1.3 Application
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - Noise Levels - Code on Noise Levels on Board Ships – Resolution A.468(XII) - Annex - Code on Noise Levels on Board Ship - Chapter 1 - General - 1.3 Application

1.3 Application

  1.3.1 The Code applies to new ships of a gross tonnage of 1,600 and above.

  1.3.2 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.

  1.3.3 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.

  1.3.4 The Code does not apply to:

  • .1 dynamically supported craft;

  • .2 high-speed craft;

  • .3 fishing vessels;

  • .4 pipe-laying barges;

  • .5 crane barges;

  • .6 mobile offshore drilling units;

  • .7 pleasure yachts not engaged in trade;

  • .8 ships of war and troopships;

  • .9 ships not propelled by mechanical means;

  • .10 pile driving vessels; and

  • .11 dredgers.

  1.3.5 The Code applies to ships in port or at sea with seafarers on board.

  1.3.6 Dispensations from certain requirements may in special circumstances be granted by the Administration, if it is documented that compliance will not be possible despite relevant and reasonable technical noise reduction measures. Such dispensation shall not include cabins, unless exceptional circumstances prevail. If dispensation is granted, it shall be ensured that the goal of this Code is achieved, and the noise exposure limits shall be considered in conjunction with chapter 5.

  1.3.7 For ships designed for and employed on voyages of short duration, or on other services involving short periods of operation of the ship, to the satisfaction of the Administration, paragraphs 4.2.3 and 4.2.4 may be applied only with the ship in the port condition, provided that the periods under such conditions are adequate for seafarers' rest and recreation.

  1.3.8 The Code is not intended to apply to passenger cabins and other passenger spaces, except in so far as they are work spaces and are covered by the provisions of the Code.

  1.3.9 In case of repairs, alterations and modifications of a major character and outfitting related thereto of existing ships, it shall be ensured that areas, in which changes have been made, meet the requirements of this Code for new ships, insofar as the Administration deems reasonable and practicable.

  1.3.10 The Code covers only noise sources related to the ship such as machinery and propulsion but does not include wind/wave/ice noise, alarms, public address systems, etc.


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