Fishermen work in an unfavorable working environment, which faces many disadvantages such as inclement weather conditions, prolonged working time with hard labor and are effected by adverse environmental factors, in which noise is the most common agent but there are very few studies on the effects of noise to fishermen's health especially on blood pressure. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 159 fishermen who were working in 14 offshore ships, a sound level meter was used for noise measurement and the noise exposures were calculated based on the average working time in 8 hours. Questionnaires were used for interviewing, blood pressure was measured by trained local doctors. Result: It was found that 71.1% fishermen were expose to the working noise which is over 85 dBA for 8 working hours a day. The highest average sound level was recorded in the engine room (min-max: 91.8-96.2), follow by driving cabin (min-max: 83.1-92.2). Blood pressure measurements showed a result of 28.9% hypertensive fishermen. There was not statistically significant between hypertension and exposure to noise. Conclusions: It can be concluded that almost three quarters of the fishermen exposed to noise in the working environment exceeds 85 dBA for 8 hours. Futher studies are required to provide comprehensive approach between noise and hypertension.

Competency is important for professionals' effective performance and career development. However, little is known about the necessary competencies and proficiency in these for Thai safety officers. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the necessary competencies for this group and to compare proficiency in each competency between senior and junior safety officers. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 73 safety officers using a self-administered questionnaire. Twenty-five competencies were classified as necessary. Mean proficiency scores were higher for senior safety officers than for more junior safety officers for all examined competencies; however, this difference was not statistically significant for 'first aid' or for 'air sampling and analytical methods.' Regulatory compliance was assessed as the most important competency. Gaps between necessity and proficiency were observed in managing safety programs for the junior group. In both groups, proficiency was lowest in the competency of mental health. The results indicate that Thai safety officers' training needs may be particularly high for regulatory compliance, managing safety programs, and mental health. Lifelong learning is important for enabling occupational safety and health practitioners to fulfill current requirements in Thailand and elsewhere. Multiple training approaches and a specialist qualification program may encourage competency development, especially for junior practitioners.

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