Review of Legislation on Noise and Vibration Regulations in Merchant Ships

Abstract

This paper aims to describe the evolution of noise regulations for merchant ships over the last four decades, analysing the most important aspects with respect to crews, passengers and exposed populations in cities in line with the requirements of the European Union to reduce the enviromental impact of transportation. The paper also analyses the charges in regulations aimed at not only regulating noise and vibration inside the ship, but also noise emitted to the port and underwater radiated noise. We shall also include classification Societies, given the importance of their standards in ensuring increasing leves of comfort on board ship.