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Cables

The laying of cables within UK territorial waters (up to 12 nautical miles) requires a marine licence.

If the cable is an international cable we must grant the marine licence but can include conditions.

The laying of cables outside UK territorial waters (beyond 12 nautical miles) does not require a marine licence unless it is constructed for or used in connection with:

  • the exploration of the UK sector of the continental shelf
  • the exploitation of the natural resources of that sector
  • the operations of artificial islands, installations and structures under the jurisdiction of the UK
  • the prevention, reduction or control of pollution from pipelines.

Compensation for telecommunications cables

There are additional requirements for applications for a marine licence connected with electronic communications apparatus, including for telecommunications cables.

In these situations, we cannot grant a marine licence unless we are satisfied that adequate arrangements have been made to compensate owners of interests in the tidal water or lands affected for any loss or damage they may sustain.

Authorised emergency inspection and repair

There is an exemption for a deposit, removal or dredging activity carried out for emergency inspection or repair to a cable. However, our approval of the activity is still required before it can be carried out.

Further information

Marine licensing guidance 2: Construction (including renewables) and removals (PDF 339 KB)

Marine licensing guidance 7: Emergency and high risk works (PDF 211 KB)

Contact information

Marine Licensing Team
Marine Management Organisation
PO Box 1275
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE99 5BN

Tel: 0300 123 1032
Fax: 0191 376 2681
Email: marine.consents@
marinemanagement.org.uk

Guidance documents

Marine licensing guidance 2: Construction (including renewables) and removals (PDF 339 KB)

Marine licensing guidance 7: Emergency and high risk works (PDF 211 KB)

These documents are in the portable document format (PDF) for downloading. Adobe Acrobat Reader can be freely downloaded from www.adobe.co.uk