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

Abstract

This study delves into the impact of ship noise on seafarer well-being, emphasizing fatigue—a significant contributor to maritime accidents due to human error. The investigation, centered around the hypothesis that IMO ship construction standards may not adequately minimize noise levels in seafarer cabins, seeks to establish whether these levels are sufficient to ensure seafarer security and prevent sleep disturbances. According to current IMO regulations, noise levels are set at 55 dB for vessels under 10,000 gross tonnage and 60 dB for those over 10,000, yet WHO guidelines recommend a maximum of 40 dB in bedrooms to avoid sleep disruption. A comprehensive survey involving 221 cadets demonstrates that 79.6% of participants experience sleep disturbances, work disruptions, and stress due to noise, indicating that the present noise standards are insufficient. This paper argues that reducing noise levels in individual cabins to below 40 dB is critical for enhancing seafarer health and safety and could significantly reduce human error-related maritime accidents. The findings advocate for more stringent noise control measures and regulatory reforms to bridge the knowledge gaps and improve labor protection in the maritime industry.