The Code on noise levels on board ships has been developed to provide international standards for protection against noise under the provisions of regulation II-1/3-12 of the SOLAS Convention. The Code, adopted by resolution MSC.337(91), recognizes the need to establish mandatory noise level limits for machinery spaces, control rooms, workshops, accommodation and other spaces on board ships, and enters into force on 1 July 2014.The Code applies to new ships of a gross tonnage of 1,600 and above. The specific provisions relating to potentially hazardous noise levels, mitigation and personal protective gear contained in the Code may be applied to existing ships of a gross tonnage of 1,600 and above, as far as reasonable and practical, to the satisfaction of the Administration. The Code may be applied to new ships of a gross tonnage of less than 1,600 as far as reasonable and practical, to the satisfaction of the Administration. The Code includes: a format for noise survey reports; guidance on the inclusion of noise issues in safety management systems; - suggested methods of attenuating noise; and - a simplified procedure for determining noise exposure. These regulations, recommendations and advice are intended to provide Administrations with the tools to promote "hearing saving" environments on board ships. Although legally treated as a mandatory instrument under the SOLAS Convention, certain provisions of the Code remain recommendatory or informative.

An ILO code of practice

The first International Symposium on Shipboard Acoustics, held in Noordwijkerhout (The Netherlands) in 1976, was a meeting of invited experts, each having considerable expertise in ship acoustics. Many of the participants were dealing with research on various ship acoustical subjects, and it proved to be a good idea to discuss future investigations and new techniques. At that time acousticians learned to use real-time signal-processing techniques and attempts were made to establish sound level prediction methods based on semi-fundamental considerations instead of the methods using empirically obtained data. Time was pressing as it was assumed that, in view of the adoption of Recommendation 141 of the International Labour Conference in 1970, authorities would soon make appropriate provisions to "protect seafarers from the ill effects of noise". This resulted in several national recommendations followed by the IMO "Code on noise levels aboard ships" which was adopted by the IMO Assembly in 1981. After that, pressure on the authorities was increased further by the decision of the European Community to protect labourers against harmful noise at their workplaces, including ships. Legally enforceable noise limits will therefore become normal in the future. In many countries recommendations with respect to maximum allowable sound pressure levels in the crew accomodations and work area aboard ships were already taken into account by ship owners, long before the existence of the Recommendations.

This Companion sheds light on the law and practice of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which plays a key role in securing safe, secure, and efficient shipping on clean oceans. Laura Carballo Piñeiro and Maximo Q. Mejia Jr. bring together a diverse range of international experts to outline the development and impact of the IMO as an institution.