Noise on board RO-Pax vessels: Measured levels on existing ships and new pre-normative requirements

Abstract

The first available document dealing with the impact of noise on board ships is the “Code on Noise levels on board ships” issued by the International Maritime Organisation in 1981 (IMO, 1981).1 INTRODUCTIONThe noise impact on crew members of ships can range from health impairment to a decrease in working performances or to a loss of comfort. The first issue can be represented by a reduction in the capabilities of the auditory system. The second aspect can be related to a loss of concentration or an accumulation of fatigue causing potentially dangerous situations. The loss of comfort can affect the crew particularly during off-duty hours, inducing a lack of recovery and again an overstress on work. The most dramatic effects are related to cases of exposure to high noise levels, but most of noise effects are associated to prolonged exposures, due to long periods spent on board by the crew members.