1.1.1 he Code is intended to provide standards
to prevent the occurrence of potentially hazardous noise levels on
board ships and to provide standards for an acceptable environment
for seafarers. These standards were developed to address passenger
and cargo ships. Since some sizes and certain service types of ships
have been exempted from these requirements, it should be recognized
that full application of the Code to ships that differ appreciably
from conventional ships will require special considerations. The Code
is intended to provide the basis for a design standard, with compliance
based on the satisfactory conclusion of sea trials that result in
issuance of a Noise Survey Report. Ongoing operational compliance
is predicated on the crew being trained in the principles of personal
protection and maintenance of mitigation measures. These would be
enforced under the dynamic processes and practices put in place under
SOLAS chapter IX.
1.1.2 Requirements and recommendations are made
for:
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.1 measurement of noise levels and exposure;
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.2 protecting the seafarer from the risk of noise-induced
hearing loss under conditions where at present it is not feasible
to limit the noise to a level which is not potentially harmful;
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.3 limits on acceptable maximum noise levels for
all spaces to which seafarers normally have access; and
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.4 verification of acoustic insulation between
accommodation spaces.
1.1.3 Although this Code is legally treated as
a mandatory instrument under the SOLAS Convention, the following provisions
of this Code remain recommendatory, options for compliance, or informative
in nature: