A work platform (10) for performing a cable operation on a cable on a vessel having a vessel deck (7) has chutes (19a, 19b) for guiding the cable from the sea and onto the work platform (10), an overboarding system (18) and a number of modules (11, 12, 13, 14, 15). Each module (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) has a deck section and a support structure for supporting the deck section at a distance above the vessel deck (7). Each module (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) is configured to be lifted separately onto and away from the vessel deck (7). The deck sections of the modules together form a mezzanine deck on which the cable operation is performed. The overboarding system (18) is secured to the mezzanine deck. At least some of the equipment for performing the cable operation is stored below the mezzanine deck.