The paper considers the main determining factors affecting the comprehensive safety of designing cable lines and communications for oil and gas fields in the harsh Arctic conditions of the Russian Federation. The paper provides the main concepts and terms on the topic of the study. In the conditions of insufficiency of the existing regulatory documentation, the use of experimental studies is justified for the purpose of effective development of structures, their deepening into the bottom soil and the selection of the latest materials for extended underwater engineering structures. These studies must necessarily be included in the scientific support for the design and construction of oil and gas facilities of increased danger. The special relevance of such studies is highlighted. Recommendations for use in design practice at all stages of the implementation of projects for laying cable lines and communications for oil and gas fields in freezing seas are developed and provided. Provided that a large volume of experimental studies on this topic is obtained, it is possible to develop additions and clarifications to the current regulatory documents.