A seal retaining system for retaining a seal ring (23) in a pipe coupling (20), wherein a plurality of seal ring retainers are connected to a flange (21, 22) around the periphery of a seal seat and wherein the retainers can be moved from an open position in which a seal ring can be placed on or removed from the seal seat to a closed position in which the seal ring is retained in position on the seal seat. In one embodiment, each retainer comprises a rotatable cam (36, 37) having a lip (38) which extends generally around the circumference of the cam, but is truncated on one side. When the truncated portion faces the seal seat, the seal ring can be installed or removed. When the truncated portion faces away from the seal seat, the seal ring is held in position on the seal seat. The cams may be attached with bolts that can be sheared off if the cams are frozen in position.