Question

Where would you find statutory provisions regarding a fisherman's duty to keep his nets away from underwater cable? (give full statute citation)

Answer 1

The Submarine Cable Act was published in 1888. But in 1884 an international convention was held to make and implement this act. The necessary ratification was done in 1885. The a t also came in force from 1885.

According to the Act, it is said that if a person breaks or damages submarine cable for negligence, he will be imprisoned for three months. The punishment may be both fine not exceeding $500 along with imprisonment.

The provision will not be applied to the persons who are forced to make damage to save his limb or life or to avoid a y type of physical injury.

The fishing vessel must be one nautical mile away from the cable repairing vessel. The fishing men must keep their nets and fishing instruments one nautical mile away from the cable. The violation of rule is liable for imprisonment and cash fine not exceeding $250.

The fishing vessel must remain at least a quarter nautical mile away from the buoy or buoys. If they violate the rule then it is liable for conviction with cash fine not exceeding $250.

The fishing vessels must obey the signals of the telegraph ships and they are to follow the notice issued by the telegraph ship. The fishing vessels .ust not cause a y bar or trouble in the operation of the telegraph ship.

Citation:

Act Feb. 29, 1888, ch. 17, 25 Stat. 41, which enacted sections 21 to 33 of this title, is popularly known as the "Submarine Cable Act".