This MCA Code of Practice helps designers, builders, owners and managers of ships comply with the Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Control of Noise at Work) Regulations 2007. Based on HSE guidance relating to the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, it has been updated in line with changes to related legislation, technical advances and experience.

It covers:

• Legal duties of employers
• Control of risks from noise
• Practical examples of noise control
• Hearing protection
• Health surveillance
• Selecting quieter equipment

The relevant text from the Noise Regulations is set out in full with practical guidance underneath. Key points and warnings are highlighted, together with case studies and worked examples.

If employers comply with the Noise Regulations and follow the Maritime and Coastguard Agency?s guidance, employees are unlikely to develop advanced (disabling) stages of hearing damage.

Those primarily affected by noise regulations will be operators and managers of ships and fishing vessels and other marine craft, including yachts, work boats, etc. registered in the UK on which workers are employed.

This guidance is also aimed at people who advise employers, such as health and safety professionals, noise specialists and occupational health professionals.