Abstract: An apparatus for retrieving a cable or pipe buried under water in bed material comprises a shank (2) having a first surface and a fluke member (5) having a second surface. When the apparatus is towed in a towing direction, the fluke member (5) and shank (2) become buried in the bed material to a predetermined depth suitable for retrieving the cable or pipe. The first and second surfaces are arranged such that under normal working conditions the interaction between the material and at least the first and second surfaces generate opposing forces in these surfaces causing the apparatus to be maintained at substantially the predetermined depth. The apparatus may also be adapted for burial of a cable or pipe by ploughing a furrow in the bed material into which the cable or pipe is supplied using guiding means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for accessing a cable or pipe (9) buried underwater in a layer of material (10). The method comprises urging a tool (1) through the layer of material (10) by fluidising the material adjacent the tool (1) such that the tool may be positioned at or adjacent the position of the buried cable or pipe.

Abstract: A method of joining and deploying two or more lengths (63,64) of underwater cable the method comprising (1) connecting together and securing the lengths of cable in cable joint (65) whereby each length of cable extends from a cable reception region (3) on one side of the cable joint, (2) attaching a deployment device (66) to the joint, (3) lowering the cable joint using the attached deployment device (66); and (4) releasing the attached deployment device (66). The cable joint can be lowered by a single deployment device only, and each length of the cable is under tension up to the cable joint when the cable joint is lowered.