Abstract: In an optical fibre submarine cable the ingress of hydrogen ions is reduced if not eliminated by at least one envelope which provides a barrier to hydrogen ions.In one embodiment a copper tape (L) is folded longitudinally around the cable core comprising strength member wires (G,H) split aluminium or coppr tube (E) and optical fibre package (A). The abutting edges (L') are seam welded with less than 0.1% skips. Preferably the folded copper tape is longitudinally welded while a loose fit and subsequently reduced in diameter to leave an accurately determined small annular gap between tubes E and F which is filled with a water blocking material that is highly viscose at ambient temperature and effectively glues the tubes together.

Abstract: A termination between a submarine coaxial cable and a submerged repeater housing. It employs an anchor assembly for transferring the load in the cable core to the repeater housing, and a protective boot assembly for surrounding and supporting the cable where it extends away from the anchor assembly. The boot assembly is rigidly connectible to the housing. Movement of the cable within the boot tube is permitted to a greater extent near the free end of the boot assembly than near the housing, by means of a flexible tube and bellmouth assembly, in order to cater for the stresses associated with the cable handling and recovery.