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Legal Commentary Actions taken by Orange in the interests of security Compensation for hook events The 1,000-metre rule Hook events and English cables |
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The legal commentary included in this site is provided for purposes of information, and its completeness and accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Consult a lawyer for any advice needed on legal matters..
Actions taken by Orange in the interests of security
Communication with fishermen
Orange periodically organises operations to recover old out of service cables with a view to reducing risk to fishing vessels on the continental shelf.
When a fishing vessel is unexpectedly halted in its progress, the presence of a submarine cable may be suspected.
Many vessels have electronic navigation systems which show the layout of submarine cables within the fishing zones under scrutiny. These boats can navigate with greater security than those boats not equipped with such systems.
These navigators should consult our Internet site to discover the whereabouts of cable routes. In any event, if a boat suspects they have snagged a cable, they should :
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Suspected hook on submarine cable report |
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Hook official report |
This rule exists with regard to abandoning trawling gear, and permits fishing vessels to immediately drop their fishing gear in the event of a presumed cable hooking incident within a 1,000 metre zone on either side of a recognised active cable route, with an absolute guarantee of having their gear refunded even where other known hooking points (rocks or a wreck) exist in the same area.
The 1,000 metre threshold is the cumulative result of a generous assessment of the possible error in the laying of the cable, its position on the chart, the position of the trawler, and the geographic position as indicated by the GPS.
Where a French vessel hooks an English cable, the procedure to follow is as described in the published guide entitled " Compensation for a cable hooking incident "
Orange may decide to collect the documentation necessary to any claim and to send it to the English operator, who will adopt any measures he deems necessary.