Book excerpt: Submarine Optical Cable Engineering presents a summary and exposition from authors engaged in the submarine optical cable engineering field. It systematically discusses the theory and practice of engineering site selection, route survey, laying construction, system maintenance, and safety in operation and information management, all topics relating to the long-term development and progress of science and technology. As there are now more than 230 extant systems, with a total length of more than one million kilometers, this book compiles the wealth of experience that has accumulated regarding their construction stemming from the first inter ocean submarine cable system (TAT-8) built in 1988. - Describes and summarizes the theory and practice of submarine optical cable engineering site selection, route survey, laying construction, system maintenance, safety in operation and information management - Presents analysis derived from active engagement in the construction of submarine optical cables engineering taken from decades of experience - Embodies the theory of marine science and engineering practice, combining multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary combination of knowledge and international perspective on the characteristics and the discussion of theory, technology and methods - Introduces the international submarine cable protection organizations, relevant law and the law of the sea