1 The Code on noise levels on board ships (hereinafter
referred to as "the Code") has been developed to provide international
standards for protection against noise regulated by regulation II-1/3-12
of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS),
1974, as amended. Although the Code is legally treated as a mandatory
instrument under the SOLAS Convention, certain provisions of the Code
remain recommendatory or informative (see paragraph 1.1.3).
2 These regulations, recommendations and advice
are intended to provide Administrations with the tools to promote
"hearing saving" environments on board ships. This is, however, a
dynamic topic, dealing with the human and technical environments in
which they interface. Rules and recommendations will necessarily evolve,
on a case-by-case basis, as a result of various technological as well
as safety management practice developments. For this reason Administrations
are encouraged to pass on experience and information received from
recognized organizations, ship operators and equipment designers to
improve this Code.
3 The Code has been developed having regard to
conventional passenger and cargo ships. While certain types and sizes
of ships have been excluded from its application, it should be recognized
that full application to ships which differ appreciably from the conventional
types of ships regarding design or operations might need specific
consideration.
4 The Organization adopted a Recommendation on
methods of measuring noise levels at listening posts (resolution A.343(IX)),
which this Code is not intended to supersede. That Recommendation
relates to interference by shipborne noise with the proper reception
of external audible navigation signals and although the methods of
measuring noise levels in accordance with the Recommendation and with
the Code differ, these documents are to be considered compatible inasmuch
as this Code is concerned primarily with the effect of noise on health
and comfort. Care will be needed to ensure that there is compatibility
between the general requirements and the requirements for audibility
of navigation signals.