G. S. Evans
C&C-EGS Subsea Geosciences, Singapore

Route Planning for Security - The Essential Ingredients

Abstract
Amidst the unprecedented levels of activity currently seen in planning and constructing ultra high capacity submarine cable systems, to meet the insatiable demand for increased capacity, carriers more than ever are focused on system security.

This paper examines the essential ingredients to planning for route security and the dilemma of systems suppliers and installers posed by more stringent cable protection requirements demanded by risk adverse carriers and investors, under a prevailing highly competitive turnkey contracting environment and ever reducing system implementation lead times. The following issues are addressed:

	Analysis of cable faults near shore, the continental shelf and deep water.
	Assessment of typical problems encountered during installation and how they can be avoided.
	The role and responsibility of the system planner in the planning of a secure route.
	The route survey, its role and ability to identify, predict and avoid threats to system security.
	Application of investigative tools, technologies and procedures to improve the effiectiveness of the route survey.
	nstallation technology and the role of the installer in system protection.
	Responsibilities of system owners.