Umbilicals are flexible cables or hoses that connect a surface vessel to underwater equipment, such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or subsea oil and gas installations. They provide essential services like power, communication, and fluid transfer, allowing operators to control and monitor underwater activities from the surface. These cables are crucial in industries like offshore drilling and marine research. By linking the surface to the depths of the ocean, umbilicals enable the safe and efficient operation of equipment in challenging underwater environments, ensuring that tasks can be performed effectively while minimizing risks to personnel and machinery.