Full Description
Submarine fiber optic cables are critical communications infrastructure for States around the world. They are laid on the seabed, are often no bigger than a garden hose, and transmit immense amounts of data across oceans. These cables are the backbone of the internet and phone services and underpin core State interests, such as the finance sector, shipping, commerce and banking industries. Without the capacity to transmit and receive data via submarine cables, the economic security of States would be severely compromised. Despite the fact that 95 per cent of all data and telecommunications between States are transmitted via submarine cables, there is little understanding of how these cables operate. As a result some States have developed policies and laws that undermine the integrity of international telecommunications systems. Submarine Cables: The Handbook of Law and Policy provides a one-stop-shop of essential information relating to the international governance of submarine cables. The Handbook is a unique collaboration between international lawyers and experts from the submarine cable industry. It provides a practical insight into the law and policy issues that affect the protection of submarine cables, as well as the laying, maintenance and operation of such cables. In addition, the law and policy issues in relation to other special purpose cables, such as power cables, marine scientific research cables, military cables, and offshore energy cables, are also addressed.
Contents
Introduction - Why Submarine Cables?
Douglas Burnett, Tara Davenport, Robert Beckman
PART I: BACKGROUND
Chapter 1 - The Development of Submarine Cables
Stewart Ash
Chapter 2 - The Submarine Cable Industry: How Does it Work?
Mick Green
PART II: INTERNATIONAL LAW ON SUBMARINE CABLES
Chapter 3 - Overview of the International Legal Regime Governing Submarine Cables
Douglas Burnett, Tara Davenport, Robert Beckman
PART III: CABLE OPERATIONS - LAW AND PRACTICE
Chapter 4 - The Planning and Surveying of Submarine Cable Routes
Graham Evans, Monique Page
Chapter 5 - The Manufacture and Laying of Submarine Cables
Keith Ford-Ramsden, Tara Davenport
Chapter 6 - Submarine Cable Repair and Maintenance
Keith Ford-Ramsden, Douglas Burnett
Chapter 7 - The Relationship between Submarine Cables and the Marine Environment
Lionel Carter
Chapter 8 - Out-of-Service Submarine Cables
Douglas Burnett
PART IV: PROTECTING CABLESHIPS AND SUBMARINE CABLES
Chapter 9 - Protecting Cableships Engaged in Cable Operations
Mick Green, Douglas Burnett
Chapter 10 - Submarine Cables and Natural Hazards
Lionel Carter
Chapter 11 - Protecting Submarine Cables from Competing Uses
Bob Wargo, Tara Davenport
Chapter 12 - Protecting Submarine Cables from Intentional Damage: The Security Gap
Robert Beckman
PART V: SPECIAL PURPOSE SUBMARINE CABLES
Chapter 13 - Power Cables
Malcolm Eccles, Joska Ferencz, Douglas Burnett
Chapter 14 - Marine Scientific Research Cables
Lionel Carter, Alfred H.A. Soons
Chapter 15 - Military Cables
J. Ashley Roach
Chapter 16 - Submarine Cables and Offshore Energy
Wayne Nielsen, Tara Davenport)
PART VI: APPENDICES AND KEYWORD INDEX
Appendix 1 - Timeline of the Submarine Cable Industry
Appendix 2 - Overview of the Major Submarine System Suppliers (1850 -2012)
Appendix 3 - Excerpts of Most Relevant Treaty Provisions
Keyword Index
