As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2004
                                                   Registration No. 333-________
================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                           --------------------------
                                    FORM S-3

                        REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
                             SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                           --------------------------
                           OMNI ENERGY SERVICES CORP.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

               LOUISIANA                                          72-1395273
    (State or other jurisdiction of                            (I.R.S. Employer
     incorporation or organization)                          Identification No.)

                            4500 NE EVANGELINE THWY.
                            CARENCRO, LOUISIANA 70520
                                 (337) 896-6664
       (Name,address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
             area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

   G. DARCY KLUG                                WITH COPY TO: DAVID F. TAYLOR
   OMNI ENERGY SERVICES CORP                    LOCKE LIDDELL & SAPP LLP
   4500 NE EVANGELINE THWY.                     600 TRAVIS, 32ND FLOOR
   CARENCRO, LOUISIANA  70520                   HOUSTON, TEXAS  77002
   TELEPHONE: (337) 896-6664                    TELEPHONE: (713) 226-1496
   FAX: (337) 896-9067                          FAX: (713) 223-3717

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

        APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
     From time to time after this registration statement becomes effective.

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

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

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

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

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

                         CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE



                                                                    PROPOSED MAXIMUM      PROPOSED MAXIMUM
        TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF                 AMOUNT TO BE        OFFERING PRICE PER    AGGREGATE OFFERING        AMOUNT OF
     SECURITIES TO BE  REGISTERED             REGISTERED (1)           SHARE (2)             PRICE (2)         REGISTRATION FEE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share    5,012,237 shares (3)         $6.255              $31,351,542           $3,973 (4)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


(1)      Also registered hereby are such additional and indeterminable number of
         shares as may be issuable due to adjustments for changes resulting from
         stock dividends, stock splits and similar changes.

(2)      Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
         pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, based on the
         average of the high and low prices per share of the Common Stock as
         reported on the Nasdaq National Market on April 27, 2004.

(3)      All 5,012,237 shares registered pursuant to this registration statement
         are to be offered by the selling shareholders following (i) the
         conversion of the 6.5% Convertible Debentures issued on February 12,
         2004, (ii) the conversion of the 6.5% Convertible Debentures issued on
         April 15, 2004, (iii) the exercise of the Series A Warrants issued on
         February 12, 2004, (iv) the exercise of the Series B Warrants issued on
         February 12, 2004, and (v) the exercise of the Warrants issued on April
         15, 2004. This registration statement covers a contractually agreed
         upon number of shares of common stock equal to 150% of the total number
         of shares of common stock that are initially issuable: (i) upon
         conversion of the 6.5% Convertible Debentures issued on February 12,
         2004, (ii) upon conversion of the 6.5% Convertible Debentures issued on
         April 15, 2004, (iii) upon the exercise of the Series A Warrants issued
         on February 12, 2004, (iv) upon the exercise of the Series B Warrants
         issued on February 12, 2004, and (v) upon the exercise of the Warrants
         issued on April 15, 2004.

(4)      $1,762 of which was previously paid in connection with the filing of a
         Registration Statement on Form S-3 on December 18, 2003, File No.
         333-111313, which Registration Statement was subsequently withdrawn
         prior to effectiveness.

         THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE
OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.



         THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED.
THE SELLING SHAREHOLDERS MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS
PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN
OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT
PERMITTED.

                   Subject to completion, dated April 30, 2004

PROSPECTUS

                           OMNI ENERGY SERVICES CORP.
                                  COMMON STOCK

         This prospectus relates to 5,012,237 outstanding shares of our common
stock, which amount is equal to 150% of the total of (i) 1,398,602 shares of our
common stock that may be sold by the selling shareholders following conversion
of $10,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our 6.5% Convertible Debentures due
February 12, 2007, (ii) 701,389 shares of our common stock that may be sold by
the selling shareholders following the conversion of $5,050,000 aggregate
principal amount of our 6.5% Convertible Debentures due April 15, 2007, (iii)
700,000 shares of our common stock that may be sold by the selling shareholders
following exercise of our Series A Warrants issued February 12, 2004, (iv)
390,000 shares of our common stock that may be sold by the selling shareholders
following exercise of our Series B Warrants issued February 12, 2004, and (v)
151,500 shares of our common stock that may be sold by the selling shareholders
following exercise of our Warrants issued April 15, 2004. Pursuant to the
registration rights agreement that we entered into with the selling
shareholders, we are registering 150% of this total to cover resales of
additional shares that may be issuable upon (i) conversion of the debentures due
to adjustments of the conversion price, (ii) issuances of shares as payment of
interest due under the debentures, (iii) issuances of shares as payment upon
exercise of the put option under the debentures and/or (iv) exercise of the
warrants due to subdivision or combination of our common stock.

         The selling shareholders may from time to time offer all or a portion
of these shares of common stock through public or private transactions on the
Nasdaq National Market or such other securities exchange on which our common
stock is traded at the time of the sale. The selling shareholders may sell these
shares of common stock at prevailing market prices or at privately negotiated
prices either directly or through agents, broker dealers or otherwise. You may
find more information concerning how the selling shareholders may sell these
shares under the caption "Plan of Distribution."

         Each selling shareholder may be deemed to be an "underwriter" as such
term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"), and any commissions paid or discounts or concessions allowed to any such
person and any profits received on resale of the securities offered hereby may
be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act.

         The selling shareholders will receive all of the net proceeds from the
sale of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus. We are paying all
of the expenses of registration incurred in connection with this offering, but
the selling shareholders will pay all selling and other expenses.

         Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the
symbol "OMNI." On April 27, 2004, the last reported sale price of our common
stock on the Nasdaq National Market was $6.41 per share.

         SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 2 FOR INFORMATION THAT YOU SHOULD
CONSIDER BEFORE PURCHASING THESE SHARES.

         NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED ON THE
ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS AND ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

               THIS DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS ___________, 2004.

                                       1



                           FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

         Certain statements included in this prospectus and in the documents
that we have incorporated by reference that are not historical facts are
intended to be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements in this
prospectus are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements may
include statements that relate to:

         -        our business plans or strategies, and projected or anticipated
                  benefits or other consequences of such plans or strategies;

         -        our objectives;

         -        projected and anticipated benefits from future or past
                  acquisitions; and

         -        projections involving anticipated capital expenditures or
                  revenues, earnings or other aspects of capital projects or
                  operating results.

         Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of
words such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate" or
"believe" or similar language.

         Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and
all phases of our operations are subject to a number of uncertainties, risks and
other influences, many of which are beyond our control. Any one of such
influences, or a combination, could materially affect the results of our
operations and the accuracy of the forward-looking statements that we make.

         You are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks
associated with OMNI's dependence on activity in the oil and gas industry, labor
shortages, international expansion, dependence on significant customers,
seasonality and weather risks, competition, technological evolution and other
risks detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Additional important factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in our
forward-looking statements are discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" below.
You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking
statements, which speak only as of the date that they are made. We undertake no
obligation to publicly update our forward-looking statements.

                                  RISK FACTORS

         You should carefully consider the following risk factors, in addition
to the other information set forth or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus, before purchasing shares of our common stock. Each of these risk
factors could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial
condition, and also adversely affect the value of an investment in our common
stock.

BECAUSE OUR BUSINESS DEPENDS ON THE LEVEL OF DEVELOPMENTAL CONSTRUCTION BY OIL
AND GAS COMPANIES, VOLATILITY IN THAT INDUSTRY MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE DEMAND
FOR OUR SERVICES.

The demand for our services depends on the level of capital expenditures by oil
and gas companies for developmental construction and these expenditures are
critical to our operations. The levels of such capital expenditures are
influenced by:

         -        oil and gas prices and industry perceptions of future price
                  levels;

         -        the cost of exploring for, producing and delivering oil and
                  gas;

         -        the ability of oil and gas companies to generate capital;

         -        the sale and expiration dates of leases in the United States;

         -        the availability of current geophysical data;

         -        the discovery rate of new oil and gas reserves;

         -        changing tax laws and oil and gas regulations; and

                                       2



         -        local and international political and economic conditions.

Historically, the volatility of oil and gas prices and other factors have
resulted in substantial fluctuations in the level of exploration and
developmental activity. A prolonged low level of activity in the oil and gas
industry will likely depress development activity, adversely affecting the
demand for our products and services and our financial condition and results of
operations.

OUR FINANCIAL HISTORY INDICATES THAT OUR RECENT PROFITABILITY MAY NOT BE
SUSTAINABLE.

Recently, we have experienced annual net incomes. However, our past financial
history reflects annual net losses. While we hope to continue to generate
increased revenues and profitability, any such increase may not be sustainable
or indicative of future results of operations, which as discussed in the
previous risk factor, are significantly linked to industry factors beyond our
control. If the results of our continuing efforts to improve profitability,
increase our cash flow and strengthen our balance sheet do not meet or exceed
the expectations of our investors or stock analysts, the price of our common
stock will suffer.

THE GROWTH OF OUR BUSINESS HAS PRESENTED US WITH ORGANIZATIONAL CHALLENGES,
WHICH MAY HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS IF NOT MANAGED SUCCESSFULLY.

Our increased size and the anticipated growth of our business will demand
increased responsibility for management personnel. The following factors could
present difficulties to us:

         -        the integration of the operations of American Helicopters,
                  Inc., which will include the integration of management
                  personnel with no history of working together;

         -        the increased administrative burdens associated with the
                  increased size of our operations;

         -        the increased logistical problems of large, expansive
                  operations; and

         -        the reduced size of our executive-level personnel in relation
                  to the increased size of our business.

If we do not manage these potential difficulties successfully, they could have a
material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

THE DANGERS INHERENT IN OUR OPERATIONS AND THE POTENTIAL LIMITS ON INSURANCE
COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN RISKS COULD EXPOSE US TO POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT LIABILITY.

Our seismic operations are subject to risks or injury to personnel and loss of
equipment. Our crews often conduct operations in extreme weather, in difficult
terrain that is not easily accessible, and under other hazardous conditions. In
addition, our aviation operations are subject to numerous hazards inherent in
the operation of helicopters and airplanes. These hazards include adverse
weather conditions, crashes, explosions, collisions and fires, all of which may
result in injury to personnel or loss of equipment. We maintain what we believe
is prudent insurance protection. However, we cannot assure that our insurance
will be sufficient or effective under all circumstances. A successful claim for
which we are not fully insured may have a material adverse effect on our
revenues and profitability. We do not carry business interruption insurance with
respect to our operations.

BECAUSE WE ARE SMALLER THAN MANY OF OUR COMPETITORS, WE MAY BE LESS ABLE TO
ADAPT TO THE INTENSE PRICE COMPETITION THAT IS COMMON IN THE SEISMIC CONTRACTOR
INDUSTRY.

We compete with several other providers of seismic drilling, helicopter support,
permitting and survey services. Competition among seismic contractors
historically has been and will continue to be intense. Competitive factors have
in recent years included the cost of providing services, cost of capital, crew
experience, equipment availability, technological expertise and reputation for
quality and dependability. Additionally, in certain geographical areas, some of
our competitors operate more crews than we do and have substantially greater
financial and other resources. These operators could enjoy an advantage over us
if the competitive environment for contract

                                       3



awards shifts to one characterized principally by intense price competition.
Competition could result in price reductions, reduced profitability and loss of
market share.

OUR OPERATIONS MAY BE REDUCED DURING TIMES OF COLD OR STORMY WEATHER.

Due to exposure to weather patterns, we generally experience higher drilling
activity in the spring, summer and fall months with the lowest activity in
winter months, especially with respect to our operations in the mountainous
regions of the Western United States. The seasonality of oil and gas industry
activity in the Gulf Coast region also affects our operations. The rainy
weather, hurricanes and other storms prevalent in the Gulf of Mexico and along
the Gulf Coast throughout the year may negatively impact our operations. Because
our cash flows are seasonal, we may face temporary funding shortfalls from time
to time. As a result, full-year results are not likely to be a direct multiple
of any particular quarter or combination of quarters. This seasonality causes
our operating results to vary significantly from quarter to quarter.

IF WE ARE UNABLE TO RETAIN KEY PERSONNEL, THE LIKELIHOOD OF OUR EXPANSION PLAN
SUCCEEDING WILL BE REDUCED.

Our success depends on, among other things, the continued implementation of our
expansion and other strategic plans. Our officers and personnel have extensive
experience in the domestic and international oilfield supply industry that is
crucial to the implementation of our expansion plan. The loss of the services of
any one of these persons could impact adversely our ability to implement our
expansion strategy. The employment agreement of our Chief Executive Officer
expires June 30, 2004. We do not have employment agreements with any other key
executive officers.

OUR OPERATIONS ARE CONDUCTED IN THE HEAVILY REGULATED SEISMIC AND AVIATION
INDUSTRIES, AND WE MAY INCUR ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURES IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH
NEWLY ENACTED REGULATIONS OR FUTURE ACTIONS OF OUR REGULATORS.

Our seismic and aviation operations are subject to extensive governmental
regulation. These laws and regulations govern, among other things, operations in
wetlands, the handling of explosives and the operation of commercial aircraft.
Our cost of compliance with such laws has to date been immaterial; however, such
laws are changed frequently. We are also required by various governmental
agencies to obtain certain permits, licenses and certificates. The loss by us of
any of the licenses required for our operation could have a material adverse
effect on our operations.

THE SEISMIC DATA INDUSTRY HAS A HISTORY OF RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT, AND
WE MAY BE REQUIRED TO MAKE SUBSTANTIAL UNBUDGETED CAPITAL EXPENDITURES TO
ACQUIRE NEW OPERATING ASSETS IN ORDER TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE.

The development of seismic data acquisition and processing equipment has been
characterized by rapid technological advancements in recent years, and this
trend may continue. Manufacturers of seismic equipment may develop new systems
that have competitive advantages over systems now in use that could render our
current equipment obsolete or require us to make significant unplanned capital
expenditures to maintain our competitive position. Under such circumstances,
there can be no assurance that we would be able to obtain necessary financing on
favorable terms.

THE LOSS OF ONE OR MORE OF OUR LARGE EXISTING CUSTOMERS COULD HAVE A MATERIAL
ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS.

We derive a significant amount of our revenue from a small number of geophysical
companies. For example, our largest customers (those which individually
accounted for more than 10% of revenue in a given year, listed alphabetically)
collectively accounted for 71% (Grant Geophysical, Quantum Geophysical and
Western Geophysical), 84% (Veritas DGC and Western Geophysical) and 71% (Quantum
Geophysical, Seismic Exchange, and Veritas DGC) of revenue for fiscal 2001, 2002
and 2003, respectively. While we expect oil and gas companies

                                       4



utilizing our aviation services will, eventually, comprise a greater share of
our revenue base, we, currently, derive a significant amount of our revenue from
a small number of large geophysical companies and independent oil and gas
operators. Our loss of one of these significant customers, if not offset by
sales to new or other existing customers, could have a material adverse effect
on our business and operations. Loss of any significant client can seriously
harm our business.

WE ARE THE SUBJECT OF A LAWSUIT THAT, IF DECIDED AGAINST US, COULD HAVE AN
ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND CASH FLOWS.

On February 13, 2004, we commenced litigation against a former director,
Advantage Capital Partners ("ACP") and their respective insurers in the Civil
District Court for the Parish of Orleans in the State of Louisiana. The suit
requests the court to determine our right under the Company's Articles of
Incorporation, as amended, to redeem the Series A 8% Convertible Preferred Stock
rather than to convert the shares into common stock. Furthermore, to the extent
the court determines we did not have a right to redeem, rather than convert, the
Series A Preferred Stock, the suit requests the court to determine that the
Unanimous Consent of the Board of Directors entered into on November 7, 2000
which, among other things, reduced the conversion price of the Series A
Preferred Stock from $2.50 to $0.75 (pre-split), is null and void and without
effect because it was accomplished by the defendants in violation of fiduciary
duties and/or public policy and Louisiana law. There is no guarantee that the
Company will be successful in its claim.

On March 26, 2004, ACP and its affiliates filed a lawsuit in the United States
District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana against us and certain of our
executive officers. ACP and its affiliates are alleging violation of federal
securities laws and breach of state law fiduciary duties related to the
redemption of certain shares of our Series A Preferred Stock and Series B
Preferred Stock. This lawsuit presents risks inherent in litigation including
continuing expenses, risks of loss, additional claims, and attorney fee
liability. If this lawsuit is decided against us, it could adversely affect our
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

                                       5



                       WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

         We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and
other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. You may
read and copy any document we file at the SEC's public reference room at 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330 for more information about the public reference room. Our filings
are also available over the Internet at the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.

         This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed
with the SEC to register the securities offered by this prospectus. The
registration statement contains additional information about us and our
securities. You may inspect the registration statement and exhibits at the SEC's
public reference room or at the SEC's website.

         The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file
with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by
referring to those documents. The documents we incorporate by reference are
considered to be part of this prospectus, and later information that we file
with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this incorporated
information.

         We incorporate by reference the documents listed below:

         -        Our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
                  December 31, 2003 (filed with the SEC on March 30, 2004) as
                  amended by Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC
                  on April 29, 2004;

         -        Our current reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February
                  13, 2004, April 16, 2004, and April 19, 2004.

         -        The description of our common stock set forth in our
                  registration statement on Form 8-A, filed with the SEC on
                  November 17, 1997; and

         -        All documents filed by us with the SEC pursuant to Sections
                  13(a), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
                  (the "Exchange Act") after the date of this prospectus and
                  prior to the termination of this offering.

         We also disclose information about us through current reports on Form
8-K that are furnished to the SEC to comply with Regulation FD. This information
disclosed in these reports is not considered to be "filed" for purposes of
Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, is not subject to the
liabilities of that section and is not incorporated by reference herein.

         At your request, we will provide you with a free copy of any of these
filings (except for exhibits, unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated
by reference into the filing). You may request copies by writing or telephoning
us at:

                           OMNI Energy Services Corp.
                            4500 NE Evangeline Thwy.
                            Carencro, Louisiana 70520
                               Attn: G. Darcy Klug
                                 (337) 896-6664

                                       6



                                   THE COMPANY

         We are an oilfield service company specializing in providing an
integrated range of (i) onshore seismic drilling, permitting, survey and
helicopter support services to geophysical companies operating in logistically
difficult and environmentally sensitive terrain and (ii) helicopter
transportation services to oil and gas companies operating primarily in the
shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. We operate in two business divisions -
Seismic Drilling and Aviation Services.

         The principal market of our Seismic Drilling division is the marsh,
swamp, shallow water and contiguous dry land areas along the U.S. Gulf Coast
(the "Transition Zone"), primarily in Louisiana and Texas. In 1997, we commenced
operations in the mountainous regions of the Western United States. In 2003, we
initiated seismic drilling activities in various Transition Zone regions of
Mexico. We previously operated in Canada and South America but, in 1999, we
ceased these international operations pending improvements in these specific
markets.

         We own and operate a fleet of specialized seismic drilling and
transportation equipment for use in the Transition Zone. We believe we are the
only company that currently can both provide an integrated range of seismic
drilling, permitting, survey and helicopter support services in all of the
varied terrain of the Transition Zone and simultaneously support operations for
multiple, large-scale seismic projects. In February 2002, we acquired all of the
assets of AirJac Drilling, a division of Veritas Land DGC.

         We operate a fleet of 29 company-owned, leased and customer-owned
helicopters, and one fixed-wing aircraft, from bases or heliports located in the
Gulf Coast regions of Louisiana and Texas. Our land-based aviation customers are
primarily geophysical companies operating in various regions of the United
States. Our offshore aviation customers include oil and gas companies operating
primarily in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. We maintain and operate
certain customer-owned aircraft providing air medical transportation services
for hospitals and medical programs in various counties of East Texas. The
aircraft dedicated to this operation are specifically outfitted to accommodate
emergency patients and emergency medical equipment. We also maintain an
inventory of aviation maintenance parts, turbine engines and other miscellaneous
flight equipment used in connection with providing aviation services to our
customers. In November 2003, we acquired American Helicopters, Inc. ("AHI").

         We are a Louisiana corporation, and the mailing address of our
executive offices is 4500 NE Evangeline Thwy., Carencro, Louisiana 70520. Our
telephone number is (337) 896-6664.

                                 USE OF PROCEEDS

         All of the shares of common stock offered hereby are being offered by
the selling shareholders, who will receive all proceeds from such sales. We will
not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock offered by the
selling shareholders. We will receive as the exercise price of the warrants
described above up to $9,683,500 if the selling shareholders exercise all of
their warrants. We cannot be certain that any or all of the warrants will be
exercised. Any proceeds from the exercise of the warrants are not proceeds from
this offering. We expect to use any proceeds from the exercise of the warrants
for working capital purposes. Pending such uses, we will invest any proceeds, in
short term, investment grade, interest bearing securities.

                                       7



                              SELLING SHAREHOLDERS

         This prospectus relates to the offering and sale, from time to time, of
up to 5,012,237 shares of our common stock by the shareholders named in the
table below, which number of shares represents 150% of the number of shares that
could initially be issued upon conversion of the debentures and exercise of the
warrants. Pursuant to the registration rights agreement that we entered into
with the selling shareholders, we are registering 150% of this total to cover
resales of shares that may be (i) issued upon conversion of the debentures,
whether based on the current conversion price or due to adjustments of the
conversion price, (ii) issued as payment of interest due under the debentures,
(iii) issued as payment upon exercise of the put option under the debentures
and/or (iv) issued upon exercise of the warrants due to subdivision or
combination of our common stock. All of the selling shareholders acquired the
debentures and warrants directly from us in private transactions. Any issuance
of shares of common stock (i) upon conversion of the debentures, (ii) exercise
of the warrants, (iii) as payment of interest due under the debentures and (iv)
upon exercise by the holders of the put option under the debentures will be made
pursuant to a private transaction.

         Pursuant to an Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement,
dated as of April 15, 2004, by and among us and the selling shareholders, we
have granted the selling shareholders certain registration rights with respect
to the shares of our common stock to be issued upon conversion of the debentures
and exercise of the warrants. The table below sets forth certain information, as
of April 26, 2004 and as adjusted to reflect the sale of the shares offered
hereby, regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock by all of the
selling shareholders. The information set forth below is based on information
provided by the selling shareholders. None of the selling shareholders has had a
material relationship with us or any of our predecessors or affiliates within
the past three years, other than as a result of ownership of our shares.

         The selling shareholders may from time to time offer the shares of
common stock offered by this prospectus. The following table assumes that the
selling shareholders (i) have converted all of the debentures and exercised all
of the warrants held by them, (ii) sell all of the shares offered by them in
offerings pursuant to this prospectus, and (iii) neither dispose of nor acquire
any additional shares. We do not know when or in what amounts the selling
shareholders may offer shares for resale and we cannot assure you that the
selling shareholders will sell any or all of the shares offered by this
prospectus.



                                                                                                                PERCENTAGE OF
                                          NUMBER OF      PERCENTAGE OF                                           OUTSTANDING
                                           SHARES         OUTSTANDING                            NUMBER OF      COMMON STOCK
                                        BENEFICIALLY      COMMON STOCK         NUMBER OF          SHARES        BENEFICIALLY
                                         OWNED PRIOR      BENEFICIALLY          SHARES         BENEFICIALLY     OWNED IF ALL
                                           TO THE        OWNED PRIOR TO       COVERED BY        OWNED AFTER    OFFERED SHARES
        SELLING SHAREHOLDERS             OFFERING(1)    THE OFFERING (2)    THIS PROSPECTUS    THE OFFERING       ARE SOLD
------------------------------------    ------------    ----------------    ---------------    ------------    --------------
                                                                                                
Provident Premier Master Fund Ltd.         1,249,893                 9.9%         1,249,893(3)            0                 0

Portside Growth and Opportunity Fund       1,249,893                 9.9%         1,249,893(4)            0                 0

Manchester Securities Corp.                2,499,784                18.0%         2,499,784(5)            0                 0

Gemini Master Fund, Ltd.                      12,667                 0.1%            12,667(6)            0                 0
                                        ------------    ----------------    ---------------    ------------    --------------
                          Total            5,012,237                30.6%         5,012,237               0                 0%
                                        ============    ================    ===============    ============    ==============


--------------------------

(1)      This number reflects 150% of the number of shares initially issuable
         upon conversion of the debentures and exercise of the warrants. This
         number of shares are being registered to cover additional shares that
         may be issuable upon (i) conversion of the debentures due to
         adjustments of the conversion price, (ii) issuances of

                                       8



         shares as payment of interest due under the debentures, (iii) issuances
         of shares as payment upon exercise of the put option under the
         debentures and/or (iv) exercise of the warrants due to subdivision or
         combination of our common stock.

(2)      Calculated based on Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) of the Exchange Act using
         11,393,974 shares of our common stock outstanding as of April 26, 2004.
         In calculating this amount, we treated as outstanding the number of
         shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of all of that particular
         selling shareholder's warrants or conversion of that particular selling
         shareholder's debenture. However, we did not assume the exercise of any
         other selling shareholder's warrants or conversion of any other selling
         shareholder's debentures.

(3)      Represents 150% of (i) the 349,650 shares issuable upon conversion of
         $2.5 million in the 6.5% Convertible Debentures, issued February 12,
         2004, at a conversion price of $7.15, (ii) the 173,611 shares issuable
         upon conversion of $1.25 million in the 6.5% Convertible Debentures,
         issued April 15, 2004, at a conversion price of $7.20, (iii) the
         175,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of the Series A Warrants
         issued February 12, 2004, (iv) the 97,500 shares issuable upon the
         exercise of the Series B Warrants, issued February 12, 2004, and (v)
         the 37,500 shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, issued April
         15, 2004, owned by the selling shareholder. The Investment Advisor to
         Provident Premier Master Fund Ltd. is Gemini Investment Strategies,
         LLC. The Managing Members of Gemini Investment Strategies, LLC are
         Messrs. Steven W. Winters and Richard S. Yakomin. As such, Messrs.
         Winters and Yakomin may be deemed beneficial owners of the shares.
         Messrs. Winters and Yakomin, however, disclaim beneficial ownership of
         such shares.

(4)      Represents 150% of (i) the 349,650 shares issuable upon conversion of
         $2.5 million in the 6.5% Convertible Debentures, issued February 12,
         2004, at a conversion price of $7.15, (ii) the 173,611 shares issuable
         upon conversion of $1.25 million in the 6.5% Convertible Debentures,
         issued April 15, 2004, at a conversion price of $7.20, (iii) the
         175,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of the Series A Warrants,
         issued February 12, 2004, (iv) the 97,500 shares issuable upon the
         exercise of the Series B Warrants, issued February 12, 2004, and (v)
         the 37,500 shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, issued April
         15, 2004, owned by the selling shareholder. The Investment Advisor to
         Portside Growth and Opportunity Fund is Ramius Capital Group, LLC. The
         Managing Member of Ramius Capital Group, LLC is C4S & Co., LLC, the
         Managing Members of which are Peter Cohen, Morgan Stark, Thomas Strauss
         and Jeffrey Solomon. As such, Messrs. Cohen, Stark, Strauss and Solomon
         may be deemed beneficial owners of the shares. Messrs. Cohen, Stark,
         Strauss and Solomon therefore disclaim beneficial ownership of such
         shares.

(5)      Represents 150% of (i) the 699,301 shares issuable upon conversion of
         $5.0 million in the 6.5% Convertible Debentures, issued February 12,
         2004, at a conversion price of $7.15, (ii) the 347,222 shares issuable
         upon conversion of $2.5 million in 6.5% Convertible Debentures, issued
         April 15, 2004, at a conversion price of $7.20, (iii) the 350,000
         shares issuable upon the exercise of the Series A Warrants, issued
         February 12, 2004, (iv) the 195,000 shares issuable upon the exercise
         of the Series B Warrants, issued February 12, 2004, and (v) the 75,000
         shares issuable upon the exercise of the Warrants, issued April 15,
         2004, owned by the selling shareholder. Manchester Securities Corp. is
         a wholly-owned subsidiary of Elliott Associates, L.P. Paul E. Singer
         and Elliott Capital Advisors, L.P., which is controlled by Mr. Singer,
         are the general partners of Elliott Associates, L.P.

(6)      Represents 150% of (i) the 6,945 shares issuable upon conversion of
         $50,000 in the 6.5% Convertible Debentures, issued April 15, 2004, at a
         conversion price of $7.20, and (ii) 1,500 shares issuable upon exercise
         of the Warrants, issued April 15, 2004, owned by the selling
         shareholder. The Investment Advisor to Gemini Master Fund, Ltd. is
         Gemini Investment Strategies, LLC. The Managing Members of Gemini
         Investment Strategies, LLC are Messrs. Steven W. Winters and Richard S.
         Yakomin. As such, Messrs. Winters and Yakomin may be deemed beneficial
         owners of the shares. Messrs. Winters and Yakomin, however, disclaim
         beneficial ownership of such shares.

                                       9



         The selling shareholders listed in the above table may have sold or
transferred, in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act, some or all of their warrants or the underlying common stock
since the date on which the information in the above table is presented.
Information about the selling shareholders may change over time. Any changed
information will be set forth in prospectus supplements.

         On February 12, 2004, we sold to Provident Premier Master Fund Ltd. and
Portside Growth and Opportunity Fund each, (i) $2,500,000 in principal amount of
3-year, 6.5% fixed rate, Convertible Debentures that are convertible into shares
of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $7.15, (ii) 1-year common
stock Series A Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 175,000 shares of common
stock at an initial exercise price of $7.15 per share and (iii) 5-year common
stock Series B Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 97,500 shares of common
stock at an initial exercise price of $8.50 per share. In addition, we sold to
Manchester Securities Corp. (i) $5,000,000 in principal amount of 3-year, 6.5%
fixed rate, Convertible Debentures that are convertible into shares of our
common stock at an initial conversion price of $7.15, (ii) 1-year common stock
Series A Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 350,000 shares of common stock at
an initial exercise price of $7.15 per share and (iii) 5-year common stock
Series B Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 195,000 shares of common stock
were issued to investors at an initial exercise price of $8.50 per share. The
warrants described in this paragraph are not exercisable for a period of six
months and one day after the issue date of such warrants and in no event will
the exercise prices of such warrants be less than $6.15.

         On April 15, 2004, we sold to Provident Premier Master Fund Ltd. and
Portside Growth and Opportunity Fund each (i) $1,250,000 in principal amount of
3-year, 6.5% fixed rate, Convertible Debentures that are convertible into shares
of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $7.20 and (ii) 5-year
common stock Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 37,500 shares of common stock
at an initial exercise price of $9.00 per share. We sold to Manchester
Securities Corp. (i) $2,500,000 in principal amount of 3-year, 6.5% fixed rate,
Convertible Debentures that are convertible into shares of our common stock at
an initial conversion price of $7.20 and (ii) 5-year common stock Warrants to
purchase an aggregate of 75,000 shares of common stock at an initial exercise
price of $9.00 per share. We sold to Gemini Master Fund, Ltd. (i) $50,000 in
principal amount of 3-year, 6.5% fixed rate, Convertible Debentures that are
convertible into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of
$7.20 and (ii) 5-year common stock Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,500
shares of common stock at an initial exercise price of $9.00 per share. The
warrants described in this paragraph are not exercisable for a period of six
months and one day after the issue date of such warrants and in no event will
the exercise prices of such warrants be less than $7.11.

         The sale of the debentures and the warrants, and the issuance of our
common stock upon conversion of the debentures (or otherwise pursuant to terms
of the debentures) and exercise of the warrants, were not and will not be
registered under the Securities Act pursuant to the exemption from registration
provided under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.

         In addition, we will adjust the conversion price of the debentures and
the exercise price of the warrants upon the occurrence of:

         (1)      the subdivision or combination of our outstanding common
                  stock;

         (2)      the issuance of shares of our common stock as a dividend or
                  distribution on our common stock;

         (3)      the issuance of our common stock for no consideration or at a
                  price per share that is less than the lowest of the exercise
                  price or conversion price (as applicable) of the securities
                  named above;

         (4)      the issuance of securities convertible into our common stock
                  at a conversion price per share that is less than the lowest
                  of the exercise price or conversion price (as applicable) of
                  the securities named above or such conversion price per share
                  is changed thereafter to be less than the lowest exercise
                  price or conversion price (as applicable) of the securities
                  named above; and

                                       10



         (5)      the issuance of options, warrants or other rights to purchase
                  or subscribe for our common stock, or securities convertible
                  into our common stock, at an exercise price per share that is
                  less than the lowest exercise price or conversion price of the
                  securities named above or such exercise price per share is
                  changed thereafter to less than the lowest exercise price or
                  conversion price of the securities named above.

         (6)      Notwithstanding the foregoing, no adjustment to the conversion
                  price of the debentures and the exercise price of the warrants
                  shall be made upon the issuance of any of the following:

                  -   securities purchased under each of the Securities Purchase
                      Agreements pursuant to which the debentures and warrants
                      were issued;

                  -   shares of our common stock issued to pay interest or
                      satisfy the investors' Put Option (as described below)
                      under the debentures

                  -   securities issued upon conversion or exercise of such
                      debentures or warrants;

                  -   shares of our common stock issuable or issued to
                      employees, consultants or directors from time to time upon
                      the exercise of options, in such case granted or to be
                      granted in the discretion of the Board of Directors
                      pursuant to one or more stock option plans or restricted
                      stock plans duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the
                      Company;

                  -   shares of our common stock issued in connection with any
                      stock split, stock dividend or recapitalization of the
                      Company;

                  -   shares of our common stock or purchase rights issued in
                      connection with the acquisition by the Company of any
                      corporation or other entity as long as a fairness opinion
                      with respect to such acquisition is rendered by an
                      investment bank of national recognition;

                  -   securities issued upon conversion of outstanding shares of
                      our Series B 8% Convertible Preferred Stock;

                  -   361,800 shares and 100,000 options issuable to certain key
                      personnel; and

                  -   1,226,391 shares issuable upon exercise of certain
                      warrants and "investor options".

         In the event that we are a party to a merger, consolidation, business
combination, tender offer, exchange of shares, recapitalization, reorganization,
redemption or other similar event, as a result of which shares of our common
stock shall be changed into the same or a different number of shares of the same
or another class or classes of stock or securities or other assets of ours or
another entity or we sell all or substantially all of our assets, the selling
shareholders will be able to convert the convertible debentures into such other
securities.

         In addition, if we declare or make any distribution of our assets (or
rights to acquire our assets) to holders of our common stock as a partial
liquidating dividend or otherwise (including any dividend or distribution to our
shareholders in cash or shares (or rights to acquire shares) of capital stock of
a subsidiary), the selling shareholders will be entitled to receive the
distribution on an as-if-converted or exercised basis.

         The holders of the debentures have the right to require the repayment
or conversion of up to (i) $8.75 million of the 6.5% Convertible Debentures
issued February 12, 2004 and (ii) $4.19 million of the 6.5% Convertible
Debentures issued April 15, 2004 earlier than maturity ("Put Option"). Following
the date on which this registration statement is declared effective, the Put
Option can be exercised in ten consecutive and equal monthly installments
commencing the first full month, if this registration statement becomes
effective on or prior to the fifteenth day of such calendar month, or the second
full month, if this registration statement becomes effective later than the
fifteenth day of such calendar month. Upon receipt of the debenture holders'
intent to exercise the Put Option, we will have the irrevocable option to
deliver cash or, if certain conditions set forth in the debentures are
satisfied, common stock with respect to the Put Option. If we elect to pay the
Put Option with common stock, the

                                       11



underlying shares will be valued at a 12.5% discount to the average trading
price of OMNI common stock for the applicable pricing period, as defined in the
debentures.

         The debentures bear interest on the unpaid principal amount at an
annual rate equal to six and one-half percent (6.5%), payable quarterly. At our
option, except as provided in the debentures and if certain conditions set forth
in the debentures are satisfied, the interest may be paid, instead of in cash,
in whole or in part, in shares of our common stock. If the interest is paid in
shares of common stock, the shares will be valued at a 5% discount.

         We are registering for resale 5,012,237 shares of our common stock,
which number of shares represents 150% of the number of shares that could
initially be issued upon conversion of the debentures and exercise of the
warrants. This number represents approximately 44.0% of the outstanding shares
of our common stock as of April 26, 2004. Additional shares are being registered
beyond those shares initially issuable upon conversion of the debentures and
exercise of the warrants to cover additional shares that may be issuable upon
(i) conversion of the debentures due to adjustments of the conversion price,
(ii) issuances of shares as payment of interest due under the debentures, (iii)
issuances of shares as payment upon exercise of the put option under the
debentures and/or (iv) exercise of the warrants due to subdivision or
combination of our common stock. The number of shares of our common stock
issuable upon conversion of the debentures is limited to 19.99% of our total
common stock outstanding prior to the issuance of the debentures and warrants
unless shareholder approval is obtained or it is determined that approval is not
required. No selling shareholder will be permitted to exercise the warrants or
convert the debentures, if, upon such conversion or exercise, the number of
shares of our common stock beneficially owned by such selling shareholder (other
than those shares which would otherwise be deemed beneficially owned as provided
in the debentures and warrants), would exceed 4.99% of the number of shares of
our common stock then issued and outstanding.

         We agreed to file this registration statement to register shares for
resale in recognition of the fact that the selling shareholders may wish to be
legally permitted to sell their shares when they deem appropriate. We have
agreed to prepare and file any amendments and supplements to the registration
statement as may be necessary to keep the registration statement effective until
(i) the date that all of the shares covered by such registration statement have
been sold pursuant thereto or pursuant to Rule 144 or (ii) the date on which all
of the shares covered by this registration statement may be immediately sold to
the public under Rule 144(k) or any successor provision, assuming that all of
the shares issuable pursuant to the exercise of the warrants are issued by means
of a cashless exercise of the warrants.

         Because the selling shareholders may offer all or some of their common
stock from time to time, we cannot estimate the amount of common stock that will
be held by any of them upon the termination of any particular offering. See
"Plan of Distribution."

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

         The selling shareholders, their pledgees, donees, transferees or other
successors in interest, may from time to time sell shares of our common stock
directly to purchasers or indirectly to or through underwriters, broker-dealers
or agents. The selling shareholders may sell all or part of their shares in one
or more transactions at fixed prices, varying prices, prices at or related to
the then-current market price or at negotiated prices. The selling shareholders
will determine the specific offering price of the shares from time to time that,
at that time, may be higher or lower than the market price of our common stock
on the Nasdaq National Market.

         The selling shareholders and any underwriters, broker-dealers or agents
participating in the distribution of the shares of our common stock may be
deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933,
and any profit from the sale of such shares by the selling shareholders and any
compensation received by any underwriter, broker-dealer or agent may be deemed
to be underwriting discounts under the Securities Act. The selling shareholders
may agree to indemnify any underwriter, broker-dealer or agent that participates
in transactions involving sales of the shares against certain liabilities,
including liabilities arising under the Securities Act.

                                       12



         Because selling shareholders may be deemed to be "underwriters" within
the meaning of the Securities Act, the selling shareholders will be subject to
the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act. We have informed the
selling shareholders that the anti-manipulative provisions of Regulation M
promulgated under the Exchange Act may apply to their sales in the market. With
certain exceptions, Regulation M precludes the selling shareholders, any
affiliated purchasers, and any broker-dealer or other person who participates in
such distribution from bidding for or purchasing, or attempting to induce any
person to bid for or purchase any security which is the subject of the
distribution until the entire distribution is complete. Regulation M also
prohibits any bids or purchases made in order to stabilize the price of a
security in connection with the distribution of that security.

         The method by which the selling shareholders, or their pledgees,
donees, transferees or other successors in interest, may offer and sell their
shares may include, but are not limited to, the following:

         -        sales on the Nasdaq National Market, the over-the-counter
                  market, or other securities exchange on which the common stock
                  is listed at the time of sale, at prices and terms then
                  prevailing or at prices related to the then-current market
                  price;

         -        sales in privately negotiated transactions;

         -        sales for their own account pursuant to this prospectus;

         -        through the writing of options, whether such options are
                  listed on an options exchange or otherwise through the
                  settlement of short sales;

         -        cross or block trades in which broker-dealers will attempt to
                  sell the shares as agent, but may position and resell a
                  portion of the block as a principal in order to facilitate the
                  transaction;

         -        purchases by broker-dealers who then resell the shares for
                  their own account;

         -        brokerage transactions in which a broker solicits purchasers;

         -        any combination of these methods of sale; and

         -        any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law.

         Any shares of common stock covered by this prospectus that qualify for
sale under Rule 144 or Rule 144A of the Securities Act may be sold under Rule
144 or Rule 144A rather than under this prospectus. The shares of our common
stock may be sold in some states only through registered or licensed brokers or
dealers. In addition, in some states, the shares of our common stock may not be
sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale or the sale is
entitled to an exemption from registration.

         The selling shareholders may enter into hedging transactions with
broker-dealers or other financial institutions. In connection with such
transactions, broker-dealers or other financial institutions may engage in short
sales of our common stock in the course of hedging the positions they assume
with selling shareholders. The selling shareholders may also enter into options
or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions which
require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of the
shares offered hereby, which shares such broker-dealer or other financial
institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as supplemented or amended
to reflect such transaction).

         To the extent required by a particular offering, we will set forth in a
prospectus supplement or, if appropriate, a post-effective amendment, the terms
of such offering, including among other things, the number of shares of common
stock to be sold, the public offering price, the names of any underwriters,
dealers or agents and any applicable commissions or discounts. In addition, upon
being notified by a selling shareholder that a donee or pledgee intends to sell
more than 500 shares, a supplement to this prospectus will be filed.

         To our knowledge, there are currently no plans, arrangements or
understandings between any selling shareholder and any underwriter,
broker-dealer or agent regarding the sale of shares of our common stock by the
selling shareholders.

         In connection with the private placements of the debentures and the
warrants held by the selling shareholders, we have undertaken registration
rights covenants requiring us to register the shares of common stock

                                       13



offered hereby and issuable upon the conversion or exercise of such securities,
under applicable federal and state securities laws under certain circumstances
and at certain times.

         Our obligation to maintain a registration statement governing the
shares registered for resale hereunder will terminate

                  -   on the date that all of the shares covered by such
                      registration statement have been sold pursuant thereto or
                      pursuant to Rule 144; or

                  -   on the date on which all of the shares covered by such
                      registration statement may be immediately sold to the
                      public under Rule 144(k) or any successor provision,
                      assuming that all of the shares issuable pursuant to the
                      exercise of the warrants are issued by means of a cashless
                      exercise of the warrants.

         We are required to pay all fees and expenses incident to the
registration of the shares. We have agreed to indemnify the selling shareholders
against certain losses, claims, damages and liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act. We have been advised that, in the opinion of the SEC,
indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable.

         The selling shareholders will pay all fees, discounts and brokerage
commissions in connection with any sales, including any fees to finders. We will
pay all expenses of preparing and reproducing this prospectus, including
expenses or compliance with state securities laws and filing fees with the SEC.

         Under applicable rules and regulations under Regulation M under the
Exchange Act, any person engaged in the distribution of the common stock may not
simultaneously engage in market making activities, subject to certain
exceptions, with respect to the common stock for a specified period set forth in
Regulation M prior to the commencement of such distribution and until its
completion. In addition and without limiting the foregoing, the selling
shareholders will be subject to the applicable provisions of the Securities Act
and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, including,
without limitation, Regulation M, which provisions may limit the timing of
purchases and sales of shares of the common stock by the selling shareholders.
The foregoing may affect the marketability of the common stock offered hereby.

         Each selling shareholder may be deemed to be an "underwriter" as such
term is defined in the Securities Act, and any commissions paid or discounts or
concessions allowed to any such person and any profits received on resale of the
securities offered hereby may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under
the Securities Act.

         Our common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the
symbol "OMNI."

         There can be no assurance that any selling shareholder will sell any or
all of the common stock pursuant to this prospectus. In addition, any common
stock covered by this prospectus that qualifies for sale pursuant to Rule 144 of
the Securities Act may be sold under Rule 144 rather than pursuant to this
prospectus.

                                  LEGAL MATTERS

         The validity of the shares of our common stock will be passed upon for
us by Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP, Houston, Texas.

                                     EXPERTS

         The consolidated statements of income, cash flows and changes in equity
and comprehensive loss of OMNI Energy Services Corp. and subsidiaries for the
year ended December 31, 2001 incorporated by reference in this registration
statement, have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public
accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect thereto, and are
incorporated by reference herein. The consolidated balance sheets of OMNI Energy
Services Corp. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002, and the related
consolidated statements of

                                       14



operations, cash flows and changes in equity and comprehensive loss for the year
ended December 31, 2002 incorporated by reference in this registration
statement, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditor, as
indicated in their report therein incorporated by reference herein, and are
incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon such report given on the
authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. After reasonable
efforts, we have not been able to obtain the consent of Arthur Andersen LLP to
the incorporation by reference into this registration statement of each
respective party's audit report regarding such financial statements. Under these
circumstances, Rule 437a under the 1933 Act permits this prospectus to be filed
without a written consent from Arthur Andersen LLP. The absence of such written
consent from Arthur Andersen LLP may limit a shareholder's ability to assert
claims against Arthur Andersen LLP under Section 11(a) of the 1933 Act for any
untrue statement of a material fact contained in the financial statements
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP or any omissions to state a material fact
required to be stated in the financial statements.

         The consolidated financial statements of OMNI Energy Services Corp.
incorporated by reference in OMNI Energy Services Corp.'s Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2003, have been audited by Fitts Roberts &
Co., P.C., independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon included
therein and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial
statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report
given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

                                       15



You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have
not authorized anyone to provide prospective investors with different or
additional information. This prospectus is not an offer to sell, nor is it
seeking an offer to buy, these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is
not permitted. The information contained in this prospectus is correct only as
of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of the delivery of this
prospectus or any sale of these securities.

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS



                                                              PAGE
                                                              ----
                                                           
Forward-Looking Statements...............................       2

Risk Factors.............................................       2

Where You Can Find
More Information.........................................       6

The Company..............................................       7

Use of Proceeds..........................................       7

Selling Shareholders.....................................       8

Plan of Distribution.....................................      12

Legal Matters............................................      14

Experts..................................................      14


                                      OMNI
                                 ENERGY SERVICES
                                      CORP.

                                   PROSPECTUS

                                  COMMON STOCK
                                ($0.01 PAR VALUE)

                                ___________, 2004



                                     PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.

         The fees and expenses payable by us in connection with the issuance and
distribution of the common stock of OMNI Energy Services Corp. (the "Company")
registered hereunder are as follows:


                                                         
*Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee....    $   3,973
*Legal fees and expenses................................    $  10,000
*Accounting fees and expenses...........................    $   5,000
                                                            ---------
Total                                                       $  18,973
                                                            =========


         *Estimated

         The selling shareholders have not paid any portion of the registration
expenses.

ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

         As permitted by Louisiana law, the Company's Composite Articles of
Incorporation contain certain provisions eliminating the personal liability of
the directors and officers to the Company and its shareholders for monetary
damages for breaches of their fiduciary duties as directors or officers, except
for (i) a breach of a director's or officer's duty of loyalty to the Company or
to its shareholders, (ii) acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) dividends or stock
repurchases or redemptions that are illegal under Louisiana law and (iv) any
transaction from which he or she receives an improper personal benefit. In
addition, the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation provide that if
Louisiana law is amended to authorize the further elimination or limitation of
the liability of a director or officer, then the liability of the directors or
officers shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by
Louisiana law, as amended. These provisions pertain only to breaches of duty by
directors or officers in such capacities and limit liability only for breaches
of fiduciary duties under Louisiana corporate law and not for violations of
other laws such as the federal securities laws.

         The Company's By-laws require the Company to indemnify its directors
and officers against certain expenses and costs, judgments, settlements and
fines incurred in the defense of any claim, including any claim brought by or in
the right of the Company, to which they were made parties by reason of being or
having been directors and officers, subject to certain conditions and
limitations.

         In addition, each of the Company's directors and executive officers has
entered into an indemnity agreement with the Company, pursuant to which the
Company has agreed under certain circumstances to purchase and maintain
directors' and officers' liability insurance. The agreements also provide that
the Company will indemnify the directors and executive officers against any
costs and expenses, judgments, settlements and fines incurred in connection with
any claim involving a director or executive officer by reason of his position as
a director or executive officer that are in excess of the coverage provided by
such insurance; provided that the director or executive officer meets certain
standards of conduct. Under the indemnity agreements, the Company is not
required to purchase and maintain directors' and officers' liability insurance
if it is not reasonably available or, in the reasonable judgment of the Board of
Directors, there is insufficient benefit to the Company from the insurance.

ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.

3.1      Composite Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated herein
         by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
         for the year ended December 31, 2000).

3.2      Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Company
         (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's
         Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001).

3.3      Bylaws of the Company, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to
         Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
         quarter ended June 30, 2000).

                                      II-1



4.1      Specimen Common Stock certificate (incorporated herein by reference to
         Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's registration statement on Form S-1, File
         No. 333-36561, originally filed with the Commission on September 26,
         1997).

4.2      Form of 6.5% Convertible Debenture dated as of February 12, 2004 among
         the Company and certain accredited investors (with attached schedule of
         parties and terms thereto) (incorporated herein by reference to the
         Company's Form 8-K, File No. 000-23383, originally filed with the
         Commission on February 13, 2004).

4.3      Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock dated as of February 12, 2004
         among the Company and certain accredited investors exercisable at $7.15
         per share (with attached schedule of parties and terms thereto)
         (incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Form 8-K, File No.
         000-23383, originally filed with the Commission on February 13, 2004).

4.4      Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock dated as of February 12, 2004
         among the Company and certain investors exercisable at $8.50 per share
         (with attached schedule of parties and terms thereto) (incorporated
         herein by reference to the Company's Form 8-K, File No. 000-23383,
         originally filed with the Commission on February 13, 2004).

4.5      Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of February 12, 2004, by and
         among the Company and certain accredited investors listed therein
         (incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Form 8-K, File No.
         000-23383, originally filed with the Commission on February 13, 2004).

4.6      Registration Rights Agreement dated as of February 12, 2004, by and
         among the Company and certain accredited investors listed therein
         (incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Form 8-K, File No.
         000-23383, originally filed with the Commission on February 13, 2004).

4.7      Amendment No. 1 to Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 12,
         2004, by and among the Company and certain accredited investors listed
         therein (incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Form 8-K,
         File No. 000-23383, originally filed with the Commission on April 16,
         2004).

4.7      Form of 6.5% Convertible Debenture dated as of April 15, 2004 among the
         Company and certain accredited investors (with attached schedule of
         parties and terms thereto) (incorporated herein by reference to the
         Company's Form 8-K, File No. 000-23383, originally filed with the
         Commission on April 16, 2004).

4.8      Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock dated as of April 15, 2004
         among the Company and certain investors exercisable at $9.00 per share
         (with attached schedule of parties and terms thereto) (incorporated
         herein by reference to the Company's Form 8-K, File No. 000-23383,
         originally filed with the Commission on April 16, 2004).

4.9      Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of April 15, 2004, by and among
         the Company and certain accredited investors listed therein
         (incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Form 8-K, File No.
         000-23383, originally filed with the Commission on April 16, 2004).

4.10     Omnibus Amendment dated as of April 15, 2004, by and among the Company
         and certain accredited investors listed therein (incorporated herein by
         reference to the Company's Form 8-K, File No. 000-23383, originally
         filed with the Commission on April 16, 2004).

4.11     Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April
         15, 2004, by and among the Company and certain accredited investors
         listed therein (incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Form
         8-K, File No. 000-23383, originally filed with the Commission on April
         16, 2004).

5.1      Opinion of Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP regarding legality of securities
         being registered.

23.1     Consent of Fitts Roberts & Co., P.C.

23.2     Consent of Ernst & Young LLP

23.3     Consent of Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).

24.1     Power of Attorney (included in the Signature Page to this Registration
         Statement).

                                      II-2



ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.

         (a)      The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

                  (1)      To file, during any period in which offers or sales
are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement to
include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not
previously disclosed in this registration statement or any material change to
such information in this registration statement.

                  (2)      That, for the purpose of determining any liability
under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.

                  (3)      To remove from registration by means of a
post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain
unsold at the termination of the offering.

         (b)      The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for
purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each
filing of the Company's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in this
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

         (c)      Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise,
the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of
1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other that the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

                                      II-3



                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in Carencro, Louisiana, on April 30, 2004.

                                       OMNI ENERGY SERVICES CORP.

                                       By: /s/ James C. Eckert
                                           ------------------------------
                                           James C. Eckert
                                           President and Chief Executive Officer

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints James C. Eckert his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and to
file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or
cause to be done by virtue hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.

      SIGNATURE                          TITLE                        DATE

 /s/ James C. Eckert          President, Chief Executive         April 30, 2004
 ---------------------        Officer and Chairman of the
   James C. Eckert                      Board

  /s/ G. Darcy Klug             Chief Financial Officer          April 30, 2004
  --------------------         (Principal Financial and
   G. Darcy Klug                  Accounting Officer)

/s/ Michael G. DeHart                   Director                 April 30, 2004
----------------------
  Michael G. DeHart

 /s/ David A. Melman                    Director                 April 30, 2004
 ---------------------
   David A. Melman

 /s/ Marshall G. Webb                   Director                 April 30, 2004
 ---------------------
   Marshall G. Webb

 /s/ Richard C. White                   Director                 April 30, 2004
 ---------------------
   Richard C. White

                                      II-4



                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS

23.1     Consent of Fitts Roberts & Co., P.C.

23.2     Consent of Ernst & Young LLP

23.3     Consent of Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).

                                      II-2