3.3 Operating conditions at sea trials
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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 3 - Measurement - 3.3 Operating conditions at sea trials

3.3 Operating conditions at sea trials

  3.3.1 Measurements should be taken with the ship in the loaded or ballast condition. The course of the ship shall be as straight as possible. The actual conditions during the measurements shall be recorded on the survey report.

  3.3.2 Noise measurements shall be taken at normal service speed and, unless otherwise addressed in the provisions below, no less than 80% of the maximum continuous rating (MCR). Controllable pitch and Voith-Schneider propellers, if any, shall be in the normal seagoing position. For special ship types and for ships with special propulsion and power configurations, such as diesel-electric systems, the Administration may, in cooperation with the shipyard and shipowners, give due consideration to actual ship design or operating parameters when applying the requirements of paragraphs 3.3.1 and 3.3.2.

  3.3.3 All machinery, navigation instruments, radio and radar sets, etc., normally in use at normal seagoing condition and levels, including squelch shall operate throughout the measurement period. However, neither energized fog signals nor helicopter operations shall take place during the taking of these measurements.

  3.3.4 Measurements in spaces containing emergency diesel engine driven generators, fire pumps or other emergency equipment that would normally be run only in emergency, or for test purposes, shall be taken with the equipment operating. Measurements are not intended for determining compliance with maximum noise level limits, but as a reference for personal protection of seafarers carrying out maintenance, repair and test activities in such spaces.

  3.3.5 Mechanical ventilation, heating and air-conditioning equipment shall be in normal operation, taking into account that the capacity shall be in accordance with the design conditions.

  3.3.6 Doors and windows should in general be closed.

  3.3.7 Spaces should be furnished with all necessary equipment. Measurements without soft furnishings may be taken but no allowance should be made for their absence. Rechecks or follow-up readings may be taken with soft furnishings included.

  3.3.8 Ships fitted with bow thrusters, stabilizers, etc., may be subject to high noise levels when this machinery is in operation. For thrusters, measurements shall be made at 40% thruster power and the ship's speed shall be appropriate for thruster operation. Measurements shall be taken at positions around such machinery when in operation and in adjacent accommodation spaces and duty stations. If such equipment is intended for continuous operation, e.g. stabilizers, measurements shall be made for ensuring compliance with chapter 4. If such systems are intended for short temporary use only, for instance during port manoeuvres, measurements are only relevant for ensuring compliance with chapter 5 on noise exposure.

  3.3.9 In case of ships with Dynamical Positioning (DP), which is intended for use in normal working condition, additional noise measurements at DP mode shall be made at control stations, duty stations, and accommodation spaces to ensure that the maximum noise level limits in these spaces are not exceeded. The Administration, classification societies, shipyard and DP designers, as appropriate, shall agree on a process to simulate the operation of the DP thruster system under conditions which would approximate station-holding at or above 40 per cent of maximum thruster power for design environmental conditions that the ship operates in.

Parent topic: Chapter 3 - Measurement
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