Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring cable tension during submarine laying operations is housed in a separable case suitable for nondestructive attachment around the circumference of a cable at any desired location prior to laying. A strain gauge within the housing is positioned in a saddle across which the cable is placed in a bowed state. The electrical output from the strain gauge, which is proportional to tension in the cable, is translated into an acoustical signal transmissible through a submarine environment. The underwater sound can be picked up by the laying vessel or an assist vessel and displayed in real time. A plurality of tension monitors can be interrogated in sequence or at random under the control of transponder signals from the vessel. The monitor is self-powered and requires no metallic electrical connection to the cable or to the laying vessel.