A new mandatory code for the protection of seafarers against noise on board. The Code lays down the permitted maximum noise limits on ships to protect seafarers against noise and contains detailed provisions on how to carry out the necessary measurements to ensure compliance with the noise levels. It was decided that the Code enters into force on 1st July 2014, since it will apply to ships for which a building contract is concluded on or after 1 st July 2014, or the keel of which is laid on or after 1st January 2015, or which are delivered on or after 1st July 2018.
Accommodation should be sited both horizontally and vertically as far away as is practicable from sources of noise such as propellers and propulsion machinery. Machinery casings should, where practicable, be arranged outside superstructures and deckhouses containing accommodation spaces. Where this is not feasible, passageways should be arranged between the casings and accommodation spaces, if practicable.
Where reasonably practicable, it is desirable for the noise level to be lower than the maximum levels specified above.
