---
title: When should you call DeRegt?
description: In this blog, we’ll explain how you know when you should call DeRegt Field Service for help with any cable issue.
image: https://deregtcables.com/hubfs/Field%20Service%20Team.webp
---

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# When should you call DeRegt?

![Sander van Leeuwen](https://deregtcables.com/hubfs/New%20Website%202025/Team%20photos/Sander%20200x200%20v1.webp)

Written by

Sander van Leeuwen

Technical Director

![](https://deregtcables.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Field%20Service%20Team.webp?width=1408&height=560&name=Field%20Service%20Team.webp)

[Energy](https://deregtcables.com/insights/tag/energy)

Regularly inspecting your undersea cables will give you peace of mind, minimize downtime, and save the cost of replacing damaged equipment. In this blog series, we present a 5-step plan for inspecting and testing your cables, along with some general handling advice for storing and using them safely:

 

In this blog, we’ll explain how you know when you should call DeRegt Field Service for help with any cable issue.

 

## **The Decision-Making Chart**

DeRegt has developed a Practical Guide to help extend your seismic cable life and prevent equipment downtime through proper handling and inspection procedures. Once you have performed the recommended actions and discovered possible issues, the Guide includes an easy-to-follow decision-making chart that helps you identify likely causes for damaged cables. The chart then provides recommendations on steps to take in situations that commonly occur on seismic vessels. 

 

In the chart, each type of damage to the cable is given a color code, either Green, Orange, or Red. Green issues indicate that field service might be needed in the future, but for now, you can continue to use the cable or termination. Make sure to continue following all the steps provided in the Guide, as well as in the handling, reeling, and installation instructions provided by your cable manufacturer. 

 

One example of a Green issue is loss of the grease cover on the cable armor wires, which could lead to corrosion of the wires. Be sure to re-grease the cables before using.

 

Orange issues indicate that the cable is degrading, if thorough inspections show deviating values from the last results taken and from original manufacturing results. In these cases, it is expected that the cable or termination will begin to show faults in the future, so contacting a field service representative for advice is recommended. 

 

An example of an Orange issue is observing nicks or gouges in the cable armor wires, which could be caused by rough handling or contact with sharp objects. This should have a minimal effect on the safe workload but keep the cable under observation and note the location on the log book. 

 

Red issues are those that show significant damage to the cable and require immediate field service. One type of Red issue is visible corrosion or rust on the cable armor wires. The possible cause could be a loss of zinc plating or grease cover. The effect could be a reduction in the safe workload capability of the cable, and so the cable should not be used. Take a photo of the damage and contact DeRegt immediately. 

 

| **Damage** | **Test / Inspection** **Procedure** | **Possible cause** | **Effect on** **functionality** | **Recommendation** **(general repair)** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Nicks or gouges in the armour wire | Visual | Rough handling, contact with sharp objects | Minimal effect on SWL | Keep under observation |
| Broken wires | Visual | Tight armour wire coverage, or high torque build up on cable, extreme bending. | Lead to armour wire damage and loss in SWL. | Contact De Regt Marine Cables for advice; SWL and torque balancing must be recalculated. Check coverage, repair-push back in to position and lash. Reel out and back in, under no load to remove torque build up |
| Z-kinks in armour wires, twisted or kinked wires. Bird caging. | Visual | Torque build-up, extreme bending, cables experiences severe compressive forces, or cable loaded past elastic yield strength | Reduced SWL, possible damage to internal components | Photograph and contact De Regt Marine Cables for advice. |
| 99% or higher coverage of outer layer of armour wires over inner layer. | Measure the cable diameter of the HTC. The coverage will be 99% or higher when the cable diameter reduced to 21.2 mm or lower. | Cycling over sheave wheels, torque build-up | May lead to armour wire damage, loose riding wires. | Contact De Regt Marine Cables for advice. High coverage suggests significant torque build-up in outer layer of armour. Repair-reel cable out under minimal load and reel back in with end free to rotate and release torque. |
| Corrosion of galvanising ZN coverage. | Visual | Loss of grease covers. | Lead to corrosion of armour wires | Re-grease wires |
| Corrosion of armour wires | Visual. Check cable for signs of pitting corrosion and / or red rust | Loss of ZN plating. Loss of grease cover | Reduction in SWL. | Cable must not be used. Photograph and contact De Regt Marine Cables for advice. |
| Circularity | Measure diameter of cable at right angles using Vernier callipers | Crushing, bending over sheave wheels | Increased wear to cable. | Keep under observation. Contact De Regt Marine Cables if cables become obviously oval. |
| Cleanliness, sand, grit, salt residues in armour wire interstices | Visual | General use | Increased armour wear | Wash salt and grit off with fresh water during every recovery. Clean regularly. |
| Grease cover | Visual | General use | Increased wear and corrosion of armour wires | Re-grease after cleaning |

## **Prevent Downtime with Timely Inspections**

By regularly inspecting and testing your undersea cables and terminations, you can save on downtime and expensive repairs or replacements. Working with a manufacturer that can support all your cable needs and provide responsive field service gives you the best opportunity to avoid unnecessary problems with your equipment.

 

For a fresh look at how to inspect marine cables in the field along with directions on knowing when to call DeRegt for help, download our Practical Guide to [Seismic Cable Handling](about:blank).

[![Download your copy here](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4338465/73914e97-6367-4e62-aa53-1daa57f2cfce.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4338465/73914e97-6367-4e62-aa53-1daa57f2cfce)

 

## Reach out to our offshore Energy specialist

Every energy project has its own challenges: technical, environmental, and economic. At DeRegt, we design cable solutions that help you handle all three. Whether it’s offshore wind, subsea power, or new renewable systems. Building cables that keep performing year after year. Discover the real-world experience we bring to every project. Let's...

- build on proven cable designs
- talk through your project goals
- see how we can build it better together

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**Ursula Raphaela**

Account manager Energy

Call +31 (0) 638733429

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