Crew noise exposure on board ships and comparative study of applicable standards

Abstract

In recent years, transport activities have radically increased due to globalisation, growth in wealth and freedom of movement. The shipping industry has responded to increased needs by providing flexible operations using new types of ships, equipped with novel technologies, materials and propulsion systems. Furthermore, services have been extended to new geographical areas including locations in and around populated cities. Naturally such services, in addition to the benefits, create various types of problems including noise pollution. This issue has been addressed at the European as well as the IMO (International Maritime Organization) level with the introduction of new/revised standards and limitations on noise. These statutory standards are also applicable to ships for the well-being of crew, commuters, as well as residents living around ship passageways and harbours. This paper focuses on the welfare and performance of seagoing crew working in various locations in the ships. Noise measurements carried out onboard six chemical tankers are presented and examined within the context of the IMO regulation A468 (XII) as well as the EU Directive 2003/10/EC concerning noise. After discussing the basic aspects of noise exposure, the paper investigates the differences between the EU and IMO standards and their effect on crew

Occupational Exposure on Board Fishing Vessels: Risk Assessments of Biomechanical Overload, Noise and Vibrations among Worker on Fishing Vessels in Southern Italy

“…As exposure to loud noises, such as in engine rooms, is unavoidable on fishing boats, hearing protection within these areas is mandatory. Devices for hearing protection including earplugs or earmuffs can be easily sourced and used on board [49]. Neitzel et al showed that the use of hearing protector devices during working activities reduced the average exposure by about 10 dBA, but not all workers wore them consistently due to communication demands [50].…”

Analysis of noise on board a ship during navigation and manoeuvres

“…The study involved a number of technicians and researchers from 14 European institutions in 9 countries and constitutes a noticeable landmark for this subject, since different aspects and possible progress have been analysed in details. SILENV general output can be found at the project website (SILENV, 2012a), while more specific results are reported by Turan et al (2011) and Badino et al (2012b). Noise measurements carried out on-board six chemicals tankers are presented and examined by Turan et al (2011) within the context of the IMO Resolution A.468 (XII) (IMO, 1981) and of the EU Directive 2003/ 10/EC (EU, 2003) as well.…”

“…SILENV general output can be found at the project website (SILENV, 2012a), while more specific results are reported by Turan et al (2011) and Badino et al (2012b). Noise measurements carried out on-board six chemicals tankers are presented and examined by Turan et al (2011) within the context of the IMO Resolution A.468 (XII) (IMO, 1981) and of the EU Directive 2003/ 10/EC (EU, 2003) as well. After discussing the basic aspects of noise exposure, the paper investigates the difference between the EU and IMO standards and their effect on crew.…”

Hydro-Acoustic and Hydrodynamic Optimization of a Marine Propeller Using Genetic Algorithm, Boundary Element Method, and FW-H Equations

“…The noise generated by the propeller has a significant contribution to the total noise of the ship. In addition to the environmental impacts, the noise of ships can affect the health and comfort of the crew and passengers of the ship [1,2]. For warships, high levels of noise may cause detection and possible dangers for the ship.…”