Applicability: Shipbuilders, shipowners and companies involved in noise surveys

The IMO Code on Noise Levels On Board Ships (the ‘2012 Noise Code’) entered into force on 1 July, 2014, under new SOLAS regulation II-1/3-12*.

The Code’s requirements apply to all vessels of 1,600 gt and above where:

  • the building contract is signed on or after 1 July, 2014, or
  • in the absence of a building contract, the keel is laid or at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 January, 2015, or
  • the delivery date is on or after 1 July, 2018.

The code requires that a noise survey is conducted when the vessel is on its sea trials and that a report demonstrating compliance with the code is compiled and kept on board the vessel, and is easily accessible by the crew.

If Lloyd’s Register (LR) is the recognised organisation for a flag administration, any survey should be conducted by an LR approved service supplier or by an organisation approved by the vessel’s flag administration. If you are a service supplier wanting to become approved to conduct noise surveys, please contact your local LR office to discuss the assessment process.

Consultancy services and further guidance

LR offers consultancy services to assist and advise shipbuilders and owners on the application of the Noise Code and on noise reduction measures to help meet the requirements of the code. For more information on these services, please contact your local LR office.

*The IMO 2012 Noise Code was adopted by IMO Resolution MSC.337(91). SOLAS regulation II-1/3-12 was adopted by Resolution MSC.338(91).

For further information

Speak to one of our experts at your local Lloyd's Register Group office.