Hotel Service Unit 2 Q4

Noise levels in ships refer to the intensity of sound present in various areas onboard. These levels can vary significantly depending on the location, type of ship, and its operating conditions.  

1. Ship Quieting Technologies – Discovery of Sound in the Sea

Sources of noise on ships:

• Machinery: Main engines, generators, pumps, and other machinery are major contributors to noise, particularly in engine rooms and machinery spaces.
• Propellers and propulsion systems: The movement of propellers through water generates significant underwater noise, which can also be transmitted to the ship’s structure.   1. Estimation of the Noise Source Level of a Commercial Ship Using On-Board Pressure Sensors – MDPI www.mdpi.com
• Ventilation and air conditioning systems: Fans, ducts, and compressors produce noise that can be heard throughout the vessel.   1. Environmental Project No. 1330 2010 – Noise from ships in ports. Possibilities for noise reduction – Miljøstyrelsen www2.mst.dk
• Other sources: Activities like cargo handling, deck operations, and even conversations can contribute to overall noise levels.

Impact of noise levels:

• Crew health and safety: Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can cause hearing damage, fatigue, stress, and other health problems.   1. Impact of Ship Noise on Seafarers’ Sleep Disturbances and Daily Activities: An Analysis of Fatigue Increase and Maritime Accident Risk through a Survey – MDPI www.mdpi.com
• Comfort and well-being: Excessive noise can disrupt sleep, communication, and overall quality of life on board.   1. Impact of Ship Noise on Seafarers’ Sleep Disturbances and Daily Activities: An Analysis of Fatigue Increase and Maritime Accident Risk through a Survey – MDPI www.mdpi.com
• Operational efficiency: High noise levels can interfere with communication, concentration, and decision-making, potentially impacting safety and efficiency.   1. How Noise Affects Concentration – Illuminated Integration illuminated-integration.com
• Marine life: Underwater noise from ships can disrupt communication, feeding, breeding, and migration patterns of marine animals, particularly marine mammals.   1. Underwater noise is a threat to marine life | Bangor University www.bangor.ac.uk

Regulations and standards:

• The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted the Code on Noise Levels on Board Ships, which sets mandatory noise level limits for different areas on ships, including machinery spaces, control rooms, workshops, and accommodation areas.   1. Ship noise – International Maritime Organization www.imo.org
• The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 also includes requirements for preventing exposure to hazardous levels of noise on board ships.

Measures to control noise levels:

• Ship design and construction: Incorporating noise control measures into the ship’s design, such as sound insulation, vibration damping, and resilient mountings for machinery.
• Machinery selection and maintenance: Choosing quieter equipment and ensuring its proper maintenance to minimize noise generation.
• Operational practices: Implementing procedures to reduce noise levels, such as limiting engine speeds in certain areas or scheduling noisy operations during specific times.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Providing and enforcing the use of hearing protection in areas with high noise levels.

Overall, managing noise levels on ships is crucial for protecting the health and well-being of seafarers, ensuring safe and efficient operations, and minimizing the impact on the marine environment. By implementing appropriate noise control measures and adhering to relevant regulations, the maritime industry can strive to create a quieter and healthier working environment on board ships.  

1. Impact of Ship Noise on Seafarers’ Sleep Disturbances and Daily Activities: An Analysis of Fatigue Increase and Maritime Accident Risk through a Survey – MDPI

With reference to noise levels in ships, personnel employed on watchkeeping duties within enclosed machinery spaces should not be exposed to noise levels exceeding 85 dB(A) for more than 8 hours within a 24-hour period.

This recommendation is based on the Code on Noise Levels on Board Ships, adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which aims to protect seafarers from the risk of noise-induced hearing loss.

It is important to note that:

• Even when wearing hearing protection, seafarers should not be exposed to noise levels exceeding 115 dB(A).
• If the noise level exceeds 85 dB(A), suitable hearing protectors must be provided and used by the seafarers.
• Companies should implement a hearing conservation program to monitor noise levels and the hearing health of their employees.

By adhering to these recommended maximum exposure times and using appropriate hearing protection, the risk of noise-induced hearing loss for watchkeeping personnel in enclosed machinery spaces can be significantly reduced.

These recommendations regarding maximum exposure times for watchkeeping personnel in enclosed machinery spaces have been made primarily to:

1. Protect Hearing Health:

• Prolonged exposure to high noise levels is a major contributor to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). This condition can be permanent and significantly impact an individual’s quality of life.
• The 8-hour limit for 85 dB(A) exposure is based on scientific research and aims to safeguard seafarers’ hearing health by minimizing the risk of NIHL.

2. Ensure Safe and Effective Watchkeeping:

• High noise levels can interfere with communication, concentration, and decision-making, potentially compromising safety and operational efficiency.
• By limiting exposure to excessive noise, seafarers can maintain focus and alertness, essential for performing their watchkeeping duties effectively.

3. Comply with International Standards and Regulations:

• The recommendations are in line with the Code on Noise Levels on Board Ships, adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which sets mandatory noise level limits and aims to protect seafarers from the risk of noise-induced hearing loss.
• Compliance with these recommendations demonstrates adherence to international safety standards and contributes to a safer working environment on board ships.

4. Promote Worker Well-being:

• Excessive noise exposure can lead to various health problems beyond hearing loss, including fatigue, stress, and cardiovascular issues.
• By controlling noise levels and limiting exposure times, these recommendations contribute to the overall health and well-being of seafarers.

In summary, the recommended maximum exposure times for watchkeeping personnel in enclosed machinery spaces are designed to:

• Protect hearing health and prevent noise-induced hearing loss
• Ensure safe and effective watchkeeping duties
• Comply with international standards and regulations
• Promote the overall health and well-being of seafarers

By adhering to these recommendations and implementing a comprehensive hearing conservation program, the maritime industry can strive to create a safer and healthier working environment on board ships.

The permitted noise level at which hearing protection is recommended is 85 dB(A).

This recommendation aligns with various international and national standards, including the Code on Noise Levels on Board Ships and the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.

It’s important to note that this is a recommended level, and in certain situations, hearing protection may be advisable at even lower noise levels depending on the duration of exposure and individual sensitivity.

The permitted noise level at which hearing protection is mandatory is 85 dB(A), averaged over an 8-hour workday.

1. OSHA requirements for hearing protection – HexArmor

www.hexarmor.com

This threshold is set by the Code on Noise Levels on Board Ships and aligns with many occupational health and safety regulations worldwide.

It’s important to emphasize that even though hearing protection is mandatory at 85 dB(A), it’s highly recommended to use it at lower noise levels if exposure is prolonged or if an individual has particular sensitivity to noise.