Document:

Form of Stock Option Award Agreement for Non-Executive Employees and Consultants

 Exhibit 10.4 
 HERCULES OFFSHORE 2004 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN 
 SUMMARY OF STOCK OPTION
GRANT 
 You have been granted the option to purchase shares of Common Stock of Hercules Offshore, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the “Company”), on the terms and conditions set forth below and in accordance with the Stock Option Award Agreement (the “Agreement”) to which this Summary of Stock Option Grant is attached and the Amended and
Restated Hercules Offshore 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”): 
  

					
	Optionee Name:	  	Participant Name
		
	Number of Option Shares Granted:	  	Shares Granted
		
	Type of Option (check one):	  	
 ̈         Incentive Stock 
Option

		
		  	x        Nonqualified Stock 
Option
		
	Effective Date:	  	Grant Date, 20__
		
	Exercise Price per Share:	  	$ Grant Price
			
	Vesting Schedule:	  	 % of Grant
	 	 Date Vested

		  	        33-1/3%	 	Grant Date , 20__
		  	        33-1/3%	 	Grant Date , 20__
		  	        33-1/3%	 	Grant Date , 20__

 By your signature and the signature of the Company’s representative below, you and the Company agree that the Option
is granted under and governed by the terms of the Agreement and the Plan. 
  

									
	OPTIONEE:	 		 	HERCULES OFFSHORE, INC.
				
	 	 		 	By	 	 
	Participant Name	 		 	Name:	 	James W. Noe
	Date:	 	 	 		 	Title:	 	Senior Vice President, General Counsel
		 		 		 		 	and Chief Compliance Officer

  
 STOCK OPTION
AWARD AGREEMENT 
 Page 1 

 HERCULES OFFSHORE, INC. 

STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT 
 THIS AGREEMENT is made as of the Effective Date (as set forth on the Summary of Stock Option Grant) between HERCULES OFFSHORE, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Optionee pursuant
to the Amended and Restated Hercules Offshore 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). 
 WHEREAS, the Board, or a
Committee designated by the Board, has authority to grant Options under the Plan to Employees and directors of the Company; and 

WHEREAS, the Board or the Committee, as appropriate, has determined to award Optionee the Option described in this Agreement; 

NOW, THEREFORE, the Company and Optionee agree as follows: 
 1. Effect of Plan and Authority of Board or Committee. This Agreement and the Option granted hereunder are subject to the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Board or the Committee
is authorized to make all determinations and interpretations with respect to matters arising under the Plan, this Agreement and the Option granted hereunder. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings given
them in the Plan or in the Summary of Stock Option Grant, which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference for all purposes. 
 2. Grant of Option. On the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Summary of Stock Option Grant and the Plan, as of the Effective Date, the Company hereby grants to Optionee the
option to purchase the number of shares of Common Stock set forth on the Summary of Stock Option Grant at the Exercise Price per share set forth on the Summary of Stock Option Grant (the “Option”). The Option is intended to be an Incentive
Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option, as provided in the Summary of Stock Option Grant. It is agreed that the exercise price is at least 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the Effective Date (110% of Fair Market Value
if the Option is intended to be an ISO and if Optionee owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company, within the meaning of Section 422(b)(6) of the Code). 

3. Vesting. 
 (a) Vesting Pursuant to Vesting Schedule. This Option shall vest in installments on the vesting dates in the Vesting Schedule set forth on the Summary of Stock Option Grant. 

(b) Vesting Due to Termination Following Death or Disability. Notwithstanding Paragraph 3(a) above, if the Participant’s
employment or service with the Company or an affiliate of the Company terminates due to Participant’s (i) death or (ii) Disability, then any 

  
 STOCK OPTION
AWARD AGREEMENT 
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installments of the Option that have not previously vested in accordance Paragraph 3(a) above, as of the date of such termination, shall vest. For purposes of this Agreement,
“Disability” means (i) the inability of the Participant to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to
last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months or (ii) the receipt of income replacements by the Participant, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death
or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, for a period of not less than three (3) months under the Company’s accident and health plan. 

4. Exercisability. 
 (a) Exercise Following Vesting Pursuant to Vesting Schedule. This Option may be exercised in installments on the vesting dates in the Vesting Schedule set forth on the Summary of Stock Option
Grant. Each installment shall be exercisable, as to all or part of the shares covered by the installment, at any time or times after the respective vesting date for such installment and until the expiration or termination of the Option in accordance
with Section 5 of this Agreement. 
 (b) Exercise Following Termination Due to Death or Disability. 

(i) If the Participant’s employment or service with the Company or an affiliate of the Company terminates due to the
Participant’s death, Participant’s Beneficiary shall have the right, subject to Paragraph 5(a) below, to exercise the Option only within twelve (12) months after the date of Participant’s termination due to death. 

(ii) If the Participant’s employment or service with the Company or an affiliate of the Company terminates due Participant’s
Disability, the Option shall be exercisable by Participant at any time, subject to Paragraph 5(a) below, after such termination, unless the Option is an Incentive Stock Option, in which case such Option may be exercised only within twelve
(12) months, subject to Paragraph 5(a) below, after the date of Participant’s termination due to Disability. 
 5.
Term. 
 (a) Term of Option. This Option may not be exercised after the expiration of 10 years from the Effective
Date (five years from the Effective Date if this Option is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option and Optionee owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company, within the meaning of
Section 422(b)(6) of the Code). 
 (b) Early Termination. Except as provided below, this Option may not be exercised
unless Optionee shall have been in the continuous employ or service of the Company or an affiliate of the Company from the Effective Date to the date of exercise of the Option, unless the termination of Participant’s employment or services is
due to Participant’s 

  
 STOCK OPTION
AWARD AGREEMENT 
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death or Disability. Except as provided below, upon the termination of Optionee’s employment or service by the Company or by Optionee, in either event for any reason other than the
Participant’s death or Disability, all unvested and unexercised Options granted hereunder shall be forfeited by the Optionee to the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the cessation of the Optionee’s employment or services
(whether voluntary or involuntary), the Committee may, in its sole and absolute discretion, elect to accelerate the vesting of some or all of the unvested or unexercised Options. 

6. Manner of Exercise and Payment. This Option shall be exercised by the delivery of a written notice of exercise in a form
prescribed by the Board or the Committee to the Company, setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which the Option is to be exercised, accompanied by full payment for such shares. The purchase price for such shares shall be
payable to the Company in the manner specified in Section 8 of the Plan. 
 7. Withholding Tax. Promptly after
demand by the Company, and at its direction, Optionee shall pay to the Company an amount equal to the applicable withholding taxes due in connection with the exercise of the Option. Such withholding taxes may be paid in cash or, subject to the
further provisions of this Section 7 of this Agreement, in whole or in part, by having the Company withhold from the shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable upon exercise of the Option a number of shares of Common Stock having a value equal
to the amount of such withholding taxes or by delivering to the Company a number of issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock (excluding restricted shares still subject to a risk of forfeiture) having a value equal to the amount of such
withholding taxes. The value of any shares of Common Stock so withheld by or delivered to the Company shall be based on the Fair Market Value of such shares on the date on which the tax withholding is to be made. Optionee shall pay to the Company in
cash the amount, if any, by which the amount of such withholding taxes exceeds the value of the shares of Common Stock so withheld or delivered. An election by Optionee to have shares withheld or to deliver shares to pay withholding taxes (an
“Election”) must be made at or prior to the time of exercise of the Option. All Elections shall be made in the same manner as is required for the exercise of the Option and shall be made on a form approved by the Company. 

8. Delivery of Shares. Delivery of the certificates representing the shares of Common Stock purchased upon exercise of this Option
shall be made promptly after receipt of notice of exercise and full payment of the exercise price and any required withholding taxes. If the Company so elects, its obligation to deliver shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of this Option shall
be conditioned upon its receipt from the person exercising this Option of an executed investment letter, in form and content satisfactory to the Company and its legal counsel, evidencing the investment intent of such person and such other matters as
the Company may reasonably require. If the Company so elects, the certificate or certificates representing the shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of this Option shall bear any legends required by the Company’s Bylaws as well as a
legend in substantially the following form: 

  
 STOCK OPTION
AWARD AGREEMENT 
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 THE SECURITIES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT AND HAVE NOT
BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF l933 OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED UNLESS SUCH SHARES ARE FIRST REGISTERED THEREUNDER OR UNLESS THE COMPANY RECEIVES A WRITTEN OPINION OF COUNSEL, WHICH
OPINION AND COUNSEL ARE ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMPANY, TO THE EFFECT THAT REGISTRATION THEREUNDER IS NOT REQUIRED. 
 9.
Nonassignability. The Option granted hereunder may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise alienated, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of, other than by will or pursuant to the applicable laws of descent and distribution,
and during the lifetime of Optionee, the Option may be exercised only by Optionee, or in the case Optionee is mentally incapacitated, the Option shall be exercisable by his guardian or legal representative. Any attempted assignment or transfer in
violation of this provision or Section 11 of the Plan shall be null and void. In the case of Optionee’s death, the personal representative or other person entitled to succeed to the rights of Optionee may exercise the Option after
furnishing proof satisfactory to the Company of his or her right to exercise the Option under Optionee’s will or under the applicable laws of descent and distribution. 
 10. Notices. All notices between the parties hereto shall be in writing. Notices to Optionee shall be given to Optionee’s address as contained in the Company’s records. Notices to the
Company shall be addressed to John Rynd at the principal executive offices of the Company. 
 11. Relationship With Contract
of Employment. 
 (a) The grant of an Option does not form part of Optionee’s entitlement to remuneration or benefit
pursuant to his contract of employment, if any, nor does the existence of a contract of employment between any person and the Company or a Subsidiary give such person any right or entitlement to have an Option granted to him or any expectation that
an Option might be granted to him whether subject to any conditions or at all. 
 (b) The rights and obligations of Optionee
under the terms of his contract of employment with the Company or a Subsidiary, if any, shall not be affected by the grant of an Option. 
 (c) The rights granted to Optionee upon the grant of an Option shall not afford Optionee any rights or additional rights to compensation or damages in consequence of the loss or termination of his office
or employment with the Company or a Subsidiary for any reason whatsoever. 
 (d) Optionee shall not be entitled to any
compensation or damages for any loss or potential loss which he may suffer by reason of being or becoming unable to exercise an 

  
 STOCK OPTION
AWARD AGREEMENT 
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Option in consequence of the loss or termination of his office or employment with the Company or a Subsidiary for any reason (including, without limitation, any breach of contract by his
employer) or in any other circumstances whatsoever. 
 12. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the internal laws (and not the principles relating to conflicts of laws) of the State of Delaware, except as superseded by applicable federal law. 

  
 STOCK OPTION
AWARD AGREEMENT 
 Page 6Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement (John T. Rynd)

 Exhibit 10.5 
 AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 
 This AMENDED AND
RESTATED EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of February 28, 2012 (the “Effective Date”) by and between Hercules Offshore, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
“Company”), and John T. Rynd (the “Executive”). 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive entered into that certain Executive Employment Agreement on the
15th day of December, 2008 (the “Original
Agreement”); 
 WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ the Executive in the role of Chief
Executive Officer and President of the Company, and the Executive is willing to continue to service in such role, all upon the terms and conditions set forth herein; 
 WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”), upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation
Committee”), has determined that it is advisable and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to assure that the Company will have the continued dedication of the Executive, and to provide the Executive with
compensation and benefits arrangements which are competitive with those of other similarly situated corporations; 

WHEREAS, the Board also believes it is imperative to diminish the inevitable distraction of the Executive by virtue of the
personal uncertainties and risks created by a pending or threatened Change of Control (hereinafter defined) and to encourage the Executive’s full attention and dedication to the Company currently and in the event of any threatened or pending
Change of Control; 
 WHEREAS, each of the Company and the Executive desire that this Agreement shall supersede the
Executive Employment Agreement between Company and the Executive dated as of November 3, 2006 and any amendments thereto and extensions thereof, the Executive Employment Agreement between Company and the Executive dated as of June 20, 2008
and any amendments thereto and extensions thereof, as well as the Original Agreement; 
 NOW, THEREFORE, in
consideration of the premises, the terms and provisions set forth herein, the mutual benefits to be gained by the performance thereof and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and
intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows: 
 1. Certain Definitions. 

(a) “Affiliate” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term under Rule 12(b)-2 under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). 
 (b) “Associate” shall mean, with reference to
any Person, (i) any corporation, firm, partnership, association, unincorporated organization or other entity (other than the Company or a subsidiary of the Company) of which such Person is an officer or general partner (or officer or general
partner of a general partner) or is, directly or indirectly, the beneficial owner of 10% or more of any class of equity securities, (ii) any trust or other estate in which 

 
such Person has a substantial beneficial interest or as to which such Person serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity and (iii) any relative or spouse of such Person, or any
relative of such spouse, who has the same home as such Person. 
 (c) The “Employment Period” shall mean
the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on December 31, 2016 (the “Agreement Termination Date”), unless extended pursuant to this paragraph. Upon a Change of Control the Employment Period shall be
automatically extended to the six month anniversary of the Change of Control. 
 (d) The term “group” is
used as it is defined for purposes of the Exchange Act. 
 (e) “Person” means an individual, entity or
group. 
 (f) “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder. 
 (g) “Subsidiary” shall mean (i) in the
case of a corporation, any corporation of which the Company directly or indirectly owns shares representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the shares of all classes or series of capital stock of such corporation that have the right to
vote generally on matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders of such corporation and (ii) in the case of a partnership or other business entity not organized as a corporation, any such business entity of which the Company directly or
indirectly owns 50% or more of the voting, capital or profits interests (whether in the form of partnership interests, membership interests or otherwise). 
 2. Change of Control. For the purpose of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” shall mean (i) the consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation or other
transaction, in any case, with respect to which Persons who were stockholders (or members) of the Company immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or consolidation do not, immediately thereafter, own equity interests representing at least
51% of the total combined voting power of the Company or the resulting reorganized, merged or consolidated entity, as applicable, (ii) the sale, lease, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and
its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (other than to one or more Subsidiaries of the Company), or (iii) the occurrence of (A) the consummation of a transaction or series of related transactions in which the Company issues, as consideration
for the acquisition (through a merger, reorganization, stock purchase, asset purchase or otherwise) of the assets or capital stock of an unaffiliated third party, equity in the Company representing more than 35% of the outstanding equity of the
Company calculated as of the consummation of such transaction or transactions, in conjunction with (B) a change in the composition of the Board, as a result of which fewer than 50% of the incumbent directors are directors who had been directors
of the Company at the time of the approval by the Board of the issuance of such equity in the Company. 
 3. Employment
Agreement. The Company hereby agrees to continue the Executive in its employ, and Executive agrees to remain in the employ of the Company in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, for the Employment Period. 

  
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 4. Terms of Employment. 

(a) Position and Duties. 
 (i) During the Employment Period, the Executive shall serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Executive shall have the authority, duties and responsibilities customarily associated with
such position. Upon and after a Change of Control, the Executive’s position shall be at least commensurate in all respects (disregarding any change or changes that are in the aggregate de minimis) with the most significant of those held,
exercised and assigned as of immediately preceding the Applicable Date. During the Employment Period, the Executive’s services shall be performed at the location where the Executive was employed immediately preceding the Applicable Date or any
office which is the headquarters of the Company and is less than 50 miles from such location. For purposes of this Agreement, “Applicable Date” shall mean, at any time of determination, the latest to have occurred of the
Effective Date, the Agreement Termination Date or any date on which a Change of Control has occurred. 
 (ii)
During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which the Executive is entitled, the Executive agrees to devote his full attention and time during normal business hours to the business and affairs of the
Company. During the Employment Period it shall not be a violation of this Agreement for the Executive to (A) serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees, (B) deliver lectures, fulfill speaking engagements or teach at
educational institutions or (C) manage personal investments, in each such case, so long as such activities do not significantly interfere with the performance of the Executive’s responsibilities as an employee of the Company in accordance
with this Agreement; provided, however, the Executive may not serve on the board of a publicly traded for profit corporation or similar body of a publicly traded for profit business organized in other than corporate form without the consent of the
Compensation Committee. It is expressly understood and agreed that to the extent that any such activities have been conducted by the Executive prior to the Applicable Date, the continued conduct of such activities (or the conduct of activities
similar in nature and scope thereto) subsequent to the Applicable Date shall not thereafter be deemed to interfere with the performance of the Executive’s responsibilities to the Company. 

(b) Compensation. 
 (i) Base Salary. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall receive an annual base salary (“Annual Base Salary”), which shall be paid on a monthly basis, at least
equal to twelve times the highest monthly base salary paid or payable to the Executive by the Company and its affiliated companies in respect of the twelve-month period immediately preceding the month in which the Applicable Date occurs; provided,
further, that, in no event shall the Annual Base Salary be less than $630,000 (such amount to be pro-rated in respect of the year ending December 31, 2011). During the Employment Period, the Annual Base Salary shall be reviewed at least once in
any fiscal year of the Company and may be increased at any time and from time to time as shall be substantially consistent with increases in base salary generally awarded in the ordinary 

  
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course of business to other executives of the Company and its affiliated companies. As used in this Agreement, the term “affiliated companies” shall include any company
controlled by, controlling or under common control with the Company. 
 (ii) Annual Bonus. In addition to
Annual Base Salary the Executive shall be awarded for any fiscal year ending during the Employment Period, a bonus of up to 200% of Annual Base Salary (target of 100%) depending upon meeting goals agreed upon with the Board. During the Employment
Period, the annual target bonus as a percentage of Annual Base Salary may be increased, but not decreased, from time to time by the Board. 
 (iii) Incentive, Savings and Retirement Plans. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all incentive, savings and retirement plans, practices, policies and
programs applicable generally to other executives of the Company and its affiliated companies. Such plans, practices, policies and programs shall provide the Executive with incentive opportunities (measured with respect to both regular and special
incentive opportunities, to the extent, if any, that such distinction is applicable), savings opportunities and retirement benefit opportunities, in each case, equal to such plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company and its
affiliated companies for similarly situated senior executives of the Company and its affiliated companies. 

(iv) Welfare Benefit Plans. During the Employment Period, the Executive and/or the Executive’s dependents, as
the case may be, shall be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits under welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company and its affiliated companies (including, without limitation, medical,
prescription, dental, disability, salary continuance, employee life, group life, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the extent applicable generally to similarly situated senior executives of the Company and its
affiliated companies. Such plans, practices, policies and programs shall provide the Executive with benefits which are equal, in the aggregate, to such plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company and its affiliated companies for
similarly situated senior executives of the Company and its affiliate companies. 
 (v) Expenses. During
the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable and documented expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of the Company and its affiliated
companies in effect for similarly situated senior executives of the Company and its affiliated companies. All reimbursable expenses shall be appropriately documented in reasonable detail by the Executive upon submission of any request for
reimbursement and in a format and manner consistent with the Company’s expense reporting policy. 
 (vi)
Fringe Benefits. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to fringe benefits in accordance with the plans, practices, programs and policies of the Company and its affiliated companies in effect for similarly situated
senior executives of the Company and its affiliated companies. 

  
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 (vii) Vacation. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be
entitled to five weeks paid vacation per year, or such greater amount as is afforded to similarly situated senior executives of the Company or its affiliated companies. 

(viii) Equity Awards. In addition to Annual Base Salary and annual bonus, the Executive may be awarded an equity
award at the discretion of the Company for any fiscal year ending during the Employment Period. 
 5. Termination of
Employment. 
 (a) Death or Disability. The Executive’s employment shall terminate automatically upon the
Executive’s death during the Employment Period. If the Company determines in good faith that the Disability of the Executive has occurred during the Employment Period (pursuant to the definition of Disability set forth below), it may give to
the Executive written notice in accordance with Section 17(c) of this Agreement of its intention to terminate the Executive’s employment. In such event, the Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate effective on the 30th
day after receipt of such notice by the Executive (the “Disability Effective Date”), provided that, within the 30 days after such receipt, the Executive shall not have returned to full-time performance of the Executive’s
duties. For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” shall mean (x) the absence of the Executive from the Executive’s duties with the Company on a full-time basis for 120 consecutive calendar days, (y) the Executive
(i) is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity on behalf of the Company by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous
period of not less than 12 months or (ii) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, and
(z) the Executive is receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than 3 months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Company. All determinations to be made with respect to clauses (i) and
(ii) above shall be made by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to the Executive or the Executive’s legal representative (such agreement as to acceptability not to be withheld unreasonably). 

(b) Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment during the Employment Period for Cause. For purposes of this
Agreement, “Cause” shall mean (i) a material violation by the Executive of the Executive’s obligations under Section 4(a) of this Agreement (other than as a result of incapacity due to physical or mental
illness) which is either willful and deliberate on the Executive’s part or is committed in bad faith or without reasonable belief that such violation is in the best interests of the Company (ii) the Executive’s gross negligence in
performance, or intentional non-performance (continuing for 10 days after receipt of written notice of need to cure from the Company), of any of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, or reasonable instructions of the
Board or the officer(s) of the Company to whom the Executive reports within the scope of the Executive’s employment by the Company, (iii) the Executive’s dishonesty, fraud or misconduct with respect to the business or affairs of the
Company, (iv) the Executive’s violation of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics or Ethics Manual which is willful or deliberate on the Executive’s part or is committed in bad faith or (v) the final and
non-appealable conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction of the Executive of a felony involving moral turpitude or the entering of a guilty plea or a plea of nolo contendere to such crime by the Executive. 

  
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 (c) Good Reason; Other Terminations. The Executive’s employment may be
terminated by the Executive (i) during the Employment Period for Good Reason, or (ii) during the Employment Period other than for Good Reason. 
 For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean: 
 (i) the assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent with the Executive’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities as
contemplated by Section 4(a) of this Agreement, or any other action by the Company which results in a diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities excluding for this purpose an immaterial, insubstantial or inadvertent
action which is remedied by the Company within 30 days after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive; 

(ii) any failure by the Company to comply with any of the provisions of Section 4(b) of this Agreement, other than
an immaterial, insubstantial or inadvertent failure which is remedied by the Company within 30 days after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive; 
 (iii) the Company’s requiring the Executive to be based at any office or location other than that described in Section 4(a)(i)(B) hereof, other than a relocation that does not increase the
Executive’s one-way commute by more than 50 miles; 
 (iv) any failure by the Company to comply with and
satisfy Section 16(c) of this Agreement; or 
 (v) within a 24 month period following a Change of Control,
any failure to allow Executive to participate in any material bonus (in cash and/or property) and equity compensation programs at a level at least equal to the participation levels of similarly situated senior executives of the Company and its
affiliated companies. 
 Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the interim assignment of Executive’s position,
authority, duties, or responsibilities to any Person while Executive is absent from his duties during any of the 120 business days set forth under the definition of Disability in Section 5(a) shall not constitute a Good Reason for Executive to
terminate his employment with the Company. 
 An extension of the Employment Period pursuant to Section 1(c) will not, in
itself, impair or render invalid or defective a Notice of Termination given in connection with termination of employment for Good Reason based on whole or in part on facts or circumstances occurring prior to the extension. 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary above, the Executive’s termination of employment shall not constitute Good Reason unless
Executive notifies the Company of the condition or event constituting Good Reason within ninety days (90) days of the condition’s occurrence and the Company fails to cure the conditions, to the extent curable, specified in the notice
within thirty (30) days following such notification. 

  
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 (d) Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by the
Executive for any reason (including without limitation Good Reason), shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 17(c) of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, a
“Notice of Termination” means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and
circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) if the Date of Termination (as defined below) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the
termination date (which date shall be not more than thirty days after the giving of such notice). The failure by the Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good
Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Executive or the Company hereunder or preclude the Executive or the Company from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Executive’s or the Company’s right hereunder.

 (e) Date of Termination. “Date of Termination” means (i) if the Executive’s
employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or by the Executive for Good Reason, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or any later date specified therein, as the case may be, (ii) if the Executive’s employment is
terminated by the Company other than for Cause, the Date of Termination shall be the date on which the Company notifies the Executive of such termination, (iii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability,
the Date of Termination shall be the date of death of the Executive or the Disability Effective Date, as the case may be, (iv) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Executive other than for Good Reason, the date of the receipt
of the Notice of Termination or any later date specified therein, and (v) if the Executive’s employment is terminated on account of the death of the Executive or Executive’s Disability, the Date of Termination shall be the date of
such death or the Disability Effective Date, respectively. 
 6. Obligations of the Company upon Termination and Upon Change
of Control. 
 (a) Prior to a Change of Control: Good Reason or Other than for Cause. If, during the Employment
Period and prior to a Change of Control, the Company shall terminate the Executive’s employment other than for Cause, or the Executive shall terminate employment for Good Reason: 

(i) the Company shall pay to the Executive, in a lump-sum in cash within 30 days after the Date of Termination (unless
other payment terms are specified in this Section 6(a)(i) and unless otherwise set forth in Section 15), the aggregate of the following amounts. In order to be eligible for the amounts set forth in Sections 6(a)(i)(B) or
Section 6(a)(ii) below, the Executive must execute a full release of all claims substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A hereto within 45 days following the Date of Termination (the date on which the release becomes non-revocable, the
“Release Date”): 

  
 7 

 A. the sum of (1) the Executive’s Annual Base Salary through the
Date of Termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (2) any compensation previously deferred by the Executive, to the extent permitted by the plan under which such deferral was made (together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon),
and any accrued vacation pay, in each case to the extent not theretofore paid (the sum of the amounts described in clauses (1) and (2) shall be hereinafter referred to as the “Accrued Obligations”); and 

B. the amount (such amount shall be hereinafter referred to as the “Severance Amount”) equal to the sum of:

 (1) two times the amount of the Executive’s Annual Base Salary, and 

(2) two times the bonus (as a percentage of Annual Base Salary) described in Section 4(b)(ii) paid or payable in
respect of the most recently completed fiscal year of the Company or, if no such bonus has been paid or is payable in respect of such year, any bonus described in Section 4(b)(ii) paid or payable in respect of the next preceding fiscal year.

 The Severance Amount shall be payable within 10 days following the Release Date. The Severance Amount shall be reduced by the
present value (determined as provided in Section 280G(d)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) of any other amount of severance relating to salary or bonus continuation to be received by the
Executive upon termination of employment of the Executive under any severance plan, severance policy or severance arrangement of the Company; and 
 C. a separate sum equal to the amount of any earned but unpaid bonus awarded to the Executive; 
 (ii) subject to the provisions of Section 15, for a period of the longer of 18 months from the Date of Termination or the remaining term of the Employment Period, or such longer period as any plan,
program, practice or policy may provide, the Company shall continue benefits to the Executive and/or the Executive’s dependents at least equal to those which would have been provided to them in accordance with the plans, programs, practices and
policies described in Section 4(b)(iv) of this Agreement if the Executive’s employment had not been terminated in accordance with the most favorable plans, practices, programs or policies of the Company and its affiliated companies as in
effect and applicable generally to other executives and their dependents during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Applicable Date, provided, however, that if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive
medical or other welfare benefits under another employer provided plan, the medical and other welfare benefits described herein shall be secondary to those provided under such other plan during such applicable period of eligibility; and provided
further, however, that with respect to health and medical benefits, to the extent such coverage cannot be extended or provided, the Company will pay during the period described above 

  
 8 

 
the applicable premium under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended associated with such benefits (such continuation of such benefits for the applicable period
herein set forth shall be hereinafter referred to as “Welfare Benefit Continuation”); and 
 (iii) subject to the provisions of Section 15, to the extent not theretofore paid or provided, the Company shall timely pay or provide to the Executive and/or the Executive’s dependents any
other amounts or benefits required to be paid or provided or which the Executive and/or the Executive’s dependents is eligible to receive pursuant to this Agreement and under any plan, program, policy or practice or contract or agreement of the
Company and its affiliated companies as in effect and applicable generally to other executives and their dependents during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Applicable Date (such other amounts and benefits shall be hereinafter referred to
as the “Other Benefits”). 
 (b) Following a Change of Control: Good Reason or Other than for
Cause. If, during the Employment Period, the Company shall terminate the Executive’s employment other than for Cause following a Change of Control, or the Executive shall terminate employment for Good Reason following a Change of Control,
then the Company shall pay or provide to the Executive all the amounts and benefits set forth in Section 6(a) above; provided however, that: 
 (i) instead of the Severance Amount calculated pursuant to Section 6(a)(i)(B) above, a Severance Amount equal to the product of: 

A. three and 
 B. the sum of 
 (1) the Executive’s Annual Base Salary,

 (2) the highest bonus (as a percentage of Annual Base Salary) described in Section 4(b)(ii) paid or
payable in respect of any of the two most recently completed fiscal years of the Company. The Severance Amount calculated under this Section shall be reduced (if applicable) and paid as set forth in Section 6(a)(i)(b); and 

(ii) if the Date of Termination occurs within 24 months following a Change of Control, then effective as of the Date of
Termination, each and every stock option, restricted stock award, restricted stock unit award and other equity-based award and performance award that is outstanding as of the Date of Termination shall immediately vest and/or become exercisable and
any contractual restrictions on sale or transfer of any such award (other than any such restriction arising by operation of law) shall immediately terminate. 
 (c) Death. If the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of the Executive’s death during the Employment Period, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the
Executive’s legal representatives under this Agreement, other than for (i) payment of Accrued Obligations (which shall be paid to the Executive’s estate or beneficiary, 

  
 9 

 
as applicable, in a lump-sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination) and the timely payment or provision of the Welfare Benefit Continuation and Other Benefits and (ii) payment to
the Executive’s estate or beneficiary, as applicable, in a lump-sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination of an amount equal to the Severance Amount payable under Section 6(a)(i)(B). 

(d) Disability. If the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of the Executive’s Disability during the
Employment Period, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive, other than for (i) payment of Accrued Obligations (which shall be paid to the Executive in a lump-sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of
Termination) and the timely payment or provision of the Welfare Benefit Continuation and Other Benefits (excluding, in each case, Disability Benefits (as defined below)), and (ii) payment to the Executive in a lump-sum in cash within 30 days of
the Date of Termination of an amount equal to the greater of (A) the Severance Amount under Section 6(a)(i)(B) and (B) the present value (determined as provided in Section 280G(d)(4) of the Code) of any cash amount to be received
by the Executive as a disability benefit pursuant to the terms of any long term disability plan, policy or arrangement of the Company and its affiliated companies (“Disability Benefits”), but not including any proceeds of
disability insurance covering the Executive to the extent paid for on a contributory basis by the Executive (which shall be paid in any event as an Other Benefit). 
 (e) Cause; By the Executive Other than for Good Reason. If the Executive’s employment shall be terminated for Cause during the Employment Period or if the Executive terminates employment
during the Employment Period, excluding a termination for Good Reason, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to the Executive other than the obligation (i) to pay to the Executive his Annual Base Salary through the Date of
Termination plus the amount of any compensation previously deferred by the Executive, in each case to the extent theretofore unpaid and (ii) provide any benefits required by applicable law. Any deferred compensation payable pursuant to the
terms of this Section 6(e) shall be paid in accordance with the terms and conditions, if any, of the plan or arrangement under which such deferred compensation is due and, if the plan or arrangement does not specify a date for payment, then on
the first business day after the six month anniversary of the Date of Termination. 
 (f) Change of Control Benefit. Upon
the occurrence of a Change of Control, each and every stock option, restricted stock award, restricted stock unit award and other equity-based award and performance award that is outstanding as of the date of the occurrence of a Change of Control
shall immediately vest and/or become exercisable and any contractual restrictions on sale or transfer of any such award (other than any such restriction arising by operation of law) shall immediately terminate. 

7. Non-exclusivity of Rights. Except as provided in Section 6(a)(ii), 6(b)(iii), 6(c) and 6(d) of this Agreement, nothing in
this Agreement shall prevent or limit the Executive’s continuing or future participation in any plan, program, policy or practice provided by the Company or any of its affiliated companies and for which the Executive may qualify, nor shall
anything herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as the Executive may have under any contract or agreement with the Company or any of its affiliated companies. Amounts which are vested benefits or which the Executive is otherwise entitled to
receive under any plan, policy, 

  
 10 

 
practice or program of or any contract or agreement with the Company or any of its affiliated companies at or subsequent to the Date of Termination shall be payable in accordance with such plan,
policy, practice or program or contract or agreement except as explicitly modified by this Agreement. 
 8. Full Settlement;
Resolution of Disputes. 
 (a) Except where the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause or is
terminated by the Executive other than for Good Reason, the Company’s obligation to make payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment,
defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against the Executive or others. In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the
Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and, except as provided in Section 6(a)(ii), 6(b)(iii), 6(c) and 6(d) of this Agreement, such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Executive obtains other employment.

 (b) If there shall be any dispute between the Company and the Executive (i) in the event of any termination of the
Executive’s employment by the Company, whether such termination was for Cause, or (ii) in the event of any termination of employment by the Executive, whether Good Reason existed, then, unless and until there is a final, nonappealable
judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction declaring that such termination was for Cause or that Good Reason did not exist, the Company shall pay all amounts, and provide all benefits, to the Executive and/or the Executive’s family or other
beneficiaries, as the case may be, that the Company would be required to pay or provide pursuant to Section 6(a) or 6(b) hereof as though such termination were by the Company without Cause or by the Executive with Good Reason; provided,
however, that the Company shall not be required to pay any disputed amounts pursuant to this paragraph except upon receipt of an undertaking (which need not be secured) by or on behalf of the Executive to repay all such amounts to which the
Executive is ultimately adjudged by such court not to be entitled. 
 9. Confidential Information. The Executive shall
hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company all secret or confidential information, knowledge or data relating to the Company or any of its affiliated companies, and their respective businesses, which shall have been obtained by the
Executive during the Executive’s employment by the Company or any of its affiliated companies and which shall not be or become public knowledge (other than by acts by the Executive or representatives of the Executive in violation of this
Agreement). After termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company or as may otherwise be required by law or legal process, communicate or divulge any such
information, knowledge or data to anyone other than the Company and those designated by it. In no event shall an asserted violation of the provisions of this Section 9 constitute a basis for deferring or withholding any amounts otherwise
payable to the Executive under this Agreement. 

  
 11 

 10. Non-Competition; No Solicitation; Consultation. 

(a) The Executive recognizes that the Company’s willingness to enter into this Agreement is based in material part on the
Executive’s agreement to the provisions of this Section 10, and that the Executive’s breach of the provisions of this Section could materially damage the Company. The Company shall provide confidential and trade secret information to
the Executive immediately upon execution of this Agreement and thereafter, and the Executive agrees not to disclose or use such information for any reason other than the Executive’s employment with Company without the express, prior, written
consent of Company. Therefore, in consideration of the Company’s promise to provide the Executive with its confidential information and trade secrets, the Executive agrees that he will not, during the period of the Executive’s employment
by or with the Company, and for a period of one year immediately following the termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company under this Agreement for any reason other than termination by the Executive for Good Reason (the
“Non-Compete Period”), for any reason whatsoever, directly or indirectly, for himself or on behalf of or in conjunction with any other person, persons, company, partnership, corporation, limited liability company or business
of whatever nature accept employment with, serve as an officer, director, member, manager, agent or joint venturer of, be an owner, controlling stockholder or partner of, act as a consultant to or contractor for, or otherwise actively participate or
assist any person, or compete against the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, directly or indirectly, with or without compensation, in the offshore drilling or liftboat businesses (or any other business in which the Company or any of
its subsidiaries or affiliates is then engaged) in those states of the United States (including the state or federal waters offshore such states), or in those countries in the world (and the territorial waters thereof), where the business of the
Company is engaged. 
 (b) The Executive agrees that he shall not during the Non-Compete Period, for any reason whatsoever,
directly or indirectly, for himself or on behalf of or in conjunction with any other person, persons, company, partnership, corporation, limited liability company or business of whatever nature induce or encourage any employee of the Company to
terminate employment with the Company or hire or offer employment to, or procure the making of an offer of employment to, any employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates who was so employed at any time during the 12 months prior
to the date of termination of the Executives’ employment with the Company. 
 (c) The Executive agrees that he shall not
during the Non-Compete Period, for any reason whatsoever, directly or indirectly, (i) team or join with other employees of the Company who were employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates during the 12 months prior to the
date of termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company in any business like or related to the offshore drilling business or liftboat business (or any other business in which the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates is
then engaged) or (ii) cause, induce or encourage any customer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate or change adversely any business relationship with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.

 (d) Because of the difficulty of measuring economic losses to the Company as a result of a breach of the foregoing covenants,
and because of the immediate and irreparable 

  
 12 

 
damage that could be caused to the Company for which it would have no other adequate remedy, the Executive agrees that the foregoing covenants may be enforced by the Company by injunctions,
restraining orders and other equitable actions, without showing any actual damage or that monetary damages would not provide an adequate remedy and without any bond or other security being required. 

(e) Executive agrees that the limitations set forth in this Section 10 on his rights to compete with the Company and its
subsidiaries and affiliates are reasonable and necessary in order to protect the goodwill, confidential information and trade secrets, and other legitimate interests of the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates during the Non-Compete Period.
Executive specifically agrees that, in view of the nature of the current and proposed business of the Company, the limitations as to period of time and geographic area, as well as all other restrictions on his activities specified in
Section 10, are reasonable and necessary for the protection of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates. 
 (f) The
covenants in this Section 10 are severable and separate, and the unenforceability of any specific covenant shall not affect the provisions of any other covenant. Moreover, in the event any court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that
the scope, time or territorial restrictions set forth in this Section 10 are unreasonable and therefore unenforceable, then it is the intention of the parties that such restrictions be enforced to the fullest extent which the court deems
reasonable, and this Agreement shall thereby be reformed. 
 (g) The Executive hereby agrees that the period during which the
agreements and covenants of the Executive made in this Section 10 shall be effective shall be computed by excluding from such computation any time during which the Executive is in violation of any provision of this Section 10. 

(h) Beginning on the first calendar day of the month immediately following the Executive’s termination of employment for any reason
other than Cause, the Company agrees to retain the executives services and the executive hereby agrees to make himself available to the Company to provide consulting services for up to twelve (12) hours weekly over the term of the Non-Compete
Period. As compensation for his services, the Executive shall receive, during the term of this consulting period, a monthly consulting fee equal to 140% of the Executive’s annual base salary on his date of termination divided by twelve. Monthly
consulting fee payments will be paid to the Executive in accordance with the customary payroll practices for service providers of the Company, but no less frequently than monthly. Any additional terms and conditions of the Executive’s
consulting arrangement will be mutually agreed upon at the time of the Executive’s termination of employment. 
 11.
Non-Disparagement. The Executive covenants that during and following the Employment Period, the Executive will not disparage or encourage or induce others to disparage the Company or its subsidiaries, together with all of their respective past
and present directors and officers, as well as their respective past and present managers, officers, shareholders, partners, employees, agents, attorneys, servants and customers and each of their predecessors, successors and assigns (collectively,
the “Company Entities and Persons”); provided that such limitation shall extend to past and present managers, officers, shareholders, partners, employees, agents, attorneys, servants and customers only in their capacities as
such or in respect of their 

  
 13 

 
relationship with the Company and its subsidiaries. The term “disparage” includes, without limitation, comments or statements adversely affecting in any manner (i) the conduct of
the business of the Company Entities and Persons, or (ii) the business reputation of the Company Entities and Persons. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or shall prevent the Executive from providing, or limiting testimony in response to
a valid subpoena, court order, regulatory request or other judicial, administrative or legal process or otherwise as required by law. 
 12. Return of Company Property. All records, designs, patents, business plans, financial statements, manuals, memoranda, lists and other property delivered to or compiled by the Executive by or on
behalf of the Company, or any of its affiliated companies or the representatives, vendors or customers thereof that pertain to the business of the Company or any of its affiliated companies shall be and remain the property of the Company or any such
affiliated company, as the case may be, and be subject at all times to the discretion and control thereof. Likewise, all correspondence, reports, records, charts, advertising materials and other similar data pertaining to the business, activities or
future plans of the Company or its affiliated companies that are collected or held by the Executive shall be delivered promptly to the Company or its affiliated companies, as the case may be, without request by such party, upon termination of the
Executive’s employment, without regard to the cause or reasons for such termination. 
 13. Inventions. The
Executive shall disclose promptly to the Company any and all significant conceptions and ideas for inventions, improvements and valuable discoveries, whether patentable or not, which are (a) conceived or made by the Executive, solely or jointly
with another, during the period of employment or within one year thereafter, (b) directly related to the business or activities of the Company or its affiliated companies, and (c) conceived by the Executive as a result of the
Executive’s employment by the Company. Executive hereby assigns and agrees to assign all the Executive’s interests in any such invention, improvement or valuable discovery to the Company or its nominee. Whenever requested to do so by the
Company, the Executive shall execute any and all applications, assignments or other instruments that the Company shall deem necessary to apply for and obtain Letters Patent of the United States or any foreign country or to otherwise protect the
Company’ interest in any such invention, improvement or valuable discovery. 
 14. Assistance with Litigation and
Investigations. The Executive shall reasonably cooperate with the Company in the defense or prosecution of any claims or actions now in existence or that may be brought in the future against or on behalf of the Company that relate to events or
occurrences that transpired while Executive was employed by the Company. Executive’s cooperation in connection with such claims or actions shall include, but not be limited to, being available to meet with counsel to prepare for discovery or
trial and to act as a witness on behalf of the Company at mutually convenient times. Executive also shall cooperate fully with the Company in connection with any investigation or review by any federal, state, or local regulatory authority as any
such investigation or review relates, to events or occurrences that transpired while Executive was employed by the Company. The Company will pay Executive an agreed upon reasonable hourly rate for Executive’s cooperation pursuant to this
Section 14, plus reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in fulfilling Executive’s obligations under this Section 14. 

  
 14 

 15. Conditions to Payment and Acceleration; Section 409A. Notwithstanding
anything contained herein to the contrary, Executive shall not be considered to have terminated employment with Hercules Offshore, Inc. for purposes of this Agreement and no payments shall be due to Executive under this Agreement or any policy or
plan of Hercules Offshore, Inc. as in effect from time to time, providing for payment of amounts on termination of employment, unless Executive would be considered to have incurred a “separation from service” from Hercules Offshore, Inc.
within the meaning of Section 409A. To the extent required in order to avoid accelerated taxation and/or tax penalties under Section 409A, amounts that would otherwise be payable and benefits that would otherwise be provided pursuant to
this Agreement during the six-month period immediately following Executive’s termination of employment shall instead be paid on the first business day after the date that is six months following Executive’s termination of employment (or
upon Executive’s death, if earlier). Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Board determines, upon advice of counsel, that any provision of this Agreement does not, in whole or in part, satisfy the requirements of
Section 409A, the Board, in its sole discretion, may unilaterally modify this Agreement in such manner as it deems appropriate to comply with Section 409A; provided, that in making any such modifications, the Board shall seek to minimize
any adverse economic consequences to the Executive. 
 16. Successors. 

(a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by the
Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s legal representatives. 

(b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns. 

(c) The Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or
substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.
As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise. If a
Business Combination is consummated that would have resulted in a Change of Control but for the satisfaction of the conditions specified in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of Section 2(c) and if the parent corporation resulting from the
Business Combination is other than the Company (hereinafter a “New Parent”), then, as a condition to consummation of this Business Combination, the New Parent shall be considered a successor for purposes of this
Section 16. 
 17. Miscellaneous. 
 (a) Unfunded Obligation. This Agreement shall be an unfunded obligation of the Company. 

  
 15 

 (b) Governing Law; Headings; Amendments. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without reference to principles of conflict of laws. The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect. This Agreement may not be
amended or modified otherwise than by (i) a written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives, or (ii) as otherwise specified in Section 15. 

(c) Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other
party or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows: 
  

							
	 If to the Executive:
	  	John T. Rynd	  		  	
				
	 If to the Company:
	  	Hercules Offshore, Inc.	  		  	
		  	Attn: General Counsel	  		  	
		  	9 Greenway Plaza, Suite 2200	  		  	
		  	Houston, Texas 77046	  		  	

 or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. Notice and
communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee. 
 (d) Severability. The invalidity or
unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement. 
 (e) Withholding. The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state or local taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or
regulation. 
 (f) Waivers. The Executive’s or the Company’s failure to insist upon strict compliance with any
provision hereof or any other provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert any right the Executive or the Company may have hereunder, including, without limitation, the right of the Executive to terminate employment for Good Reason pursuant
to Section 5(c)(i)-(vi) of this Agreement, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement. 
 (g) Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto, and supersedes all prior agreements or understandings (whether written or oral) with
respect to the subject matter hereof. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this Agreement supersedes the Executive Employment Agreements between Company and the Executive dated as of November 3, 2006 and June 20, 2008, and the
Original Agreement, and any amendments thereto and extensions thereof, which shall no longer be of any force or effect. 

  
 16 

 (h) No Third Party Beneficiaries. Except as otherwise provided herein, nothing
contained herein shall confer upon any Person, or any representative or beneficiary thereof, any rights or remedies under this Agreement. 

  
 17 

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has hereunto set the Executive’s hand and, pursuant
to the authorization from its Board, the Company has caused these presents to be executed in its name on its behalf, all as of the day and year first above written. 

 

	
	EXECUTIVE
	
	/s/ John T. Rynd
	John T. Rynd

  

			
	HERCULES OFFSHORE, INC.
		
	By:	 	/s/ James W. Noe
	Name:	 	James W. Noe
	Title:	 	Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer

  
 18 

 EXHIBIT A 
 FORM OF RELEASE 
 THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT (the
“Release”) is made as of this             day of
                    ,             , by and between
                    (“Employee”) and
                    (the “Company”). This is the Release referred to in that certain Employment Agreement dated as of
                    by and between the Company and Employee (the “Employment Agreement”), with respect to which the
Release is an integral part. 
 FOR AND IN CONSIDERATION of the payments and benefits provided in the Employment Agreement,
Employee, for himself, his successors and assigns, executors and administrators, now and forever hereby releases and discharges the Company, together with all of its past and present parents, subsidiaries, affiliates and funds, together with each of
their officers, directors, stockholders, partners, employees, agents, representatives and attorneys, and each of their subsidiaries, affiliates, estates, predecessors, successors, and assigns (hereinafter collectively referred to as the
“Releasees”) from any and all rights, claims, charges, actions, causes of action, complaints, sums of money, suits, debts, covenants, contracts, agreements, promises, obligations, damages, demands or liabilities of every kind
whatsoever, in law or in equity, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, which Employee or Employee’s executors, administrators, successors or assigns ever had, now has or may hereafter claim to have by reason of any matter, cause
or thing whatsoever; arising from the beginning of time up to the date of the Release: (i) relating in any way to Employee’s employment relationship with the Company or any of the Releasees, or the termination of Employee’s employment
relationship with the Company or any of the Releasees or relating to his status as a holder of the Capital Interest; (ii) arising under any federal, local or state statute or regulation, including, without limitation, [If Employee is age 40 or
over: the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended by the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act,] Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, and the Texas Labor Code, Chapters 21 and 22, each as amended, or any other federal, state or local law, regulation, ordinance, or common law; (iii) relating to wrongful employment termination or breach of contract; or (iv) arising
under or relating to any policy, agreement, understanding or promise, written or oral, formal or informal, between the Company and any of the Releasees and Employee; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained in the
Release shall in any way diminish or impair: (a) any rights Employee may have, from and after the date the Release is executed, under the Employment Agreement, (b) any rights to indemnification that may exist from time to time under the
Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws, or Delaware law; (c) any rights Employee may have to vested benefits under employee benefit plans of the Company; or (d) Employee’s ability to bring appropriate proceedings to
enforce the Release (collectively, the “Excluded Claims”). Employee further acknowledges and agrees that, except with respect to Excluded Claims, the Company and the Releasees have fully satisfied any and all obligations
whatsoever owed to Employee arising out of his employment with the Company or any of the Releasees, including, but not limited to, any obligations under the Employment Agreement, and that no further payments or benefits are owed to Employee by the
Company or any of the Releasees. 

  
 Exhibit A - 1

 Employee understands and agrees that, except for the Excluded Claims, he has knowingly
relinquished, waived and forever released any and all rights to any personal recovery in any action or proceeding that may be commenced on Employee’s behalf arising out of the aforesaid employment relationship or the termination thereof,
including, without limitation, claims for backpay, front pay, liquidated damages, compensatory damages, general damages, special damages, punitive damages, exemplary damages, costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees. 

Employee acknowledges and agrees that Employee has been advised to consult with an attorney of Employee’s choosing prior to signing
the Release. Employee understands and agrees that Employee has the right and has been given the opportunity to review the Release with an attorney of Employee’s choice should Employee so desire. Employee also agrees that Employee has entered
into the Release freely and voluntarily. [If Employee is age 40 or older: Employee further acknowledges and agrees that Employee has had at least twenty-one (21) calendar days to consider the Release, although Employee may sign it sooner if
Employee wishes.] In addition, once Employee has signed the Release, Employee shall have seven (7) additional days from the date of execution to revoke Employee’s consent and may do so by writing to: . The Release shall not be effective,
and no payments shall be due hereunder, until the eighth (8th) day after Employee shall have executed the Release and returned it to the Company, assuming that Employee had not revoked Employee’s consent to the Release prior to such date.

 Employee agrees never to seek reemployment or future employment with the Company or any of the other Releasees. 

Employee agrees to keep the terms of the Release and the Employment Agreement confidential and not to disclose the Release, the
Employment Agreement or their terms to any person or entity, except: to Employee’s immediate family; as may be required for obtaining legal or tax advice; as may be required by law; or in any proceeding to enforce the Release or any of the
Excluded Claims. 
 It is understood and agreed by Employee that the payment made to him is not to be construed as an admission
of any liability whatsoever on the part of the Company or any of the other Releasees, by whom liability is expressly denied. 

The Release is executed by Employee voluntarily and is not based upon any representations or statements of any kind made by the Company
or any of the other Releasees as to the merits, legal liabilities or value of his claims. Employee further acknowledges that he has had a full and reasonable opportunity to consider the Release and that he has not been pressured or in any way
coerced into executing the Release. 
 The exclusive venue for any disputes arising hereunder shall be the state or federal
courts located in the State of Texas, and each of the parties hereto irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such proceeding brought in such a
court and any claim that any such proceeding brought in such a court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. Each of the parties hereto also agrees that any final and unappealable judgment against a party hereto in connection with any action,
suit or other proceeding may be enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction, either within or outside of the United States. A certified or exemplified copy of such award or judgment shall be conclusive evidence of the fact and amount of such
award or judgment. 

  
 Exhibit A - 2

 The Release and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas. If any provision hereof is unenforceable or is held to be unenforceable, such provision shall be fully severable, and this document and its terms shall be construed and enforced as if such
unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof, the remaining provisions hereof shall remain in full force and effect, and the court construing the provisions shall add as a part hereof a provision as similar in terms and effect to such
unenforceable provision as may be enforceable, in lieu of the unenforceable provision. 
 This document contains all terms of
the Release and supersedes and invalidates any previous agreements or contracts of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supercedes all prior discussions, negotiations, agreements, arrangements and understandings between Employee
and the Company or any of the Releasees. No representations, inducements, promises or agreements, oral or otherwise, which are not embodied herein shall be of any force or effect; provided, however, that Employee shall continue to be bound by the
obligations of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement. 
 The Release shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company
and its successors and assigns. The terms of the Release are personal to Employee and may not be assigned by Employee. 
 IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, Employee and the Company have executed the Release as of the date and year first written above. 
  

					
			
	  	 		 	  
		 		 	[Company]

  
 Exhibit A - 3

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