GIBRALTAR MARITIME ADMINISTRATION(Ministry of Maritime Affairs)

Watergate House
2/8 Casemates Square
Gibraltar

Tel (+350) 200 46862 / 47771 / 50424
Fax (+350) 200 47770
e-mail: maritime.survey@gibraltar.gov.gi
maritime.registry@gibraltar.gov.gi
Maritime Labour Notice (MLN) – 019______________________________________________________________________________
To: Ship Owners, Operators, Masters, Officers and Classification Societies

MLC Title 4.3(C) Health and Safety (Noise)This MLN is part of a series of MLNs which provides guidance on compliance with Gibraltar regulations
which give effect to MLC 2006 Title 4.3. Implementation of these guidelines will be taken as evidence ofcompliance with the Gibraltar regulations.
The guidelines do not preclude the shipowner from demonstrating an equivalent or higher standard as an“alternative method” of evidence of compliance.
Documents referred to in this notice:
Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC);
Gibraltar Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) Regulations 2012. Reg.30
Health and Safety Executive publication: Noise at Work, INDG362 (rev1);
Maritime and Coastguard Agency publication: Code of Practice for Controlling Risks due to Noise on
Ships;IMO Resolution A.468(XII) Code on Noise Levels on Board Ships;
ISO 1999:1990 Acoustics - Determination of occupational noise exposure and estimation of noise-induced
hearing impairment.
Most regulations and notices are available on the Gibraltar Government website: www.gibraltarship.com

Protecting seafarers from exposure to noiseThis Maritime Labour Notice forms part of a series of MLNs for MLC Regulation 4.3 health and safety
protection and accident prevention.
MLC regulation 4.3 requires reasonable precautions are to be taken to reduce and prevent the risk of
exposure to harmful levels of ambient factors and chemicals on board the vessel. Harmful levels of
ambient factors include noise and this MLN explains the Gibraltar Maritime Administration regulations andwhere necessary gives guidance on how to protect seafarers from the adverse effects of noise on board
ships.
During the MLC inspection the surveyor may check to ensure that a risk assessment has been carried out
and the levels of noise on the vessel have been evaluated. Where there is evidence that there is a risk toPage 1 of 10

seafarers to the exposure from noise or any of the exposure values have been exceeded the surveyor will
also look for evidence that the appropriate action as described in this MLN has been taken.
SECTION 1
Introduction
1.1

Why seafarers should be protected from exposure to noise.1 Noise on board ships can cause hearing loss which can be temporary or permanent.
People can experience temporary deafness after leaving a noisy place which although normally
recovers within a few hours should not be ignored, it is a sign that continued exposure could cause
permanent damage. Permanent hearing damage can be caused immediately by sudden extremely loud
explosive noises such as from cartridge-operated machines.
.2 Hearing loss is usually gradual because of prolonged exposure to noise, such as working in anengine room without wearing hearing protection. It may only be when damage caused by noise over theyears combines with hearing loss due to ageing that people realise how deaf they have become.
.3 Hearing loss is not the only problem. People may develop tinnitus (ringing, whistling, buzzing or
humming in the ears), a distressing condition which can lead to disturbed sleep.

1.2

Definitions used in this MLN‘A-weighted’ is used to measure average noise levels;‘C-weighted’ is used to measure peak, impact or explosive noises;„daily noise exposure level’ is the time-weighted average of noise exposure levels for a nominal eighthour working day as defined by international standard ISO 1999: 1990, point 3.6 and it covers all noise
at work, including impulsive noise;
Impulsive noise „ is a noise event of short duration which occurs as an isolated event or as one of aseries of events with a repetition rate of less than 15 per second;‘Peak sound pressure’ means the maximum value of the „C‟ frequency weighted instantaneous noisepressure;„weekly noise exposure level’ is the time-weighted average of the daily noise exposure levels of anominal week of five eight hour working days as defined by international standard ISO 1999:1990, point
3.6 and it covers all noise at work, including impulsive noise.

SECTION 2
Risk assessment
2.1 Risk assessment for noise.1 It is the shipowner‟s responsibility to ensure the levels of noise to which seafarers are exposed arerisk assessed. This is to help decide what action is needed to be carried out to ensure the health andsafety of seafarers who are exposed to noise.
.2 The risk assessment must –a.
b.

determine whether the exposure action values and the exposure limit values are exceeded(refer to Section 3); andif necessary, shall be based on the measurement of the level of noise to which seafarers arelikely to be exposed.

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.3 The person carrying out the risk assessment has to identify where there may be a risk from noise
and who is likely to be affected. This can be achieved by initially carrying out a walk-round of the vessel
to find out where there is potential for harmful noise levels. A discussion with the seafarers should also
take place to find out about any portable hand tools they might use, the amount of time they spend innoisy areas of the ship and the availability of personal hearing protection. If seafarers are using portable
hand tools any information on noise emissions provided by the manufacturer should also be checked.
There may be other information that can be used to help determine if there is a noise problem on thevessel such as records obtained following health surveillance.
.4 As a guide, potentially harmful noise levels are quite likely where seafarers –a. have to shout to be clearly heard by someone 2 metres away;
b. experience temporary dullness of hearing, or ringing in their ears after leaving the work
space;
c. are exposed to impulsive noises such as the sudden release of compressed air, or loud
explosive noises from equipment such as cartridge-operated tools;d. are exposed to high-level impact noise from hammering on metal surfaces, or using chipping
hammers; ore. work in machinery spaces.

.5 If the initial risk assessment identifies areas on the vessel or any work activities where potential
harmful noise levels may be present noise measurements may be required to be taken. As a roughguide to determine whether noise measurements are required the test below can be used –Test
The noise is intrusive, but
normal conversation ispossible.

Likely noise level

Noise measurements will be needed if
seafarers are subject to this level ofnoise for more than

80 dB(A)

6 hours

You have to shout to talk tosomeone 2 metres away.

85 dB(A)

2 hours

You have to shout to talk tosomeone 1 metre away.

90 dB(A)45 minutes.6 If any of these tests fail, then a series of measurements will be necessary to assess the seafarer‟snoise exposure to determine if the exposure action value or exposure limit values have been exceeded.
If any of these levels are exceeded there are additional requirements that must be carried out (refer to
Sections 4, 5 & 6).
.7 The noise measurements can be performed by an employee of the shipowner or an external
consultant. The person carrying out the measurements must have sufficient training or knowledge incarrying out noise measurements and practical experience in using sound-measuring equipment.
.8 Any measurements taken may include sampling which must be carried out to accurately represent
the daily exposure of a seafarer to the noise being assessed. Measurements must also take account of
the particular characteristics of the noise to be measured, the length of time seafarers are exposed, any
exposure to impulsive noise and other ambient factors. The characteristic of the measuring apparatus

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also has to be considered which includes the accuracy of the equipment and any calibration tests
required to be taken.
.9 When exposure to noise varies noticeably from day to day, weekly noise exposure levels may be
calculated rather than daily noise exposure levels.
.10 Further details on the evaluation and assessment of exposure to noise can be found in thefollowing publications –a. Maritime and Coastguard Agency publication: Code of Practice for Controlling Risks due
to Noise on Ships;
b. IMO Resolution A.468(XII) Code on Noise Levels on Board Ships;c. ISO 1999:1990 Acoustics – Determination of occupational noise exposure andestimation of noise-induced hearing impairment.
.11 Once the noise assessment has been completed the risk assessment shall –
a.

b.
c.
d.

record the significant findings and the measures the shipowner has taken or intends to take toeliminate or control the exposure to noise and any information and training required to begiven to the seafarers;
state the hearing protection made available;(if appropriate) explain the reason why measurements of the noise levels have not been
considered necessary; andbe retained on the vessel for inspection purposes.

.12 The risk assessment will have to be reviewed if there are any significant changes in work
conditions, or if any health surveillance undertaken indicates seafarer‟s health is being affected.
.13 Noise levels can increase on a ship over time due to wear on machinery or a change of work
equipment so it is good practice to review the risk assessment at two yearly intervals.

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SECTION 3
Exposure action values and exposure limit values
The exposure action values and exposure limit values described in this MLN are as follows Daily or weekly
noise exposure

Peak soundpressure

Action required
If the noise levels are higher than thisvalue –

Lower Exposure
Action Values

80dB(A-weighted)

135dB(C-weighted)a) suitable and sufficient information,
instruction and training are to beprovided to seafarers;b) the shipowner is required toprovide hearing protection.
If the noise levels are at or above thisvalue –
a) the shipowner shall ensure as far
as practicable that seafarers are
wearing hearing protection;

Upper Exposure
Action Values

85dB(A-weighted)

137 dB(C-weighted)b) the area shall be identified by asign specifying hearing protection
is worn and access to the area
must be restricted as far as ispracticable.
If the noise levels exceed this value a
programme of technical or organisation
measures (or both) shall beestablished to reduce exposure to as
low as is reasonably practicable.

Exposure Limit Values
When applying thisvalue account may betaken in any reduction in
exposure provided byhearing protection.

Seafarers must not be exposed tonoise exceeding this value.
87 dB(A-weighted)

140 dB(C-weighted)

If the noise levels exceed this value theshipowner shall ensure that action istaken to reduce the exposure limit to
below this value.

SECTION 4
Eliminating or controlling the exposure to noise
4.1

Upper exposure action values.1 If the upper exposure action value has been exceeded or the risk assessment has identified anyother risks arising from exposure to noise the risks must be either eliminated at their source, or
reduced to a level which is as low as is reasonably practicable.

Page 5 of 10

.2 If it is not reasonably practical to eliminate a risk at source a programme of technical ororganisational measures (or both) shall be established and implemented to reduce the exposure. This
may include –a. using other working methods that reduce exposure to noise;b. replacing existing equipment with equipment which is quieter, for example a low-noisepurchasing policy can be adopted when replacing hand held tools or items of machinery;c. (if practicable) altering the design and layout of workplaces and workstations;d. instructing and training seafarers to use work equipment correctly, in order to reduce theexposure to noise;e. reduce noise levels by technical means such as reducing airborne noise by using shields,
enclosures or sound absorbent coverings and reducing structure-borne noise by damping
or isolation;
f. carrying out appropriate maintenance programmes for machinery;g. imposing a limit on the time a seafarer spends in noisy areas or working with noisy
equipment.
.3 After the technical and organisational measures have been carried out the effectiveness of themeasures shall be assessed and if the lower or upper values are still exceeded the requirements as
described in Section 5 and 6 shall be implemented.
4.2

Exposure limit values.1 Seafarers must not be exposed to noise levels exceeding the exposure limit value.
.2 If the exposure limit value has been exceeded it must be ensured that action is taken to reduce theexposure limit below this value. Also the reasons why the limit has been exceeded should be
identified and the organisation and technical measures taken to reduce the exposure should be
amended to ensure the exposure limit value is not exceeded again. The shipowner shall consult withthe seafarers or their representatives on the measures taken to ensure compliance with thisrequirement.
SECTION 5
Hearing protection and signage
5.1

Hearing protection.1 Hearing protection has to be made available by the shipowner to any seafarer who is likely to be
exposed to noise above the lower exposure action values.
.2 If the noise levels are at or above the upper exposure action values the shipowner must ensure as
far as practicable that hearing protection is worn by the seafarers.
.3 Hearing protection must be effective with the aim of getting at least below 85 dB for each ear.
Consideration should also be given as to how comfortable and hygienic the protection is and how itwill be worn with other protective equipment such as hard hats and dust masks. Maintenance mustalso be carried out to ensure the protection functions correctly.

5.2 Use of signage.1 For all areas of the ship where the noise is likely to exceed the upper exposure action value thearea must be identified by a sign indicating that hearing protection must be worn and access to thisarea must be restricted. The sign must be in accordance with the sign and symbol diagram below andmay be accompanied with the supplementary sign. The signs should comply with the following a. Sign with symbol: the background colour should be blue and the symbol should be white andplaced centrally on the background. Blue should cover at least 50% of the area of the sign. The
diameter should be 150 mm or 300 mm; andPage 6 of 10

a. Supplementary sign: this should be rectangular. The background colour should be whitewith black letters or alternatively the background may be the same colour blue as the signwith the symbol and have white letters. The height of the letters should be a minimum of
20 mm.

Sign with Symbol

Supplementary sign

SECTION 6
Seafarer information and training and health surveillance
6.1

Seafarer information and training.1 If the risk assessment indicates that seafarers are exposed to noise at or above the lower
exposure action value then suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training shall be
provided which shall include –
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

6.2

the nature of such risks, including the exposure limit values and the exposure action
values;the measures taken to eliminate or reduce to as low as is reasonably practicable therisks from noise, including the circumstances in which such measures apply;
the results of the risk assessment, together with an explanation of the significance andpotential of such risks;
the availability and correct use of hearing protectors;
the circumstances in which seafarers are entitled to health surveillance;
safe working practices to minimise exposure to noise; andhow to detect and report signs of hearing damage.

Health surveillance (hearing checks)

Page 7 of 10

.1 The conclusion of the risk assessment may be that because of the risks resulting from noise on thevessel, seafarers are entitled to health surveillance. Health surveillance in this context is anassessment of the state of health of a seafarer so as to provide an early diagnosis of any hearing loss
due to noise. Health surveillance can be carried out by regular checks of a seafarer‟s hearing by an
occupational health professional.
.2 Ideally health surveillance would be started before seafarers are exposed to noise to give abaseline. However it can be introduced at any time, and regular checks can be carried out annually forthe first two years and then at three yearly intervals. However, if any problems with hearing aredetected, or the risk of hearing damage is high this should be more frequent.
.3 The results of any tests can be used to monitor the seafarer‟s hearing during their employment.
The seafarer shall always be informed about the results of their hearing checks. The results fromhealth surveillance should be reviewed and analysed to check if the risk controls are working. Any
personal information about the health of individual seafarers shall be treated as confidential.
SECTION 7
Accommodation and service spaces on the vessel
7.1
Except in an emergency, noise in the accommodation and service spaces should not exceed thefollowing limits -Area

Maximum Noise LimitdB(A)Accommodation Space
Cabins and hospitals

60

Mess rooms

65

Recreation room

65

Open recreation areas

75

Offices

65

Service spaces
Galleys, without food processing
equipment operating

75

Serveries and pantries

75

The maximum noise limits stated above are in accordance with IMO Resolution A.468(XII) Code on
Noise Levels on Board Ships.
SECTION 8
Exemptions and further information
8.1

Exemptions.1 An exemption may be permitted in the following circumstance „where because of the nature of the work the full and proper use of personal hearing
protectors would be likely to cause a greater risk to health or safety than not using suchprotectors.‟

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.2 The application will need to detail the work procedure for which the exemption is sought, including
information on the seafarers affected, equipment used, and the frequency and length of time theseafarers will be exposed to the noise.
.3 The Gibraltar Maritime Administration will only be able to grant an exemption if the following
conditions have been met;
a.

b.
c.

the risks have been reduced to as low as reasonably practicable. Supporting evidence forthis could be if the exemption has received due consideration by a relevant andappropriate medical body, institution or qualified person, this can be an occupational
physician, specialist consultant or institution with appropriate expertise;
the application for exemption has been made following consultation with the seafarers
concerned, or their representatives; andhealth surveillance has been increased to monitor the safety of the seafarers concerned.

.4 Once issued the exemption may be altered or cancelled by the Gibraltar Maritime Administration
after giving reasonable notice to the shipowner.
9. Further information
Further information on controlling noise levels in the workplace can be found in a. Health and Safety Executive publication: Noise at work, INDG362 (rev1);
b. Maritime and Coastguard Agency publication: Code of Practice for Controlling Risks due toNoise on Ships.
Alan Cubbin
Maritime Administrator
Issue date November 2012
All notices are available through www.gibmaritime.com
This copy of the Administrative Instruction has been sent electronically and does not carry a signature or official stamp. A sign andstamped copy will be available upon request

Page 9 of 10

Control of noise on Gibraltar registered vessels
Objective – to reduce and prevent the risk of seafarers being exposed to harmful levels ofnoise (MLC A 4 .3 b , B 4 .3 .2 & A 3 .1.6 h )Risk Assessment

The shipowner shall ensure that a risk assessment iscarried out to assess the level of noise to which
seafarers are exposed . If necessary this may requirea measurement of the Exposure Limit Values &Exposure Action Values , to determine if they
have been exceeded .

A copy of the risk
assessment to remain on
the vessel

Lower Exposure Action
ValuesDaily or weekly personal
exposure = 80dB
Peak sound pressure = 135dB

If this value is
exceeded the
shipowner is toprovide hearing
protection , andsuitable and sufficient
information , instruction
and training are to bemade available toseafarers .

Upper Exposure Action
ValuesDaily or weekly personal
exposure = 85dB
Peak sound pressure= 137dB

If at or above this value
hearing protection shall beworn and the area is to be
identified by means of asign stating hearing
protection is to be worn .

If this value is exceededa program oftechnical or
Organisational measures
are to be implemented .

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Health Surveillance
May be required following
the risk assessment .
To be reviewed if there
are significant changes
which may affect its
validity , or if results ofhealth surveillance
indicate there is a further
risk .

If the Exposure Limit Values
have been exceeded
Daily or weekly personal noise
exposure = 87dB
Peak sound pressure= 140dB(Any reduction in exposure
provided by hearing protection
may be taken into accountwhen calculating this value).

This is an absolute limit .
Seafarers shall not be
exposed to noise exceeding
this value .

Immediate action is to betaken to reduce the exposure
limit value , and the reasons
why it has occurred are to be
Identified .