Change in Control. Prior to Executive’s termination for
Good Reason, Executive must give written notice to Company of the reason for his termination
and the reason must remain uncorrected for 30 days following such written notice; or




     (ii) at any time for any other reason whatsoever, in the sole discretion of Executive.



     2.4 Notice of Termination. If Company desires to terminate Executive’s employment hereunder
at any time prior to expiration of the term of employment as provided in paragraph 2.1, it shall do
so by giving written notice to Executive that it has elected to terminate Executive’s employment
hereunder and stating the effective date and reason for such termination, provided that no such
action shall alter or amend any other provisions hereof or rights arising hereunder. If Executive
desires to terminate his employment hereunder at any time prior to expiration of the term of
employment as provided in paragraph 2.1, he shall do so by giving a 30-day written notice to the
Company that he has elected to terminate his employment hereunder and stating the effective date
and reason for such termination, provided that no such action shall alter or amend any other
provisions hereof or rights arising hereunder.



     2.5 Deemed Resignations. Any termination of Executive’s employment shall constitute an
automatic resignation of Executive as an officer of Company and each affiliate of Company, and an
automatic resignation of Executive from the Board of Directors (if applicable) and from the board
of directors of any affiliate of Company and from the board of directors or similar governing body
of any corporation, limited liability company or other entity in which Company or any affiliate
holds an equity interest and with respect to which board or similar governing body Executive serves
as Company’s or such affiliate’s designee or other representative.



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     2.6 Separation from Service. For all purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall be
considered to have terminated employment with the Company when Executive incurs a “separation from
service” with the Company within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended, and applicable administrative guidance issued thereunder.



ARTICLE 3: COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS




     3.1 Base Salary. During the term of this Agreement, Executive shall receive a minimum annual
base salary of $225,000. Executive’s annual base salary shall be reviewed by the Board of
Directors (or a committee thereof) on an annual basis, and, in the sole discretion of the Board of
Directors (or such committee), such annual base salary may be increased, but not decreased (except
for a decrease that is consistent with reductions taken generally by other executives of Company),
effective as of any date determined by the Board of Directors. Executive’s annual base salary
shall be paid in equal installments in accordance with Company’s standard policy regarding payment
of compensation to executives but no less frequently than monthly.



     3.2 (a) International Service Premium and Cost of Living Adjustment. For any portion of the
term of this Agreement during which Executive is on foreign assignment, Executive shall receive an
international service premium of 20% of his annual base salary.



          (b) Cost of Living Adjustment. The Company has engaged ORC, or a suitable alternative that is
mutually agreeable by both parties, to determine any applicable variance in the cost of these items
based on your host location, income, and family size. The purpose of the allowance is to offset
the increase in the cost of these goods and services between the home and host locations. If the
cost of living index is negative (i.e. the cost of goods and services is less at-host than in your
home location), the Company will not recover the difference from you.




          This allowance will be reviewed semi-annually in June and December, and adjustments will be
made accordingly.




          This allowance includes a factor for currency fluctuations, so a separate currency adjustment
calculation will not be made. If the currency in the host location varies wildly relative to your
home-country currency, more frequent reviews of the index will occur to ensure that you are not
significantly affected by those fluctuations. The cost of living adjustment shall be paid in equal
installments at the same time as Executive’s annual base salary under paragraph 3.1.




     3.3 Bonuses. During the term of this Agreement, Executive shall be eligible to participate in
the Trico Incentive Bonus Plan, as amended from time to time, and for purposes of such plan,
Executive shall be classified as a “Senior Manager” eligible for an Incentive Opportunity Zone with
the following target payout multiples (where X” equals the target incentive opportunity as a
percentage of annual base salary): a “Threshold Multiple of Target” of 0.25X, a “Target” of .50X
and a “Maximum Multiple of Target” of .100X.



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     Executive acknowledges that the individual component of Executive’s bonus determination shall
be based substantially on his performance as an executive for Eastern Marine Services Limited.



     3.4 Other Perquisites. During the term of this Agreement while Executive is seconded to China
for service as an executive of Eastern Marine Services Limited (the “Secondment”), Executive shall
be afforded the following benefits as incidences of his Secondment, except to the extent provided
prior to the Effective Date in accordance with the terms of the Prior Agreement:




     (i) Business and Entertainment Expenses – Subject to Company’s standard policies and
procedures with respect to expense reimbursement as applied to its executive employees
generally, Company shall reimburse Executive for, or pay on behalf of Executive, reasonable
and appropriate expenses incurred by Executive for business related purposes, including dues
and fees to industry and professional organizations and costs of entertainment and business
development.




     (ii) Vacation – Executive shall be entitled to four weeks of paid vacation each
calendar year (or such greater amount of vacation as provided to executives of Company
generally) and to all holidays provided to executives of Company generally; provided,
however, that for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the last day of
the calendar year in which the Effective Date occurs, Executive shall be entitled to four
weeks of paid vacation (or such greater amount of vacation as provided to executives of
Company generally) reduced by the number of vacation days that Executive has already used
during such calendar year and prior to the Effective Date.




     (iii) Travel Expenses – Subject to Company’s standard policies and procedures with
respect to expense reimbursement as applied to its executive employees generally, Company
shall reimburse Executive for, or pay on behalf of Executive, reasonable and appropriate
expenses incurred by Executive for reasonable costs of travel (including, for any
Company-required business trips to Houston or other Company-designated locations, business
class airfare for any travel segment of more than eight hours).




     (iv) Home Leave – For each year in term of this Agreement during which Executive is on
foreign assignment, Company shall provide Executive with one round trip economy airfare each
year between the location of Executive’s foreign assignment and Houston, Texas for
Executive, his spouse and each dependent living with Executive at the location of his
foreign assignment.




     (v) Cultural Orientation – Company shall reimburse Executive for, or pay on behalf of
Executive, the reasonable costs of up to two days of cultural orientation upon initial
arrival at the location of the foreign assignment for Executive, his spouse and his
dependents living with him at the location of his foreign assignment.



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     (vi) Language Lessons – Company shall reimburse Executive for, or pay on behalf of
Executive, the reasonable costs of up to a total of 200 hours of appropriate foreign
language lessons for Executive and his spouse.




     (vii) Housing in the United States – In the event Executive sells his home in the
United States, Company shall reimburse Executive for, or pay on behalf of Executive, for up
to $35,000 closing costs incurred by Executive in connection with the sale of such home.




     (viii) Housing plus utilities at Location of Foreign Assignment – Company shall provide
Executive with an allowance not to exceed 50,000RMB plus utilities per month (as of the
effective date hereof, approximately $6,300USD) for furnished housing and utilities for
Executive, his spouse and his dependents living with him at the location of his foreign
assignment.




     (ix) Education for Dependents – Company shall reimburse Executive for, or pay on behalf
of Executive, reasonable costs of tuition, books, transportation, and pre-school assistance
for dependents living with Executive at the location of his foreign assignment.




     (x) Relocation Allowance – Company shall reimburse Executive for, or pay on behalf of
Executive, up to $10,000 of documented relocation costs in connection with Executive’s
initial relocation to his foreign assignment.




     (xi) Security and Medical Evacuation – Company shall provide Executive, his spouse and
his dependents living with him the location of his foreign assignment with security and
medical evacuation services coordinated by International SOS.




     (xii) Storage of Personal Goods – Company shall reimburse Executive for, or pay on
behalf of Executive, up to $3,600 per year of the costs incurred by Executive for the
storage of personal items that are not shipped to the location of his foreign assignment.




     (xiii) Tax Assistance – Company shall reimburse Executive for, or pay on behalf of
Executive, any foreign income tax due with respect to Executive’s compensation and benefits
pursuant to this Article, and the reasonable fees of tax service providers for Executive in
both the United States and the location of his foreign assignment.




     (xiv) Relocation Assistance – Company shall reimburse Executive for, or pay on behalf
of Executive, the reasonable costs incurred by Executive to ship personal items to the
location of his foreign assignment, limited to a total of 1,000 pounds for Executive and his
spouse and 200 pounds for each dependent living with Executive. The remainder of
Executive’s personal items, excluding furniture and large items, shall be shipped by land or
sea for reasonable costs to be paid by Company.




     (xv) Medical and Dental Insurance – Executive and Company anticipate that Executive,
his spouse and his dependents living with him at the location of his foreign



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assignment will participate in a overseas medical and dental plan maintained and/or
contributed to by Company or an affiliate. In addition, Executive and Company anticipate
that Executive, his spouse and his dependents living with him outside the United States will
participate in a United States medical and dental plan maintained and/or contributed to by
Company.




     (xvi) Other Company Benefits - Executive and, to the extent applicable, Executive’s
spouse, dependents and beneficiaries, shall be allowed to participate in all benefits, plans
and programs, including improvements or modifications of the same, which are now, or may
hereafter be, available to other executive employees of Company. Such benefits, plans and
programs shall include, without limitation, the Company’s 401(k) plan, any profit sharing
plan, thrift plan, health insurance or health care plan, life insurance, disability
insurance, pension plan, supplemental retirement plan, vacation and sick leave plan, and the
like which may be maintained by Company. Company shall not, however, by reason of this
paragraph be obligated to institute, maintain, or refrain from changing, amending, or
discontinuing, any such benefit plan or program, so long as such changes are similarly
applicable to executive employees generally.



     3.5 Tax Benefits. For any portion of the period of this Agreement during which Executive is
living outside the United States, Executive shall be afforded the following tax benefits as
incidences of his employment:




     (i) The compensation and benefits described in paragraphs 3.2 and 3.4(iv), (v), (vi),
(vii), (viii), (ix), (x), (xi), (xii), (xiii) and (xiv) shall be Tax Protected Items.




     (ii) Company shall provide Executive with tax equalization benefits as described in the
Company’s Tax Equalization Policy; provided, however, that Company shall provide Executive
with such tax equalization benefits no later than the end of the second calendar year
beginning after the calendar year in which Executive’s U.S. federal income tax return is
required to be filed, including any applicable extensions, for the year to which the
compensation subject to such tax equalization benefit relates or, if later, the second
calendar year beginning after the latest calendar year in which Executive’s foreign tax
return or payment is required to be filed or made for the year to which the compensation
subject to the tax equalization payment relates.


For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Tax Protected Items” shall with respect to a specified
item of Executive’s compensation or benefits, the application of the Tax Equalization Policy to
such item in a manner that provides such item “tax free” to Executive. Further, for purposes of
this Agreement, the term “Tax Equalization Policy” shall mean Company’s US Tax Equalization Policy
as described Exhibit A attached hereto.




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ARTICLE 4: EFFECT OF TERMINATION AND CHANGE IN CONTROL ON COMPENSATION; ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS




     4.1 Defined Terms. For purposes of this Article 4, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:




     “Change in Control” means (i) a merger of Company with another entity, a consolidation
involving Company, or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Company to
another entity if, in any such case, (A) the holders of equity securities of Company
immediately prior to such transaction or event do not beneficially own immediately after
such transaction or event equity securities of the resulting entity entitled to 50% or more
of the votes then eligible to be cast in the election of directors generally (or comparable
governing body) of the resulting entity in substantially the same proportions that they
owned the equity securities of Company immediately prior to such transaction or event or (B)
the persons who were members of the Board of Directors immediately prior to such transaction
or event shall not constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the resulting
entity immediately after such transaction or event, (ii) the dissolution or liquidation of
Company, (iii) when any person or entity, including a “group” as contemplated by Section
13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, acquires or gains ownership or
control (including, without limitation, power to vote) of more than 50% of the combined
voting power of the outstanding securities of, (A) if Company has not engaged in a merger or
consolidation, Company, or (B) if Company has engaged in a merger or consolidation, the
resulting entity, or (iv) as a result of or in connection with a contested election of
directors, the persons who were members of the Board of Directors immediately before such
election shall cease to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors. For purposes of
the preceding sentence, (1) “resulting entity” in the context of a transaction or event that
is a merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all assets shall mean the
surviving entity (or acquiring entity in the case of an asset sale) unless the surviving
entity (or acquiring entity in the case of an asset sale) is a subsidiary of another entity
and the holders of common stock of Company receive capital stock of such other entity in
such transaction or event, in which event the resulting entity shall be such other entity,
and (2) subsequent to the consummation of a merger or consolidation that does not constitute
a Change in Control, the term “Company” shall refer to the resulting entity and the term
“Board of Directors” shall refer to the board of directors (or comparable governing body) of
the resulting entity.




     “Change in Control Benefits” means (i) a lump sum cash payment equal to the sum of:
(A) 2.99 times Executive’s annual base salary at the rate in effect under paragraph 3.1 on
the date of termination of Executive’s employment (or, if higher, Executive’s annual base
salary in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control), (B) 2.99 times the higher of
(1) Executive’s highest annual bonus paid during the three most recent fiscal years or (2)
Executive’s Target Bonus (as provided in Company’s annual cash incentive plan) for the
fiscal year in which Executive’s date of termination occurs, and (C) any bonus that
Executive has earned and accrued as of the date of termination of Executive’s employment
which relates to periods that have ended on or before such date and which have not yet been
paid to Executive by Company; (ii) all of the outstanding stock options, restricted stock
awards and other equity based awards granted by Company



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to Executive shall become fully vested and immediately exercisable in full on the date
of termination of Executive’s employment; and (iii) Health Coverage.




     “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.




     “Health Coverage” means that if Executive elects to continue coverage for himself or
his eligible dependents under Company’s group health plans pursuant to the Consolidated
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), then during the one-year
period commencing on the date of Executive’s termination of employment from Company (the
“Severance Period”), Company shall promptly reimburse Executive on a monthly basis for the
difference between the amount Executive pays to effect and continue such coverage and the
employee contribution amount that active senior executive employees pay for the same or
similar coverage under Company’s group health plans. Further, if after the Severance Period
Executive continues his COBRA coverage and Executive’s COBRA coverage terminates at any time
during the eighteen-month period commencing on the day immediately following the last day of
the Severance Period (the “Extended Coverage Period”), then Company shall provide Executive
(and his eligible dependents) with health benefits substantially similar to those provided
under its group health plans for active employees for the remainder of the Extended Coverage
Period at a cost to Executive that is no greater than the cost of COBRA coverage; provided,
however, that such health benefits shall be provided to Executive through an arrangement
that satisfies the requirements of sections 105 and 106 of the Code such that the benefits
or reimbursements under such arrangement are not includible in Executive’s income.
Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this paragraph, Company’s obligation to
reimburse Executive during the Severance Period and to provide health benefits to Executive
during the Extended Coverage Period shall immediately end if and to the extent Executive
becomes eligible to receive health plan coverage from a subsequent employer (with Executive
being obligated hereunder to promptly report such eligibility to Company).




     “Termination Benefits” means (i) a lump sum cash payment equal to the sum of: (A) one
year of Executive’s annual base salary at the rate in effect under paragraph 3.1 on the date
of termination of Executive’s employment, (B) the higher of (1) Executive’s highest annual
bonus paid during the three most recent fiscal years or (2) Executive’s Target Bonus (as
provided in Company’s annual cash incentive plan) for the fiscal year in which Executive’s
date of termination occurs, and (C) any bonus that Executive has earned and accrued as of
the date of termination of Executive’s employment which relates to periods that have ended
on or before such date and which have not yet been paid to Executive by Company; and (ii)
Health Coverage.



     4.2 Termination By Expiration. If Executive’s employment hereunder shall terminate upon
expiration of the term provided in paragraph 2.1 hereof because either party has provided the
notice contemplated in such paragraph, then all compensation and all benefits to Executive
hereunder shall continue to be provided until the expiration of such term and such compensation and
benefits shall terminate contemporaneously with termination of his employment.



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     4.3 Termination By Company. If Executive’s employment hereunder shall be terminated by
Company prior to expiration of the term provided in paragraph 2.1, then, upon such termination,
regardless of the reason therefor, all compensation and benefits to Executive hereunder shall
terminate contemporaneously with the termination of such employment; provided, however, that,
subject to paragraph 4.8 below, if such termination shall be for any reason other than those
encompassed by paragraph 2.2(i), 2.2(ii), or 2.2(iii), then Company shall provide Executive with
the Termination Benefits, except that if Executive is entitled to the Change in Control Benefits
pursuant to paragraph 4.5 as a result of such termination, then Executive will not receive the
Termination Benefits provided by Company under this paragraph. Any lump sum cash payment due to
Executive pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be paid to Executive within five business days
of the date Executive’s release pursuant to paragraph 4.8 becomes irrevocable.



     4.4 Termination By Executive. If Executive’s employment hereunder shall be terminated by
Executive prior to expiration of the term provided in paragraph 2.1, then, upon such termination,
regardless of the reason therefor, all compensation and benefits to Executive hereunder shall
terminate contemporaneously with the termination of such employment; provided, however, that,
subject to paragraph 4.8 below, if such termination occurs for Good Reason, then Company shall
provide Executive with the Termination Benefits, except that if Executive is entitled to the Change
in Control Benefits pursuant to paragraph 4.5 as a result of such termination, then Executive will
not receive the Termination Benefits provided by Company under this paragraph. Any lump sum cash
payment due to Executive pursuant to this paragraph shall be paid to Executive within five business
days of the date Executive’s release pursuant to paragraph 4.8 becomes irrevocable.



     4.5 Change in Control Benefits. If Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to paragraph
2.2(iv) or paragraph 2.3(i) in connection with, based upon, or within 12 months after, a Change in
Control, then Company shall provide Executive with the Change in Control Benefits. Any lump sum
cash payment due to Executive pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be paid to Executive within
five business days of the date of Executive’s termination of employment with Company.



     4.6 Certain Delayed Payments. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the
contrary, if the payment of any amount or benefit under this Agreement would be subject to
additional taxes and interest under Section 409A of the Code because the timing of such payment is
not delayed as provided in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code and the regulations thereunder,
then any such payment or benefit that Executive would otherwise be entitled to during the first six
months following the date of Executive’s termination of employment shall be accumulated and paid or
provided, as applicable, on the date that is six months after the date of Executive’s termination
of employment (or if such date does not fall on a business day of Company, the next following
business day of Company), or such earlier date upon which such amount can be paid or provided under
Section 409A of the Code without being subject to such additional taxes and interest. If the
provisions of the preceding sentence become applicable such that the payment of any amount is
delayed, any payments that are so delayed shall accrue interest on a non-compounded basis, from the
date of Executive’s termination of employment to the actual date of payment, at the prime or base
rate of interest announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank (or any successor thereto) at its principal
office in New York on the date of such termination (or



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the first business day following such date if such termination does not occur on a business
day) and shall be paid in a lump sum on the actual date of payment of the delayed payment amount.
Executive hereby agrees to be bound by Company’s determination of its “specified employees” (as
such term is defined in Section 409A of the Code) in accordance with any of the methods permitted
under the regulations issued under Section 409A of the Code.



     4.7 Additional Payments by Company. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Agreement, in the event that any payment or distribution by Company to or for the benefit of
Executive, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement or otherwise (a “Payment”), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of
the Code, or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together
with any such interest or penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”),
Company shall pay to Executive an additional payment (a “Gross-up Payment”) in an amount such that
after payment by Executive of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect
to such taxes), including any Excise Tax imposed on any Gross-up Payment, Executive retains an
amount of the Gross-up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments. The Gross-up
Payment attributable to a particular Payment shall be made at the time such Payment is made;
provided, however, that in no event shall the Gross-up Payment be made later than the end of
Executive’s taxable year next following Executive’s taxable year in which Executive remits the
related taxes. Company and Executive shall make an initial determination as to whether a Gross-up
Payment is required and the amount of any such Gross-up Payment. Executive shall notify Company in
writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service which, if successful, would require Company to
make a Gross-up Payment (or a Gross-up Payment in excess of that, if any, initially determined by
Company and Executive) within 10 days of the receipt of such claim. Company shall notify Executive
in writing at least 10 days prior to the due date of any response required with respect to such
claim if it plans to contest the claim. If Company decides to contest such claim, Executive shall
cooperate fully with Company in such action; provided, however, Company shall bear and pay directly
or indirectly all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in
connection with such action and shall indemnify and hold Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis,
for any Excise Tax or income tax, including interest and penalties with respect thereto, imposed as
a result of Company’s action. If, as a result of Company’s action with respect to a claim,
Executive receives a refund of any amount paid by Company with respect to such claim, Executive
shall promptly pay such refund to Company. If Company fails to timely notify Executive whether it
will contest such claim or Company determines not to contest such claim, then Company shall
immediately pay to Executive the portion of such claim, if any, which it has not previously paid to
Executive. In addition, Company may use reasonable tax planning options to mitigate the effects of
the Excise Tax and Executive agrees to cooperate fully with Company in using all available tax
planning options to mitigate the effects of the Excise Tax; provided, however, Company shall bear
and pay directly or indirectly all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties)
incurred in connection with using such tax planning options and shall indemnify and hold Executive
harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or income tax, including interest and penalties
with respect thereto, imposed as a result of Company’s use of such tax planning options.



     4.8 Release and Full Settlement. Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, as a
condition to the receipt of Termination Benefits under paragraph 4.3 or 4.4 hereof,



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Executive shall first execute a release, in the form established by the Board of Directors,
releasing the Board of Directors, Company, and Company’s parent corporation, subsidiaries,
affiliates, and their respective shareholders, partners, officers, directors, employees, attorneys
and agents from any and all claims and from any and all causes of action of any kind or character
including, but not limited to, all claims or causes of action arising out of Executive’s employment
with Company or its affiliates or the termination of such employment, but excluding all claims to
vested benefits and payments Executive may have under any compensation or benefit plan, program or
arrangement, including this Agreement. The release described in the preceding sentence must be
effective and irrevocable within 55 days after the date of the termination of Executive’s
employment with the Company. The performance of Company’s obligations hereunder and the receipt of
any benefits provided under paragraphs 4.3 and 4.4 shall constitute full settlement of all such
claims and causes of action.



     4.9 No Duty to Mitigate Losses. Executive shall have no duty to find new employment following
the termination of his employment under circumstances which require Company to pay any amount to
Executive pursuant to this Article 4. Except to the extent Executive becomes eligible to receive
health plan coverage from a subsequent employer as provided in paragraph 4.1 with respect to Health
Coverage, any salary or remuneration received by Executive from a third party for the providing of
personal services (whether by employment or by functioning as an independent contractor) following
the termination of his employment under circumstances pursuant to which this Article 4 apply shall
not reduce Company’s obligation to make a payment to Executive (or the amount of such payment)
pursuant to the terms of this Article 4.



     4.10 Liquidated Damages. In light of the difficulties in estimating the damages for an early
termination of Executive’s employment under this Agreement, Company and Executive hereby agree that
the payments, if any, to be received by Executive pursuant to this Article 4 shall be received by
Executive as liquidated damages.



     4.11 Other Benefits. This Agreement governs the rights and obligations of Executive and
Company with respect to Executive’s base salary and certain perquisites of employment. Except as
expressly provided herein, Executive’s rights and obligations both during the term of his
employment and thereafter with respect to stock options, restricted stock, incentive and deferred
compensation, life insurance policies insuring the life of Executive, and other benefits under the
plans and programs maintained by Company shall be governed by the separate agreements, plans and
other documents and instruments governing such matters.



ARTICLE 5: OWNERSHIP AND PROTECTION OF INFORMATION; COPYRIGHTS




     5.1 Disclosure to Executive. Executive acknowledges that Company has and will in the course
of his employment disclose to Executive, or place Executive in a position to have access to or
develop, trade secrets or confidential information of Company and its affiliates; and/or shall
entrust Executive with business opportunities of Company and its affiliates; and/or shall place
Executive in a position to develop business good will on behalf of Company and its affiliates.



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     5.2 Property of Company. All information, ideas, concepts, improvements, discoveries, and
inventions, whether patentable or not, which are conceived, made, developed or acquired by
Executive, individually or in conjunction with others, during Executive’s employment by Company
(whether during business hours or otherwise and whether on Company’s premises or otherwise) which
relate to the business, products or services of Company or its affiliates shall be disclosed to
Company and are and shall be the sole and exclusive property of Company and its affiliates.
Moreover, all documents, drawings, memoranda, notes, records, files, correspondence, manuals,
models, specifications, computer programs, E-mail, voice mail, electronic databases, maps and all
other writings or materials of any type embodying any of such information, ideas, concepts,
improvements, discoveries, and inventions are and shall be the sole and exclusive property of
Company and its affiliates. Upon Executive’s termination of employment for any reason, Executive
shall deliver the same, and all copies thereof, to Company.



     5.3 Patent and Copyright Assignment. Executive agrees to assign and transfer to Company or
its designee, without any separate remuneration or compensation, his entire right, title and
interest in and to all Inventions and Works in the Field (as hereinafter defined), together with
all United States and foreign rights with respect thereto, and at Company’s expenses to execute and
deliver all appropriate patent and copyright applications for securing United States and foreign
patents and copyrights on such Inventions and Works in the Field, and to perform all lawful acts,
including giving testimony and executing and delivering all such instruments, that may be necessary
or proper to vest all such Inventions and Works in the Field and patents and copyrights with
respect thereto in Company, and to assist Company in the prosecution or defense of any interference
which may be declared involving any of said patent applications or patents or copyright
applications or copyrights. For purposes of this Agreement the words “Inventions and Works in the
Field” shall include any discovery, process, design, development, improvement, application,
technique, program or invention, whether patentable or copyrightable or not and whether reduced to
practice or not, conceived or made by Executive, individually or jointly with others (whether on or
off Company’s premises or during or after normal working hours) while employed by Company;
provided, however, that no discovery, process, design, development, improvement, application,
technique, program or invention reduced to practice or conceived by Executive off Company’s
premises and after normal working hours or during hours when Executive is not performing services
for Company, shall be deemed to be included in the term “Inventions and Works in the Field” unless
directly or indirectly related to the business then being conducted by Company or its affiliates or
any business which Company or its affiliates is then actively exploring.



     5.4 No Unauthorized Use or Disclosure. Executive acknowledges that the business of Company
and its affiliates is highly competitive and that their strategies, methods, books, records, and
documents, their technical information concerning their products, equipment, services, and
processes, procurement procedures and pricing techniques, the names of and other information (such
as credit and financial data) concerning their customers and business affiliates, all comprise
confidential business information and trade secrets which are valuable, special, and unique assets
which Company and its affiliates use in their business to obtain a competitive advantage over their
competitors. Executive further acknowledges that protection of such confidential business
information and trade secrets against unauthorized disclosure and use is of critical importance to
Company and its affiliates in maintaining their competitive position.



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Executive hereby agrees that Executive will not, at any time during or after Executive’s
employment by Company, make any unauthorized disclosure of any confidential business information or
trade secrets of Company and its affiliates, or make any use thereof, except in the carrying out of
Executive’s employment responsibilities hereunder. Company and its affiliates shall be third party
beneficiaries of Executive’s obligations under this paragraph. As a result of Executive’s
employment by Company, Executive may also from time to time have access to, or knowledge of,
confidential business information or trade secrets of third parties, such as customers, suppliers,
partners, joint venturers, and the like, of Company and its affiliates. Executive also agrees to
preserve and protect the confidentiality of such third party confidential information and trade
secrets to the same extent, and on the same basis, as the confidential business information and
trade secrets of Company and its affiliates. These obligations of confidence apply irrespective of
whether the information has been reduced to a tangible medium of expression (e.g., is only
maintained in the minds of Company’s employees) and, if it has been reduced to a tangible medium,
irrespective of the form or medium in which the information is embodied (e.g., documents, drawings,
memoranda, notes, records, files, correspondence, manuals, models, specifications, computer
programs, E-mail, voice mail, electronic databases, maps and all other writings or materials of any
type).




     5.5 Assistance by Executive. Both during the period of Executive’s employment by Company and
thereafter, Executive shall assist Company and its affiliates and their respective nominees, at any
time, in the protection of Company’s and its affiliates’ worldwide rights, titles, and interests in
and to information, ideas, concepts, improvements, discoveries, and inventions, and their
copyrighted works, including without limitation, the execution of all formal assignment documents
requested by Company and its affiliates or their respective nominees and the execution of all
lawful oaths and applications for applications for patents and registration of copyright in the
United States and foreign countries.



     5.6 Remedies. Executive acknowledges that money damages would not be sufficient remedy for
any breach of this Article 5 by Executive, and Company shall be entitled to enforce the provisions
of this Article 5 by terminating any payments then owing to Executive under this Agreement and/or
to specific performance and injunctive relief as remedies for such breach or any threatened breach.
Such remedies shall not be deemed the exclusive remedies for a breach of this Article 5, but shall
be in addition to all remedies available at law or in equity to Company and its affiliates,
including the recovery of damages from Executive and Executive’s agents involved in such breach and
remedies available to Company and its affiliates pursuant to other agreements with Executive.



ARTICLE 6: NON-COMPETITION OBLIGATIONS




     6.1 Non-competition Obligations. As part of the consideration for the compensation and
benefits to be paid to Executive hereunder; to protect the trade secrets and confidential
information of Company and its affiliates that have been or will in the future be disclosed or
entrusted to Executive, the business good will of Company and its affiliates that has been and will
in the future be developed in Executive, or the business opportunities that have been and will in
the future be disclosed or entrusted to Executive by Company and its affiliates; and as an
additional incentive for Company to enter into this Agreement, Company and Executive agree to the
provisions of this Article 6. Executive agrees that during the period of Executive’s non-



14









 







competition obligations hereunder, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly for Executive
or for others, in any geographic area or market where Company or its affiliates are conducting any
business as of the date of termination of the employment relationship or have during the previous
12 months conducted any business:




	 	(i)	 	engage in any offshore supply vessel business serving the oil and gas
industry that is competitive with the business conducted by Company or its
affiliates;
	 
	 	(ii)	 	render any advice or services to, or otherwise assist, any other
person, association, or entity who is engaged, directly or indirectly, with any
offshore supply vessel business serving the oil and gas industry that is
competitive with the business conducted by Company or its affiliates;
	 
	 	(iii)	 	induce any employee of Company or its affiliates to terminate his or
her employment with Company or its affiliates, or hire or assist in the hiring
of any such employee by any person, association, or entity not affiliated with
Company;
	 
	 	(iv)	 	request or cause any customer of Company or its affiliates to terminate
any business relationship with Company or its affiliates.




These non-competition obligations shall apply during the period that Executive is employed by
Company and shall continue until the first anniversary of the termination of Executive’s
employment. Executive understands that the foregoing restrictions may limit Executive’s ability to
engage in certain businesses anywhere in the world during the period provided for above, but
acknowledges that Executive will receive sufficiently high remuneration and other benefits under
this Agreement to justify such restriction.




     6.2 Enforcement and Remedies. Executive acknowledges that money damages would not be
sufficient remedy for any breach of this Article 6 by Executive, and Company shall be entitled to
enforce the provisions of this Article 6 by terminating any payments then owing to Executive under
this Agreement and/or to specific performance and injunctive relief as remedies for such breach or
any threatened breach. Such remedies shall not be deemed the exclusive remedies for a breach of
this Article 6, but shall be in addition to all remedies available at law or in equity to Company,
including, without limitation, the recovery of damages from Executive and Executive’s agents
involved in such breach and remedies available to Company pursuant to other agreements with
Executive.



     6.3 Reformation. It is expressly understood and agreed that Company and Executive consider
the restrictions contained in this Article 6 to be reasonable and necessary to protect the
proprietary information of Company and its affiliates. Nevertheless, if any of the aforesaid
restrictions are found by a court having jurisdiction to be unreasonable, or overly broad as to
geographic area or time, or otherwise unenforceable, the parties intend for the restrictions
therein set forth to be modified by such courts so as to be reasonable and enforceable and, as so
modified by the court, to be fully enforced.



15









 





ARTICLE 7: MISCELLANEOUS




     7.1 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided
for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally
delivered or when mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid, addressed as follows:



	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	If to Company to:
	 	Trico Marine Services, Inc.
	 

	 	 	 	3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 2950
	 

	 	 	 	Houston, Texas 77027
	 

	 	 	 	Attention: General Counsel
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	If to Executive to:
	 	David Michael Wallace
	 

	 	 	 	                                        
	 

	 	 	 	                                        





or to such other address as either party may furnish to the other in writing in accordance
herewith, except that notices or changes of address shall be effective only upon receipt.




     7.2 Applicable Law. This Agreement is entered into under, and shall be governed for all
purposes by, the laws of the State of Texas.



     7.3 No Waiver. No failure by either party hereto at any time to give notice of any breach by
the other party of, or to require compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement
shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any
prior or subsequent time.



     7.4 Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any provision of this
Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, then the invalidity or unenforceability of that provision
shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, and all
other provisions shall remain in full force and effect.



     7.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same
Agreement.



     7.6 Withholding of Taxes and Other Employee Deductions. Company may withhold from any
benefits and payments made pursuant to this Agreement all federal, state, city and other taxes as
may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling and all other normal
employee deductions made with respect to Company’s employees generally.



     7.7 Headings. The paragraph headings have been inserted for purposes of convenience and shall
not be used for interpretive purposes.



     7.8 Gender and Plurals. Wherever the context so requires, the masculine gender includes the
feminine or neuter, and the singular number includes the plural and conversely.



16









 





     7.9 Affiliate. As used in this Agreement, the term “affiliate” shall mean any entity which
owns or controls, is owned or controlled by, or is under common ownership or control with, Company.



     7.10 Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Company and
any successor of Company, by merger or otherwise. Except as provided in the preceding sentence,
this Agreement, and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, are personal and neither
this Agreement, nor any right, benefit, or obligation of either party hereto, shall be subject to
voluntary or involuntary assignment, alienation or transfer, whether by operation of law or
otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other party.



     7.11 Term. This Agreement has a term co-extensive with the term of employment provided in
paragraph 2.1. Termination shall not affect any right or obligation of any party which is accrued
or vested prior to such termination.



     7.12 Entire Agreement. Except as provided in (i) the written benefit plans and programs
referenced in paragraphs 3.4(xv) and (xvi) (and any agreements between Company and Executive that
have been executed under such plans and programs) and (ii) any signed written agreement
contemporaneously or hereafter executed by Company and Executive, this Agreement constitutes the
entire agreement of the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, and contains all the
covenants, promises, representations, warranties and agreements between the parties with respect to
employment of Executive by Company. Without limiting the scope of the preceding sentence, all
understandings and agreements preceding the date of execution of this Agreement and relating to the
subject matter hereof including, but not limited to, the Prior Agreement (other than the agreements
described in clause (i) of the preceding sentence) are hereby null and void and of no further force
and effect. Any modification of this Agreement will be effective only if it is in writing and
signed by the party to be charged.



     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the ___day of
                    , to be effective as of the Effective Date.



	 	 	 	 	 
	 	TRICO MARINE SERVICES, INC.

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Name:  	Joseph S. Compofelice 	 
	 	 	Title:  	President and Chief Executive Officer

              “COMPANY” 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 	 	David Michael Wallace

“EXECUTIVE”

	 




17









 








EXHIBIT A




Tax Equalization



While on assignment, you will be covered under Company’s US Tax Equalization Policy (the “Policy”).
The intent of the Policy is that you pay about the same amount (no more, no less) federal, state &
local, and social security taxes as you would have paid had you not accepted an international
assignment.



A ‘hypothetical tax’ (the amount you would have paid in tax had you stayed at home) will be
estimated and withheld from your pay on a monthly basis.



Any actual taxes (home and host country taxes) that arise on Company-sourced income (defined as
basic compensation and net personal income or loss) are paid by Company. The Policy covers ‘Basic
Compensation” and “Net Personal Income or Loss”. Definitions of these items are included in the
Policy.




Tax Preparation Assistance



To help with your tax affairs while on assignment, Company has appointed external tax consultants.
They will help you complete home and host tax returns as required and will meet with you at the
start of the assignment to explain Company’s tax equalization policies, the tax regime in the host
location and to calculate your hypothetical tax. It is, and remains your responsibility to sign
and file any required income tax returns. The consultants’ assignment-related tax services will be
provided to you at Company expense.




Continuation in the Program



You will be covered under the Policy for each year that you are on assignment. After your
assignment, you may be covered in years where you receive assignment-related income, or where you
are able to utilize foreign tax credits, Alternative Minimum Tax (“AMT”) credits, or other
assignment-related tax attributes. Under the Policy, these attributes belong to Company, and you
agree to return to Company any associated tax benefit.




Right of Offset



Company reserves the right to offset amounts you owe Company under the tax equalization policy with
other allowances and/or compensation due you from Company.



For further details, definitions, frequently asked questions, and examples, please refer to
Company’s US Tax Equalization Policy, or consult with the external tax consultant.





A-1