Code on Noise Levels On Board Ships enters into force on July 1st, 2014
On 1 July 2014, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) will be amended to make the ‘Code on Noise Levels On Board Ships’ (the Noise Code) mandatory for new vessels.
The MSC 91, from 26 to 30 November 2012, adopted a new SOLAS regulation II-1/3-12 to require new ships to be constructed to reduce on-board noise and to protect personnel from noise, in accordance with the revisedCode on noise levels on board ships, also adopted, which sets out mandatory maximum noise level limits for machinery spaces, control rooms, workshops, accommodation and other spaces on board ships. The Code supersedes the previous non-mandatory Code, adopted in 1981 by resolution A.468(XII).
The Code’s purpose is to provide standards on preventing noise levels hazardous to human health and reduce seafarers’ exposure to such noise levels.It gives consideration to the need for communication and the ability to hear audible alarms, the importance of protecting the seafarer from noise-induced hearing loss,and the provision of an acceptable degreeof comfort during rest hours. Introduction of the Noise Code will lead to changes in SOLAS, with Chapter II-1 Regulation 36 being replaced with a new Regulation 3-12 ‘Protection Against Noise’.
Noise Level Limits
Limits for noise levels (dB(A)) are specified for various spaces as follows:
Warning Notices
Where the noise level in machinery spaces (or other spaces) is greater than 85 dB(A),entrances to such spaces shall carry a warning notice comprising symbol and supplementarysign in the working language of the ship as prescribed by the Administration (see below anexample of the warning notice and signs in English). If only a minor portion of the space hassuch noise levels the particular location(s) or equipment shall be identified at eye level,visible from each direction of access.
For more details, please refer to IMO – Resolution MSC.337(91) adopted on November 2012, ADOPTION OF THE CODE ON NOISE LEVELS ON BOARD SHIPS
Regarding the SOLAS Chapter II-! Regulation 3-12 ‘ Protection Against Noise”, the North P&I Club has included the following table in the latest Signals Newletter. ++ Please click to enlarge
Credit: SIGNALS, Issue 94, page 10 – The North P&I Club
