SUBMARINE CABLES AND PIPELINES

Mariners should not anchor, trawl or engage in seabed operations in the vicinity of submarine cables and pipelines. Submarine cables support national infrastructure; damage to them may affect critical services and can result in serious consequences, as well as creating a potential hazard to mariners. Wilful or neglectful damage to a cable may result in legal action. Pipelines are not always buried and their presence may significantly reduce the charted depth. They may also span seabed undulations and cause fishing gear to become irrecoverably snagged, putting a vessel in severe danger. Any damage or potential damage to a pipeline should be reported immediately to the Forth VTS (www.forthports.co.uk).