GUIDANCE FOR SHIPOWNERS ON CONDUCTING NOISE SURVEYS

The declared purpose of the Noise Code was to avoid any possible occurrence of hazardous noise levels on board vessels and also to provide required standards for an acceptable environment for seafarers. This technical document is intended to provide the owners, yards and marine surveyors with necessary guidance on how to use the IMO Noise Code, and show how to properly conduct the noise surveys; in addition, the purpose of this guidance is to provide readers with some brief description of the relevant noise parameters.

The main body of the present report provides an explanation of the applicable technical regulations within the Code. Some checklist and data tables have been provided to aid ship owners, and others, who may be willing to better understand what exactly is required from the survey and/or to witness a noise trial. The guidebook starts with some introductory information, then there is an article describing the need for the legislation that addresses the noise levels on board the vessels, and some quick review of the sound pressure levels. The following two sections provide necessary assessment conditions and noise assessment procedures, followed by the maximum noise levels and info on sound insulation. The last chapter of this document describes the procedure for the reporting on the measured sound levels.​