Rules for Classification and Construction

I Ship Technology

1 Seagoing Ships
16 Harmony Class Rules on Rating Noise and Vibration for Comfort,
Cruise Ships (v 25 kn)
Edition 2003








The following Rules come into force on April 1
st
, 2003.
"General Terms and Conditions" of the respective latest edition will be applicable
(see Rules for Classification and Construction, I Ship Technology, Part 0 Classification and Surveys).
Reproduction by printing or photostatic means is only permissible with the consent of Germanischer Lloyd.
Germanischer Lloyd AG
Head Office Hamburg
Vorsetzen 32/35, D-20459 Hamburg
Telefon +49 40 3 61 49-0
Telefax +49 40 3 61 49-2 00
Telex 212828 glhh d
headoffice@gl-group.com
http://www.gl-group.com
Published by: Germanischer Lloyd AG, Hamburg Printed by: Gebrder Braasch GmbH, Hamburg

Table of Contents
Section 1 Classification
A. Scope .......................................................................................................................................... 1- 1
B. Harmony Categories (hc) ........................................................................................................... 1- 1
C. Class Notation ............................................................................................................................ 1- 1
Section 2 Required Noise and Vibration Limits
A. General ....................................................................................................................................... 2- 1
B. Noise Requirements ................................................................................................................... 2- 1
C. Vibration Requirements ............................................................................................................. 2- 1
Section 3 Required Measurements
A. General ....................................................................................................................................... 3- 1
B. Measuring Conditions ................................................................................................................ 3- 1
C. Performance of Measurements ................................................................................................... 3- 2
D. Survey Programmes ................................................................................................................... 3- 7
E. Survey Report ............................................................................................................................ 3- 7
Section 4 Calculation Procedure of hc
Class_Notation

A. Determination of Single hc ........................................................................................................ 4- 1
B. Averaging of Single hc ............................................................................................................... 4- 1
C. Determination of hc
Class_Notation
................................................................................................ 4- 2
Annex A Standards
A. General ....................................................................................................................................... A- 1
B. Standards .................................................................................................................................... A- 1
Annex B Definitions
A. Important Definitions ................................................................................................................. B- 1
Annex C Recommendations to Reduce Noise and Vibration
A. General ....................................................................................................................................... C- 1
B. Considerations Regarding Excitation Forces ............................................................................. C- 1
C. Theoretical Investigations .......................................................................................................... C- 1
D. Secondary Measures ................................................................................................................... C- 2
E. Supplementary Measurements during Production Phase ........................................................... C- 2
Annex D Protocol Sheet
A. Measurement Protocol Sheet ...................................................................................................... D- 1
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Table of Contents Chapter 16
Page 3




Section 1

Classification
A. Scope
1. In general, these Rules are based on national
and international standards listed in Annex A. They
will be adapted to the latest editions of these stan-
dards when deemed necessary or will be modified to
account for the progress of knowledge. The Rules
reflect the state of the art in vibration and acoustic
technology.
2. Some important definitions for expressions
used in these Rules are given in Annex B.
3. Among various comfort-promoting factors
(e.g. decor and furniture of cabins and public spaces,
indoor climate, board service, ship motions etc.), two
main parameters determining the comfort on board a
passenger ship are dealt with in these Rules: noise
and vibration.
4. In this context, noise and vibration are de-
fined as follows:
Noise:
Audible air pressure variations, generated for
instance by main engines, propellers, auxiliary
machinery, systems and persons within the fre-
quency range of 16 to 16 000 Hz.
Vibration:
Structural oscillations in the frequency range of
1 to 80 Hz
5. The influence of ship motions (seasickness)
on human wellbeing is not considered in these Rules.
6. These Rules are intended to support owners
and shipyards to specify requirements regarding
comfort for passengers and crew on board seagoing
passenger ships.
7. Requirements according to current regula-
tions of the responsible flag state regarding maximum
noise and vibration levels in crew spaces have to be
fulfilled independently of these Rules.
8. If the maximum speed of the passenger ship
exceeds 25 knots, requirements defined for fast pas-
senger vessels shall be applied.
9. If the maximum speed of the passenger ship
exceeds v = 7,16
1/6
[knots], the requirements
defined for high speed craft have to be applied.
10. If the length between perpendiculars is less
than 120 m, limit values given in these Rules do not
apply. They shall be agreed upon separately after
conferring with Germanischer Lloyd (GL).
B. Harmony Categories (hc)
To allow for a graduation of noise and vibration lev-
els, 5 harmony categories hc are introduced:
hc = E = excellent comfort
hc = 1 = very high comfort
hc = 2 = high comfort
hc = 3 = moderate comfort
hc = 4 = acceptable comfort
Two separate categories, hc
pass
and hc
crew
, reflect the
level attained for passenger and crew spaces, respec-
tively.
1. Respective limit values of noise and vibra-
tion are defined in Section 2.
2. Compliance with criteria given in these
Rules shall be verified through measurements per-
formed under defined conditions at specified loca-
tions, see Section 3.
C. Class Notation
1. Upon request, ships complying with these
Rules are granted the following special notation of
Harmony Class
GL HC (hc
pass
/hc
crew
).
For instance, HC (2/3) corresponds to a high comfort
for passengers and a moderate comfort for crew,
according to B.
2. For a series of ships, the required noise
measurements have to be conducted individually for
each ship of the series. Regarding vibration meas-
urements, a reduced measurement programme can be
accepted for sister ships.
3. After modifications (e.g. conversions) that
might influence the noise and vibration behaviour,
the class notation has to be reconfirmed by Ger-
manischer Lloyd.
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Section 2

Required Noise and Vibration Limits
A. General
1. Requirements given in these Rules refer to
human wellbeing only. However, to achieve a certain
level of noise and vibration comfort, it must be
ensured that main and auxiliary machinery do not
vibrate heavily. Therefore, limit values given in
corresponding standards or classification rules, for
instance GL Rules, I Ship Technology, Part 1
Seagoing Ships, Chapter 2 Machinery Installations,
Section 2, Fig. 2.1, shall be observed, too.
2. Requirements regarding acoustic privacy are
given in addition to those for noise and vibration.
3. Requirements for noise and vibration are
presented for three operating conditions:
Sea Mode
Harbour Operation
Thruster Operation
The noise and vibration limits given for Sea Mode
Operation form an upper bound for any operation
mode at typical ship speeds.
4. Requirements regarding measurements for
three operating conditions are given in Section 3, B.
5. Limits are given separately for passenger
and crew spaces.
6. Requirements are related to different
immission zones as defined by Frame A, B, C and
D. The principal arrangement of these zones is shown
in Fig. 2.1 for a typical seagoing passenger vessel,
see also Annex B.
B. Noise Requirements
1. Most relevant standards are ISO 2923, ISO
717/1 and ISO 717/2.
2. Required noise limit values depending on
the harmony category number (hc) are listed in
Tables 2.1 to 2.4.
3. The measurement procedure and the
calculation of the hc achieved by noise measurements
are described in Section 3, C. and Section 4,
respectively.
C. Vibration Requirements
1. The most relevant vibration standard is ISO
6954, edition 2000-12-15. The limit values refer,
consequently, to the overall frequency-weighted rms
value in the range of 1 to 80 Hz. The vibration
velocities are given in mm/s.
2. Required vibration limit values depending
on the harmony category (hc) are listed in Tables 2.5
and 2.6.
3. The measurement procedure and the
calculation of the hc achieved by vibration
measurements are described in Section 3, C. and
Section 4, respectively.
2
1
1
2 Strength deck
0,15 Lpp
A B C D
Bulkhead deck
20 m
aft bulkhead
of bow thruster
room

Fig. 2.1 Immission Zones
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Table 2.1 Noise Limits, Passenger Spaces

Sea Mode
1, 2

Harbour
Operation
1, 2

Thruster
Operation
2 , 3, 4

hc hc hc


Noise Level Limits in dB(A)
E 1 2 3 4 E 1 2 3 4 E 1 2 3 4
Indoor Spaces Aft of Frame A
First-class cabins 48 50 52 54 56 44 46 48 50 52 52 54 56 58 60
Standard cabins 52 54 56 58 60 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64
Public spaces, type 1 and 2 56 58 60 62 64 52 54 56 58 60 60 62 64 66 68
Corridors, staircases 56 58 60 62 64 54 56 58 60 62
Indoor Spaces Between Frame A and C
First-class cabins 46 48 50 52 54 44 46 48 50 52 52

54 56 58 60
Standard cabins 48 50 52 54 56 46 48 50 52 54 54 56 58 60 62
Public spaces, type 1 and 2 52 54 56 58 60 52 54 56 58 60 58 60 62 64 66
Corridors, staircases 54 56 58 60 62 54 56 58 60 62
Indoor Spaces Between Frame C and D
First-class cabins 44 46 48 50 52 44 46 48 50 52 52

54 56 58 60
Standard cabins 46 48 50 52 54 46 48 50 52 54 54 56 58 60 62
Public spaces, type 1 and 2 52 54 56 58 60 52 54 56 58 60 58 60 62 64 66
Corridors, staircases 54 56 58 60 62 54 56 58 60 62
Indoor Spaces Forward of Frame D
First-class cabins 44 46 48 50 52 44 46 48 50 52 52 54 56 58 60
Standard cabins 46 48 50 52 54 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64
Public spaces, type 1 and 2 52 54 56 58 60 52 54 56 58 60 60 62 64 66 68
Corridors, staircases 54 56 58 60 62 54 56 58 60 62
Outdoor Spaces
Open deck recreation areas 64 66 68 70 75 64 66 68 70 72 64 66 68 70 72
Exhaust/supply air openings in open deck
recreation areas
5

68 70 72 75 80 68 70 72 75 80 68 70 72 75 80
1
In each space the noise level generated only by air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems must be at least 4 dB(A) below the
required noise limit value for harbour operation.
2
In each sanitary cell the noise level generated only by air-conditioning exhaust air systems at full capacity must not be more than 5
dB(A) above the required noise limit value for harbour operation.
3
To be verified by measurements in the vicinity of thrusters only. Passenger indoor spaces aft of Frame A shall be considered during stern
thruster operation only. All thrusters running at not less than 70 % of full load. The noise limits shall be maintained also in standby
operation of thrusters.
4
Limit values valid, provided that thrusters are in operation for a maximum of 4 hours out of 24 hours.
5
At a distance of 1,5 m.

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Table 2.2 Noise Limits for Acoustic Privacy, Passenger Spaces
On board Acoustic Privacy Sound Insulation
(minimum required weighted apparent sound insulation index in dB
according to ISO 717/1 and ISO 140/4)
hc
Arrangements:
E 1 2 3 4
First-class cabins to first-class cabins (incl. bath to bath) 42 40 38 36 34
First-class cabins to standard cabins (incl. bath to bath) 42 40 38 36 34
Standard cabins to standard cabins (incl. bath to bath) 40 38 36 34 32
First-class cabins to corridors 40 38 36 34 32
Standard cabins to corridors 38 36 34 32 30
Pax cabins to crew spaces 50 48 46 44 42
Pax cabins to public spaces type 1
1
64 62 60 58 56
Pax cabins to public spaces type 2 58 56 54 52 50
Pax cabins to staircases
2

58 56 54 52 50
Pax cabins to engine room casings, elevator casings etc.
3
60 58 56 54 52
Pax cabins to HVAC rooms
4

58 56 54 52 50
Pax cabins to engine rooms
5

64 62 60 58 56
1
The sound pressure levels (SPL) for the 1/1 octave band mid frequencies that should not be exceeded
in public spaces type 1 (when in use) are listed as follow:
Frequency in Hz 31,5 63 125 250 500 1 k 2 k 4 k 8 k
SPL in dB(A) 65 72 78 85 88 91 94 94 94
2
In general, the number of passenger cabins located adjacent to staircases have to be minimized.
3
Number of passenger cabins located adjacent to engine rooms and elevator casings etc. should be
minimized. If possible, acoustic buffer zones (e.g., service stores, lockers etc.) should be arranged
between cabins and casings. The average sound pressure level in engine room casings must be
limited to max. 100 dB(A).
4
Average sound pressure level in HVAC rooms located adjacent to passenger cabins must be limited
to max. 80 dB(A).
5
Arrangement of passenger cabins adjacent to engine rooms should be avoided. Otherwise specific
provisions are required to achieve limit values.



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Table 2.2 Noise Limits for Acoustic Privacy, Passenger Spaces (cont'd.)
On board Acoustic Privacy Impact Sound Insulation
(maximum permissible normalized sound pressure level index in dB
according to ISO 717/2 and ISO 140/7)
hc
Arrangements:
E 1 2 3 4
Pax cabins adjacent to pax cabins (soft floor) 46 48 50 52 54
Pax cabins adjacent to corridors (soft floor) 46 48 50 52 54
Pax cabins adjacent to crew spaces 46 48 50 52 54
Pax cabins adjacent to public spaces type 1 46 48 50 52 54
Pax cabins adjacent to public spaces type 1a maximum 46 dB
Pax cabins adjacent to public spaces type 2 (hard floor) 48 50 52 54 56
Pax cabins adjacent to public spaces type 2 (soft floor) 46 48 50 52 54
Pax cabins adjacent to service spaces (galleys, pantries etc.) 46 48 50 52 54
Pax cabins adjacent to open deck recreation areas
6
maximum 60 dB
Pax cabins adjacent to jogging paths, sport courts etc.
7 7 7 7

7

6
Arrangement of passenger and crew cabins below open deck recreation areas should be avoided.
However, if so arranged the limit of the normalised impact sound pressure level for cabins below
those spaces must be agreed upon between owner, yard and Germanischer Lloyd but must not
exceed 60 dB in any case.
7
Arrangement of passenger and crew cabins below jogging paths, sport courts etc. should be
avoided. However, if so arranged the limit of the normalised impact sound pressure level for
cabins adjacent to those spaces must be agreed upon between owner, yard and Germanischer
Lloyd.


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Table 2.3 Noise Limits, Crew Spaces
Sea Mode
1

Harbour
Operation
1

Thruster
Operation
2, 3

hc hc hc

Noise Level Limits in dB(A)
E 1 2 3 4 E 1 2 3 4 E 1 2 3 4
Work Spaces
Machinery spaces (not continuously manned)
5
110 110 110 110 110 110 110 110 110 110 110 110 110 110 110
Engine control rooms 67 69 71 73 75 64 66 68 70 72 67 69 71 73 75
Workshops 80 80 85 85 85 80 80 80 80 80
Open deck working areas
4

75 75 80 80 85 75 75 80 80 85 75 75 80 80 85
Stores
5
80 80 85 90 90 75 75 80 85 85
Indoor spaces not specified
5
90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90
Service Spaces
Galleys
6

68 70 72 75 75 66 68 70 75 75 68 70 72 75 75
Serveries, pantries
6
66 68 70 75 75 66 68 70 75 75 66 68 70 75 75
Navigation Spaces
Navigation bridge and chart rooms 55 55 60 60 65 55 55 60 60 65 58 58 60 60 65
Radio rooms 55 55 60 60 60 55 55 60 60 60 55 55 60 60 60
Listing posts, including outdoor bridge wings
7

65 65 70 70 70 65 65 65 70 70 65 65 70 70 70
Accommodation Spaces
Day and sleeping rooms / officers 50 52 54 56 58 50 52 54 56 58 62 64 66 68 70
Day and sleeping rooms / others 52 54 56 58 60 52 54 56 58 60 64 66 68 70 72
Mess rooms, offices, recreation rooms 57 59 61 63 65 57 59 61 63 65 66 68 70 72 74
Hospitals 54 56 58 60 60 54 56 58 60 60 64 66 68 70 72
Gymnasiums, treatment rooms 57 59 61 63 65 57 59 61 63 65
Corridors adjacent to cabins 58 60 62 64 66 56 58 60 62 64
Open deck recreation areas 68 70 72 75 75 68 70 72 75 75
1
In each space the noise level generated only by air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems must be limited to at least 4 dB(A)
below the required noise limit value for harbour operation (excluding work spaces and open recreation areas).
2
To be verified by measurements in the vicinity of thrusters only. All thrusters running at not less than 70 % of full load. The noise limits
are also to be maintained in standby operation of the thrusters.
3
Limit values valid provided that thrusters are in operation for a maximum of 4 hours out of 24 hours.
4
Spaces requiring verbal communication when berthing the ship (maximum 4 hours out of 24 hours).
5
Reference is made to IMO Resolution A.468 (XII) ear protectors should be worn when the noise level is above 85 dB(A).
6
With mechanical ventilation in normal operation.
7
Reference is made to IMO Resolution A.468 (XII) which also requires that the noise level at speed does not exceed 68 dB in the
1/1 octave band at 250 Hz and does not exceed 63 dB in the 1/1 octave band at 500 Hz.


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Table 2.4 Noise Limits for Acoustic Privacy, Crew Spaces
On board Acoustic Privacy Sound Insulation
(minimum required weighted apparent sound insulation index in dB
according to ISO 717/1 and ISO 140/4)
hc
Arrangements:
E 1 2 3 4
Cabins to cabins 40 38 36 34 32
Cabins to corridors 38 36 34 32 30
Cabins to stairways 56 54 52 50 48
Cabins to engine room casings, elevator casings etc.
1
58 56 54 52 50
Cabins to mess rooms, hospitals, gymnasiums, service spaces etc. 58 56 54 52 50
Cabins to engine rooms
2
60 58 56 54 52
1
The number of cabins located adjacent to engine rooms and elevator casings etc. should be minimized. If
possible, acoustic buffer zones (e.g., corridors, service stores, lockers etc.) should be arranged between
cabins and casings. The average sound pressure level in engine room casings shall be limited to max.
100 dB(A).
2
The arrangement of cabins adjacent to engine rooms should be avoided. Otherwise specific provisions are
required to achieve limit values.
On board Acoustic Privacy Impact Sound Insulation
(maximum permissible normalized sound pressure level in dB
according to ISO 717/2 and ISO 140/7)
hc
Arrangements:
E 1 2 3 4
Cabins adjacent to cabins 52 54 56 58 60
Cabins adjacent to dance floors, stages etc. 50 52 54 56 58
Cabins adjacent to gymnasiums 52 54 56 58 60
Cabins adjacent to service spaces (e.g. galleys, pantries etc.) 52 54 56 58 60

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Table 2.5 Vibration Limits, Passenger Spaces
Sea Mode
Harbour
Operation
Thruster
Operation
1

hc hc hc

Vibration Limits in mm/s
(overall frequency weighted rms
value 1 to 80 Hz)
E 1 2 3 4 E 1 2 3 4 E 1 2 3 4
Indoor Spaces Aft of Frame B
First-class cabins 1.1 1.5 1.9 2.3 2.6 1.6 2.0 2.4 2.8 3.2
Standard cabins 1.6 2.0 2.4 2.8 3.2 2.0 2.4 2.8 3.2 3.6
Public spaces, short exposure time 2.4 2.8 3.2 3.6 4.0
Public spaces, long exposure time 1.8 2.2 2.6 3.0 3.4
Corridors, staircases
Indoor Spaces Forward of Frame B
First-class cabins 0.8 1.2 1.6 2.0 2.4 1.6 2.0 2.4 2.8 3.2
Standard cabins 1.2 1.7 2.2 2.7 3.2 2.0 2.4 2.8 3.2 3.6
Public spaces, short exposure time 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0
Public spaces, long exposure time 1.4 1.9 2.4 2.9 3.4
Corridors, staircases
Outdoor Spaces Aft of Frame B
Open deck recreation areas 2.2 2.6 3.0 3.4 3.8
Open deck recreation areas of overhangs 2.4 2.8 3.2 3.6 4.0
Outdoor Spaces Forward of Frame B
Open deck recreation areas 2.0 2.4 2.8 3.2 3.6
Open deck recreation areas of overhangs 2.2 2.6 3.0 3.4 3.8
1
Thrusters operating at not less than 70 % of full load.


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Table 2.6 Vibration Limits, Crew Spaces
Sea Mode
Harbour
Operation
Thruster
Operation
1

hc hc hc

Vibration Level Limits in mm/s
(overall frequency weighted rms
value 1 to 80 Hz)
E 1 2 3 4 E 1 2 3 4 E 1 2 3 4
Work Spaces
Machinery spaces (not continuously manned) 4.4 4.8 5.2 5.6 6.0
Engine control rooms 2.4 2.8 3.2 3.6 4.0
Workshops 3.2 3.6 4.0 4.4 4.8
Stores 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0
Indoor spaces not specified 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0
Service Spaces
Galleys 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0
Serveries and pantries 2.4 2.8 3.2 3.6 4.0
Navigation Spaces
Navigation bridges and chart rooms 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0
Radio rooms 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0
Listing posts including navigation bridge wings 2.8 3.2 3.6 4.0 4.4
Accommodation Spaces
Day and sleeping rooms / officers 1.2 1.7 2.2 2.7 3.2 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0
Day and sleeping rooms / others 1.6 2.0 2.4 2.8 3.2
Mess rooms, offices, recreation rooms 2.0 2.4 2.8 3.2 3.6
Hospitals 1.2 1.7 2.2 2.7 3.2
Gymnasiums, treatment rooms 2.0 2.4 2.8 3.2 3.6
Corridors adjacent to cabins
Open deck recreation areas 2.6 3.0 3.4 3.8 4.2
1
Thrusters operating at not less than 70 % of full load


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Section 3

Required Measurements
A. General
1. Noise and vibration measurements and their
evaluation shall be carried out by experienced techni-
cians employed by a company authorized by Ger-
manischer Lloyd. If desired, GL will conduct meas-
urements with own experts.
2. Propulsion machinery power shall be veri-
fied during measurements.
3. Measurements shall be witnessed by a GL
surveyor.
B. Measuring Conditions
1. Sea mode
1.1 Propulsion machinery shall produce the
necessary power to reach the service speed of the
vessel as contractually agreed on. Power shall not be
less than 85 % of MCR.
1.2 Controllable pitch propellers, if any, to be in
normal seagoing position.
1.3 A condition with operating stabilizers to be
considered.
1.4 The minimum water depth during measure-
ments shall be at least five times the draught. The
loading condition should be the same as specified in
the contract. Deviations shall be submitted to Ger-
manischer Lloyd for approval prior to trials. For ships
normally operating in shallow waters, corresponding
conditions have to be chosen for measurements.
1.5 Sea state 3 (significant wave height approx.
1,25 m) and a wind speed of 4 Bft should not be
exceeded. For more severe weather conditions, the
acceptance of measurements will be decided by GL
on a case-by-case basis.
1.6 The course of the vessel shall be as straight
as possible. Minimum rudder movement is impera-
tive. Rudder angles shall not exceed 2 degrees.
1.7 The ship shall be fully outfitted, and all
systems contributing to noise and vibration shall be
in normal seagoing condition, i.e., all auxiliary ma-
chinery, navigation instruments, radar sets etc. shall
be in normal operation throughout measurements.
The communication radio shall be turned on, but not
operating.
Mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning equip-
ment shall be in normal operation (capacity to be in
accordance with design conditions). All air-
conditioning systems shall be adjusted prior to meas-
urements.
1.8 Noise and vibrations caused by any unneces-
sary human activity shall be avoided.
1.9 Passenger entertainment and public address
systems shall be switched off.
1.10 No passengers shall be on board. Exceptions
may be permitted.
1.11 Doors and windows shall, in general, be
closed.
2. Harbour operation
2.1 Measurements are permissible for water
depths smaller than for Sea Mode. The water depth
present during harbour measurements shall be re-
ported.
2.2 The presence of large noise-reflecting areas
in the vicinity of the vessel shall be reported.
2.3 The influence of external noise sources, such
as traffic, workshops etc., shall be reduced to a mini-
mum.
2.4 All machinery, mechanical ventilation and
air-conditioning equipment to be running in normal
port condition, as contractually agreed on between
owner and shipyard.
2.5 Requirements according to B.1.7 to 1.11
apply as well.
3. Thruster operation
3.1 Measurements shall be conducted in an open
sea area. The water depth shall be reported.
3.2 Ship speed shall be close to zero.
3.3 All machinery shall be running in normal
condition as necessary for Thruster Operation with
not less than 70 % of full load for each thruster.
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B
3.4 Additional noise measurements shall be
taken in selected pax and crew cabins during standby
operation of thrusters.
3.5 Requirements according to B.1.5 and 1.7 to
1.11 apply as well.
C. Performance of Measurements
1. Noise
1.1 Instrumentation
1.1.1 Integrating-averaging sound level meters
shall be applied. These should be able to store the
measured data.
1.1.2 The instrumentation system including mi-
crophone, cable and recording devices shall meet
requirements for a type 1 instrument as specified in
IEC 804.
1.1.3 The microphone shall be calibrated to have
an essentially flat frequency response in a diffuse
sound field.
1.1.4 A windscreen shall be used for outdoor
measurements.
1.1.5 If a windscreen is used for indoor meas-
uremts, the measured A-weighted sound pressure
level shall not be influenced by more than 0,5 dB
(A).
1.1.6 1/1 or 1/3 octave band filters shall comply
with the requirements of IEC 1260.
1.1.7 Class 1 sound calibrators complying with the
requirements of IEC 942 shall be used.
1.1.8 Calibration of measuring instrumentation:
The compliance of the integrating-averaging
sound level meter with requirements of IEC
804 shall be verified by the manufacturer or o-
ther authorized organization at least every two
years.
The compliance of the sound calibrator with
requirements of IEC 942 shall be verified by
the manufacturer or other authorized organiza-
tion at least every two years.
The date of last verification and confirmation
of compliance with relevant IEC standards
shall be recorded. Calibration sheets shall be
provided.
1.1.9 An instrument suitable of storing time sig-
nals in case of subjectively annoying low-frequency
sound (booming) or obvious tonal components shall
be provided.
1.2 Number of measurement positions
1.2.1 Noise level measurements in passenger
spaces
1.2.1.1 Cabins
The total number of measurement positions to be
taken in pax cabins depends on the net living space of
each room belonging to the individual pax cabin.
Net living space less than or equal to 20 m
2
:
one measurement position in the middle of the
room.
Net living space greater than 20 m
2
:
at least two measurement positions in the room.
On ships whose total number of passengers is less
than or equal to 150, noise measurements shall be
conducted in each pax cabin.
On ships whose total number of passengers is greater
than 150, the number of required measurement loca-
tions are defined in Table 3.1.
1.2.1.2 Public spaces of type 1 and 2
The selection of measurement positions shall be cho-
sen in a way that the noise situation can be evaluated
in each individual public space.
In small public spaces with an area less than or equal
to 40 m, at least one measurement position shall be
taken in the centre of the room.
In larger public spaces exceeding 40 m
2
, several mea-
surement positions shall be chosen. At least one mea-
surement position shall be taken for each 40 m
2
. It
shall be ensured that the distance between any two
measurement positions is not less than 2 m and not
greater than 7 m. Measurement positions selected
shall include positions where maximum noise levels
can be expected.
1.2.1.3 Corridors
Measurement positions shall be chosen where maxi-
mum noise levels can be expected (especially close to
air inlets and outlets of air-conditioning systems,
casings etc.). Furthermore, the maximum distance
between each two measurement positions depends on
the operating condition and the immission zone as
follows:
Sea Mode; aft of Frame C: 12 m
Sea Mode; forward of Frame C: 18 m
Harbour Operation; aft of Frame C: 18 m
Harbour Operation; forward of Frame C: 25 m
Thruster Operation: measurements not required.
Chapter 16
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Section 3 Required Measurements I - Part 1
GL 2003

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Table 3.1 Required Scope of Noise Measurements, Passenger and Crew Spaces
(Number of Passengers > 150)
Sea Mode
Harbour
Operation
2

Thruster
Operation
3

Verification Percentages
1

All hc All hc All hc
Indoor Spaces Aft of Frame A
Passenger first-class cabins
4
50 10 20
Passenger standard cabins
4
25 10 20
Crew day and sleeping rooms
4
30 10 20
Crew mess and recreation rooms
4
100 25 50
Work spaces, control rooms, offices etc.
4
100 25
Indoor Spaces Between Frame A and C
Passenger first-class cabins 25 10 10
Passenger standard cabins 25 10 10
Crew day and sleeping rooms 30 10 10
Crew mess and recreation rooms 100 25 25
Work spaces, control rooms, offices etc. 100 25
Indoor Spaces Between Frame C and D
Passenger first-class cabins 20 10 10
Passenger standard cabins 20 10 10
Crew day and sleeping rooms 20 10 10
Crew mess and recreation rooms 25 25 25
Work spaces, control rooms, offices etc. 25 25
Indoor Spaces Forward of Frame D
Passenger first-class cabins 20 10 20
Passenger standard cabins 10 10 20
Crew day and sleeping rooms 20 10 20
Mess and recreation rooms 25 25 50
Work spaces, control rooms, offices etc. 25 25
1
For spaces not referred to in this table, C.1.2.1 and 1.2.2 applies.
2
Especially spaces in the vicinity of main noise sources (where maximum noise levels can be expected or where obviously high noise
levels are observed during the noise survey).
3
Especially spaces close to thrusters (where maximum noise levels can expected or where obviously high noise levels are observed
during the noise survey).
4
Passenger indoor spaces aft of Frame A shall be considered during stern thrusters operation only.

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1.2.1.4 Main staircases
Measurement positions shall be taken at each stair-
case platform of each main staircase in Sea Mode and
Harbour Operation.
1.2.1.5 Outdoor spaces
Total number of measurement positions mainly de-
pend on the size of the passenger ship and on number
of air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation air
supply/exhaust openings located close to passenger
recreation areas.
In general, several measurement positions shall be
taken on passengers open recreation deck spaces
directly exposed to exhaust gas noise of the main
propulsion plant and auxiliary machinery. The same
applies to recreation areas located close to air sup-
ply/exhaust openings of mechanical ventilation sys-
tems.
The final noise measurement positions on passen-
gers open recreation deck spaces will be determined
by GL.
1.2.2 Noise level measurements in crew spaces
1.2.2.1 Accommodation and work spaces
The measurement positions shall be chosen according
to IMO Resolution A.486 (XII), chapter 2.8.
On ships whose total number of passengers is less
than or equal to 150, noise measurements shall be
conducted in each crew cabin for Sea Mode condi-
tion.
On ships whose total number of passengers is greater
than 150, the number of noise measurements required
for Sea Mode condition is given in Table 3.1.
Number of measurement positions for Harbour Op-
eration and Thruster Operation are given in Table
3.1, irrespective of the number of passengers.
1.2.3 Acoustic privacy measurements
1.2.3.1 Sound insulation
Measurements shall be conducted according to ISO
717/1 and ISO 140/4 in crew and passenger spaces.
Measurements shall be conducted in at least two
cabins of each type.
1.2.3.2 Impact sound insulation
Measurements shall be conducted according to ISO
717/2 and ISO 140/7 in crew and passenger spaces.
Measurements shall be conducted at least in two
cabins located close to relevant spaces for each com-
bination of cabin type and floor construction.
1.3 Measurement procedure
1.3.1 General
1.3.1.1 The most relevant standards to be observed
are:
ISO 2923
ISO 140
ISO 717
E DIN 45681
1.3.1.2 A maximum of three persons are allowed to
stay in the same indoor space/cabin when the noise
measurements are being conducted.
1.3.1.3 The equivalent continuous A-weighted
sound pressure level in dB(A) shall be measured. The
corresponding band levels of the 1/1 octave band mid
frequencies of at least 31,5 Hz to 8 000 Hz shall be
measured simultaneously. After each measurement,
all measured data shall be stored on the hard disk of
the sound level meter.
1.3.1.4 The calibration of the measuring instruments
shall be checked immediately before and after each
period of use. The calibration level shall be measured
and stored after each calibration.
1.3.1.5 Overall sound pressure level in dB(A), file
number of the data storage (ID number), measure-
ment location, noise limit according to hc target and
subjective noise impression shall be recorded and
immediately noted in measurement protocol sheets
after recording, see Annex D.
1.3.1.6 The sound level instrumentation shall be set
to "fast" response. The measuring time shall be at
least 15 seconds if the fluctuation of the overall
sound pressure level is equal to or less than
3 dB(A). If fluctuations exceed 3 dB(A) or if the
sound is cyclic or irregular, the instrument setting
shall be changed to "slow" response and the measur-
ing time shall be extended to at least 30 seconds.
1.3.1.7 During each measurement, the microphone
shall slowly be moved horizontally and/or vertically
over a distance of approximately 0,5 m.
1.3.1.8 In spaces such as radio and radar rooms,
care should be taken to ensure that any electrical
interference present does not give rise to a false indi-
cation of the noise level.
1.3.1.9 A microphone windscreen shall be used
when measuring noise levels on open deck spaces
and also below decks where there is any substantial
air movement. When used for indoor spaces, C.1.1.5
has to be observed.
1.3.1.10 Wind noise, e.g. wind trash, singing or simi-
lar effects has to be reported for surveyed outdoor
spaces.
1.3.1.11 For measurements in passenger spaces, it is
recommended to position the microphone at an aver-
age height of approx. 1,4 m to cover both the position
of a sitting and a standing person.
1.3.1.12 The microphone position should not be
closer than 0,5 m to boundary surfaces, e.g. lining
walls, ceilings, windows, floors and bulkheads.
Chapter 16
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Section 3 Required Measurements I - Part 1
GL 2003

C
1.3.2 Acoustic privacy
1.3.2.1 Measurements shall be conducted according
to ISO 717-1, ISO 717-2, ISO 140/4 and ISO 140/7.
1.3.2.2 For sound transmission measurements be-
tween corridor and cabin, the microphone position in
the cabin (receiver room) shall be located where
passengers normally stay.
1.3.3 Presence of secondary noise sources
In general, secondary noise sources (e.g. rattling,
knocking and squeaking noises from doors, panels,
furniture, fittings or fixtures etc.) shall be eliminated
in crew and passenger accommodation spaces.
1.3.4 Presence of obvious tonal components
1.3.4.1 In general, obvious tonal components in
passenger and crew spaces will not be accepted for
any of the conditions: Sea Mode, Harbour Operation
and Thruster Operation.
1.3.4.2 Obvious tonal components audible in pax
cabins and/or in passenger public spaces and/or in
crew accommodation spaces shall be reported, see
Annex D.
1.3.4.3 The tone rating procedure, as mentioned in
Annex B, shall be applied in passenger spaces where
steady noise with audible discrete tones is present. In
general, the application of this tone rating procedure
does not depend on the hc target, but will be handled
in a stricter manner for ships with a hc target E, 1 and
2.
1.3.4.4 This procedure shall also be applied in crew
accommodation spaces on board ships with an hc
target of E, 1 and 2. For ships with an hc target 3 or
4, IMO Resolution A.468 (XII) shall be applied.
1.3.5 Presence of booming effects
1.3.5.1 In general, the presence of annoying low-
frequency sound (booming effects) occurring in pas-
senger and crew spaces during Sea Mode, Harbour
Operation and Thruster Operation will not be ac-
cepted.
1.3.5.2 Annoying low-frequency sound audible in
pax cabins and/or in passenger public spaces and/or
in crew accommodation spaces shall be reported, see
Annex D.
1.3.5.3 When booming effects are present in pas-
senger spaces, the booming rating procedure as men-
tioned in Annex B shall be applied, irrespective of
the hc target chosen for the ship.
1.3.5.3.1 The procedure as described in IMO Reso-
lution A.468 (XII) shall be applied in crew accom-
modation spaces and does not depend on the hc target
chosen for the ship.
1.3.6 Presence of impulse noise
1.3.6.1 In general, impulse noise in passenger and
crew spaces will not be accepted for any of the condi-
tions: Sea Mode, Harbour Operation and Thruster
Operation.
1.3.6.2 The presence of impulse noise shall be de-
termined according to the definition as given in
Annex B.
2. Vibration
2.1 Instrumentation
2.1.1 The equipment shall be calibrated at periodic
intervals of not more than two years. Calibration
sheets shall be provided.
2.1.2 On non-magnetic floors, measuring sensors
should preferably be mounted on a three-legged plate
with a minimum weight of 1500 g.
2.1.3 The instrumentation shall allow for calcula-
tion of the weighted rms value in terms of vibration
velocity according to ISO 6954.
2.1.4 Provision shall be made for the storage of all
spectra and a limited number of time records.
2.1.5 The instrumentation shall comply with re-
quirements of ISO 8041.
2.2 Number of measurement positions
2.2.1 The required number of measurement posi-
tions depends on the vibration direction to be meas-
ured (longitudinal, transverse or vertical).
2.2.2 Measurement positions for assessing longi-
tudinal vibrations shall be chosen in a way that meas-
urement results adequately reflect the global level. At
least one measurement position should be chosen at
the inner bottom, the strength (weather) deck and the
top deck level.
2.2.3 Measurement positions for assessing trans-
verse vibrations shall be chosen in a way that results
adequately reflect the global level. Measurement
positions should be located at the strength (weather)
deck of the vessel and at the highest deck of ship. The
longitudinal distance of measurement positions shall
not exceed L
pp
/4.
2.2.4 The scope of measurements in vertical direc-
tion for passenger and crew accommodation areas,
expressed in verification percentages, is listed in
Table 3.2.
2.2.5 In rooms/spaces of a more unique character,
e.g. public spaces, open deck recreation areas, of-
fices, mess rooms etc., the vertical vibration level
shall be measured individually for each room/space.
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Section 3 Required Measurements Chapter 16
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Normally, measurements will be carried out in the
centre of the room.
2.2.6 For rooms/spaces with an area exceeding
40 m
2
, several measurement positions shall be chosen
(at least one position per 40 m
2
) in a way that subjec-
tively high vibrations in vertical direction are cov-
ered.
2.3 Measureme nt procedure
2.3.1 The relevant standards are ISO 4867 and
4868.
2.3.2 The velocity spectrum, achieved by an FFT
analysis of the measured time series, shall generally
be made available, i.e. during sea trials. The spectrum
shall be stored.
2.3.3 If desired by GL experts, for instance if
beating occurs, time records of selected measurement
positions shall be recorded and stored.
2.3.4 To ensure comparability of the spectra, the
following parameters shall be applied for data acqui-
sition and signal processing:
Measurement time per point: 1 min
Sampling rate: 300 1/s
Spectral frequency range: 1 Hz to 80 Hz
Minimum spectral resolution: 0,2 Hz
FFT window function: flat top (if not available,
Hanning window)
FFT averaging mode: linear averaging (stable
mean)
2.3.5 The results shall be presented as weighted
rms values in terms of vibration velocity.

Table 3.2 Required Scope of Vibration Measurements, Passenger and Crew Spaces, Vertical Direction
Verification Percentages
1

Sea
Mode
Harbour
Operation
Thruster
Operation
Aft of Frame B
Passenger first-class cabins 50 30
2

Passenger standard cabins 30 30
2

Crew day and sleeping rooms 30 30
2

Spaces Between Frame B and D
Passenger first-class cabins 20
Passenger standard cabins 10
Crew day and sleeping rooms 10
Spaces Forward of Frame D
Passenger first-class cabins 20 30
Passenger standard cabins 10 30
Crew day and sleeping rooms 10 30
1
For spaces not referred to in this table, C.2.2.5 and 2.2.6 applies.
2
For vessels equipped with stern thruster only.

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Section 3 Required Measurements I - Part 1
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C
D. Survey Programmes
1. General
Different types of measurements which are to be
conducted on board shall be described in six individ-
ual Survey Programmes:
Noise Vibration
Part I: Sea Mode
Part II: Harbour Operation
Part III: Thruster Operation
Part IV: Acoustic Privacy
Part V: Sea Mode
Part VI: Thruster Operation

At least three months prior to measurements the cor-
responding Survey Programmes should be submitted
to GL for approval.
All Survey Programmes shall be based on the final
design stage of the ship and shall be presented in
form of an A4-sized document with numbered pages.
The use of A3 format is restricted to drawings.
Moreover, programmes are meant to give the persons
performing measurements necessary background
information for a straightforward execution of meas-
urements.
2. Data and drawings
2.1 Following items form the standard informa-
tion required for approval of the Survey Programmes;
additional documents can be required if deemed nec-
essary.
2.2 General arrangement drawings of the ship
(preferred scale 1:50, 1:100, 1:250 or 1:500).
2.3 Machinery arrangement drawings, including
casing arrangement and machinery legend (preferred
scale 1:100, 1:250 or 1:500).
2.4 Drawing for thermal, fire and sound protec-
tion, including insulation details (e.g. sketches, mate-
rial properties etc.).
2.5 Floor and deck covering drawings (thermal,
fire and sound protection), including insulation de-
tails (e.g. sketches, material and acoustical properties
etc.) .
2.6 General arrangement drawings of mechani-
cal ventilation systems, including location of HVAC
rooms. All relevant structure-borne and airborne
noise sources shall be indicated in the drawings (in-
cluding the air supply / exhaust openings of mechani-
cal ventilation and HVAC systems).
2.7 Data and drawings required according to
ISO 717-1 and ISO 717-2.
2.8 Acoustic privacy plan (see Annex B).
2.9 Detailed description (sketches, material
properties etc.) of noise abatement measures which
are provided in cabins adjacent to machinery spaces,
casings, trunks etc.
3. Content of each Survey Programme
3.1 Target hc
pass
and hc
crew

3.2 Ship particulars
3.3 Main data of propulsion plant, propeller,
auxiliary engines.
3.4 Environmental conditions expected during
measurements.
3.5 Permissible range of wind speed, sea state
and water depth.
3.6 Operating conditions expected during meas-
urements.
Loading condition, displacement, draughts, power
and speed of main engine, propeller and auxiliary
machinery.
3.7 Measurement instrumentation
3.8 Prepared measurement protocol sheets and
sketches for each immission zone.
Table indicating for each measurement position:
number, location (frame, transverse offset from CL,
deck level), measurement direction, kind and area
[m] of space/room and limit values corresponding to
hc target.
Measurement positions plotted in general arrange-
ment plans indicating number, position and direction
to be measured.
E. Survey Report
A Survey Report contains all results of each meas-
urement on board, executed on the basis of the Sur-
vey Programmes.
Each Survey Report shall contain the following do-
cumentation:
1. Ship and machinery data
2. Loading condition
3. Any deviation from the Survey Programmes,
e.g. environmental and operation condition, meas-
urement locations, number, instrumentation etc.
4. Wind speed and direction, sea state (esti-
mated wave height and direction), ship course and
speed
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E
5. Filled-in measurement protocol sheets for
noise and vibration.
6. Calculation of overall hc achieved on the
basis of measurement results.
7. All measured 1/1 and/or 1/3 octave band
noise levels shall be submitted (CD, discettes or via
e-mail).
8. All measured vibration spectra shall be sub-
mitted (CD, discettes or via e-mail). The same applies
to selected time series if desired by GL surveyor.

Chapter 16
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Section 3 Required Measurements I - Part 1
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E
Section 4

Calculation Procedure of hc
Class_Notation
A. Determination of Single hc
The measured overall values for each individual
measuring location during the acceptance tests (see
Section 3) are transformed to the corresponding sin-
gle hc on the basis of the limits given in Section 2.
The measurement values must not be rounded, i.e.:
A measured noise level of 46,1 dB(A)
exceeds a given limit of 46 dB(A),
A measured vibration level of 3,21 mm/s
exceeds a given limit of 3,2 mm/s.
B. Averaging of Single hc
All hc have to be determined separately for passenger
and crew spaces.
When averaging, for the hc 'E' the value '0' must be
used.
For hc
Class_Notation
E, 1 and 2 the single hc must not
exceed the desired hc
Class_Notation
by more than 2 cate-
gories.
For hc
Class_Notation
3 and 4 the measured noise and
vibration levels must not exceed the respective limit
values by more than 2 dB or 1,0 mm/s.
If the single hc is smaller than the desired
hc
Class_Notation
, the latter must be used for the average
hc calculation.
For vibration only: In a room/space with several
measurement positions, the tar-
get hc shall not be exceeded at
more than one position.
1. Noise
1.1 The hc
SPL_Cabins
is defined as the arithmetic
mean value (average hc) of all single hc determined
during the required acceptance trials for the sound
pressure level in passenger and crew cabins, accord-
ing to the following ranges:
hc
SPL_Cabins
= E for average hc = 0,00 to 0,25
hc
SPL_Cabins
= 1 for average hc = 1,00 to 1,25
hc
SPL_Cabins
= 2 for average hc = 2,00 to 2,25
hc
SPL_Cabins
= 3 for average hc = 3,00 to 3,25
hc
SPL_Cabins
= 4 for average hc = 4,00
1.2 The hc
SPL_Others
is defined as the arithmetic
mean value (average hc) of all single hc determined
during the required acceptance trials for the sound
pressure level in passenger and crew spaces other
than cabins, according to the following tolerances:
hc
SPL_Others
= E for average hc = 0,00 to 0,35
hc
SPL_Others
= 1 for average hc = 1,00 to 1,35
hc
SPL_Others
= 2 for average hc = 2,00 to 2,35
hc
SPL_Others
= 3 for average hc = 3,00 to 3,35
hc
SPL_Others
= 4 for average hc = 4,00
1.3 The hc
AcousticPrivacy
is defined as the arithmetic
mean value (average hc) of all single hc determined
during the required acceptance trials for the sound
and impact sound insulation, according to the follow-
ing tolerances:
hc
AcousticPrivacy
= E for average hc = 0,00 to 0,35
hc
AcousticPrivacy
= 1 for average hc = 1,00 to 1,35
hc
AcousticPrivacy
= 2 for average hc = 2,00 to 2,35
hc
AcousticPrivacy
= 3 for average hc = 3,00 to 3,35
hc
AcousticPrivacy
= 4 for average hc = 4,00
2. Vibration
2.1 The hc
LongVib
corresponds to the worst sin-
gle hc determined by measurements of the longitudi-
nal vibrations during the required acceptance trials.
2.2 The hc
TransvVib
corresponds to the worst sin-
gle hc

determined by measurements of the transverse
vibrations during the required acceptance trials.
2.3 The hc
VertVib
is defined as the arithmetic
mean value (average hc) of all single hc determined
by measurements of the vertical vibrations during the
required acceptance trials, according to the following
tolerances:
hc
VertVib
= E for average hc = 0,00 to 0,10
hc
VertVib
= 1 for average hc = 1,00 to 1,10
hc
VertVib
= 2 for average hc = 2,00 to 2,10
hc
VertVib
= 3 for average hc = 3,00 to 3,10
hc
VertVib
= 4 for average hc = 4,00 to 4,10
I - Part 1
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Section 4 Calculation Procedure of hcClass_Notation Chapter 16
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B
C. Determination of hc
Class_Notation

The hc
Class_Notation
is determined separately for passen-
ger and crew spaces.
The hc
Class_Notation
is the worst hc out of the following
six hc, taking the three types of conditions into ac-
count (Sea Mode, Harbour Operation and Thruster
Operation):
Noise: hc
SPL_Cabins

hc
SPL_Others
hc
Acoustic_Privacy
Vibration: hc
Long_Vib

hc
Transv_Vib

hc
Vert_Vib





























Chapter 16
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Section 4 Calculation Procedure of hcClass_Notation I - Part 1
GL 2003

C
Annex A

Standards
A. General
1. If these Rules contain procedures deviating
from the relevant standards, these Rules shall have
priority.
B. Standards
1. Noise standards
IMO Resolution A.468 (XII): 1982, "Code on
noise levels on board ship"
IMO Resolution A.343 (IX): 1975-11, "Rec-
ommendation on Methods of Measuring Noise
Levels at Listening Posts"
ISO 2923, 1996-12, "Acoustics Measurement
of noise on board vessels"
ISO 31-7: 1992-09, "Quantities and units of
acoustics"
IEC 651: 2001-10, Ed. 1.2, "Sound level me-
tres"
IEC 1260: 1995-08 and IEC 1260-am1: 2001-
09, Electroacoustics - Octave-band and frac-
tional-octave-band filters"
IEC Publication 804, and amendment no. 1,
1989, "Integrating/averaging sound level me-
ters"
IEC 942: 1997-11, Ed. 2.0 and IEC 942-am1:
200-10, Ed. 2.0 "Sound calibrators"
ISO 717/1: 1996-12, "Acoustics Rating of
sound insulation in buildings and of building
elements Part 1: Airborne sound insulation in
buildings and interior elements"
ISO 717/2: 1996-12, "Acoustics Rating of
sound insulation in buildings and of building
elements Part 2: Impact sound insulation"
ISO 140/4: 1998-12, "Acoustics Measure-
ment of sound insulation in buildings and of
building elements Part 4: Field measurements
of airborne sound insulation between rooms"
ISO 140/7: 1998-12, "Acoustics Measure-
ment of sound insulation in buildings and of
building elements Part 7: Field measurements
of impact sound insulation of floors"
ISO 1999: 1990-01, "Acoustics Determina-
tion of occupational noise exposure and estima-
tion of noise-induced hearing impairment"
E DIN 45681: 1992-01, "Bestimmung der Ton-
haltigkeit von Geruschen und Ermittlung eines
Tonzuschlages fr die Beurteilung von Ge-
ruschimmissionen" ("Detection of tonal com-
ponents of noise and determination of a tone
adjustment for the assessment of noise immis-
sion")
2. Vibration standards
ISO 6954: 2000E, "Mechanical vibration
Guidelines for the measurement, reporting and
evaluation of vibration with regard to habitabil-
ity on passenger and merchant ships"
ISO 2631-1: 1997 (E), "Mechanical vibration
and shock Evaluation of human exposure to
whole-body vibration Part 1: General re-
quirements"
ISO 2631-2: 1989 (E), "Mechanical vibration
and shock Evaluation of human exposure to
whole body vibration Part 2: Continuous
and shock induced vibration in buildings
(1 - 80 Hz)"
ISO 4867: 1984 (E), "Code for the measure-
ment and reporting of shipboard vibration data"
ISO 4868: 1984 (E), "Code for the measure-
ment and reporting of local vibration data of
ship structures and equipment"
ISO 8041: 1990 (E), "Human response to vibra-
tion Measuring instrumentation"
Germanischer Lloyd, Ed. 2000, "Rules for
Classification and Construction, I Ship Tech-
nology, Part 1 Seagoing Ships, Chapter 2
Machinery Installations"
I - Part 1
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Annex A Standards Chapter 16
Page A1

B


Annex B

Definitions
A. Important Definitions
Angular frequency, circular frequency:
[rad/s] is the product of the frequency of a
sinusoidal quantity and the factor 2 :
= 2 f
Acoustic privacy:
"Privacy" from an acoustical point of view, i.e.
the state of being alone and relatively undis-
turbed with regard to noise emissions from
neighbouring cabins, sanitary cells, corridors,
public spaces, open deck recreation spaces,
service spaces etc. (sound and impact sound in-
sulation).
Acoustic privacy plan:
Drawings showing the arrangement of all cabin
types including noise limit values to be kept.
See also "cabin type".
Auxiliary machinery:
Machinery, other than main propulsion ma-
chinery, operating when the ship is in normal
service, e.g. auxiliary diesel engines, turbo-
generators, hydraulic motors and pumps, com-
pressors, boilers, ventilation fans, gears,
pumps.
Abatement measures:
Noise and/or vibration control measures, e.g.
with the aim of reducing the airborne and/or
structure-borne noise emission as well as of vi-
bration levels of structures, equipment etc.
A-weighted sound pressure level L
Aeq
or
L
Aeq,T
:
The A-weighted equivalent continuous sound
pressure level using the frequency weighting
"A" as specified in the IEC publication 60651
within a measurement time interval T.
Beat, beating:
Periodic amplitude variations of an oscillation
resulting from the superposition of two excita-
tion sources of slightly different frequencies.
Beating which occurs in the audible frequency
range is experienced as being annoying.
Boom, booming:
Deep, hollow resonant low-frequency sound in
the range between 16 and 125 Hz. Booming is
mainly due to one or more discrete tonal com-
ponents of significantly greater amplitudes than
those of the adjacent spectrum level. Booming
is experienced as being annoying and can only
be detected subjectively. See also "steady noise
with audible discrete tones".
Booming rating procedure:
Procedure for measuring and assessing the
occurrence of audible discrete tones below
125 Hz (booming effect). The procedure devel-
oped by Germanischer Lloyd is based on ex-
perimental investigations on board ships.
As result of this procedure a booming adjust-
ment (C
B
in dB(A)) is established. The noise
rating level has to be used for further evalua-
tion.
Bathroom:
A room in which there is, e.g. a shower and/or
a bathtub, a washbasin, a toilet etc. In these
Rules, the area of a bathroom is greater than
6 m
2
.
Cabin type:
Cabins with different types of interior systems
(lining walls, ceilings, doors, etc.), floor con-
structions, floor coverings etc. See also
"Acoustic Privacy Plan".
Crew spaces:
Cabins, offices (for carrying out the ship's
business), hospitals, mess rooms, recreation
rooms (such as lounges, smoke rooms, cine-
mas, libraries, hobby and game rooms) and
open recreation areas used by officers, hotel
staff and crew.
Corridors:
Passageways/alleyways arranged in crew and
passenger spaces.
Displacement ():
Displacement of the vessel in metric tonnes.
Dressing-room:
A room for putting on clothes and a place
where clothes are stored, usually in a built-in
wardrobe. In these Rules, the area of a dressing
room is greater than 8 m
2
. Otherwise the dress-
ing room is not to be defined as a "room".
Drivingpoint impedance:
In a mathematical sense, the complex ratio of
force to velocity taken at the same point in a
I - Part 1
GL 2003
Annex B Definitions Chapter 16
Page B1

A
mechanical system during simple harmonic
motion.
Engine or shaft speed:
Number of revolutions per minute [rpm]
Equivalent continuous sound pressure level
L
eq
or L
eq
,
T
:
Unweighted sound pressure level of a continu-
ous steady sound. Within a measurement time
interval T this sound has the same mean square
sound pressure as a sound under consideration
that varies with time. It is expressed in decibels
by the following equation:

( )
( )
2
t
2
eq eq T 10
2 1 o t
1
p t
1
L L , 10 log dt
t t p



= =





where:
(t
2
t
1
) = is the period T over which the aver-
age is taken, starting at t
1
and end-
ing at t
2

p (t) = unweighted instantaneous rms
sound pressure between 16 and
16 000 Hz
p
0
= 2 10
5
Pa (reference level)
Exposure time (vibration):
A distinction is made as to whether the rooms
or spaces are characterized by "short" or "long"
exposure times. Typical rooms/spaces with
short exposure times are receptions, shops, al-
leyways, staircases, lobbies, sanitary rooms etc.
Typical rooms/spaces with long exposure times
are restaurants, cafeterias, bars, theatres, cine-
mas, lounges, conference rooms, hospitals, dis-
cos etc.
Fluctuating noise:
The measured sound pressure level (e.g. pointer
of the display) varies more than 3 decibels
with the "slow" meter characteristic switched
on. Impulse noise must be excluded.
Frame A, B, C, D:
See "immission zones"
Hard floor:
Floor characterized by a relatively "hard" final
covering, e.g. uncovered steel deck, wood,
tiles, marble, PVC etc. fitted on top of floating
floors, viscoelastic floors, normal deck compo-
nents, steel decks etc.
Hotel staff spaces:
See "crew spaces"
HVAC:
Heating, venting and air-conditioning system
Immission zones:
Typical noise and vibration immission zones
are defined as follows:
Frame A:
A virtual frame section at a maximum
distance of 3 times the propeller diameter
in front of the propeller plane.
Frame B:
A virtual frame section or the aft main
vertical fire zone bulkhead a distance of at
least 0,15 Lpp in front of the propeller
plane.
Frame C:
Forward bulkhead of forward engine room
(main or auxiliary diesel engine room).
Frame D:
20 m aft of rear bulkhead of bow thruster
room.
Impedance:
See "driving-point impedance"
Impulse noise:
Noise of less than one second duration that
occurs as an isolated event or as one of a series
of events with a repetition rate of less than
15 times per second. The presence of impulse
noise shall be determined by obtaining the dif-
ference between the equivalent continuous
sound pressure level measured with time
weighting "impulse" and "fast". If the differ-
ence is more than 2 dB, the presence of impulse
noise may be assumed.
Impulse rating procedure:
Procedure for measuring and assessing the
occurrence of impulse noise events. As result
of this GL procedure an impulse adjustment
(C
I
in dB(A)) is established. The noise rating
level has to be used for further evaluation.
Integrating sound level meter:
A sound level meter designed or adapted to
measure the level of the mean squared time av-
eraged A-weighted sound pressure level (IEC
804).
ISO noise rating (NR) number:
The number found by plotting the 1/1 octave
band spectrum of the NR curves given in ISO
Standard R 1996-1967 and selecting the highest
noise rating curve tangent to the spectrum .
Chapter 16
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Annex B Definitions I - Part 1
GL 2003

A
Machinery spaces:
All spaces containing propulsion machinery,
boilers, steam and internal combustion engines,
generators and major electrical machinery, oil
filling stations, refrigerating, stabilizing, hy-
draulic units, air-conditioning cooling com-
pressors, etc.
Maximum continuous rating (MCR):
Designed maximum continuous power rating of
main engines.
Measured SPL:
The sound pressure level measured with a
sound level meter or sound measurement in-
strumentation. The measured SPL shall be ex-
pressed to one decimal place.
Net living space:
Total living area of an individual pax cabin
without sanitary cell and balcony in square me-
tres.
Noise level:
See "A-weighted sound pressure level".
NRC:
Noise rating curve, see "ISO noise rating (NR)
number".
Noise rating level:
The noise rating level L
A, r
is defined as fol-
lows:

A, r Aeq T I B
L L C C C = + + + in dB(A)
L
A, r
is the noise rating level in dB(A)
L
Aeq
is the measured overall A-weighted
sound pressure level
C
T,
C
I
, C
B
are adjustments as result of the
tone, impulse and booming rating
procedure
NoiseFEM:
The Noise Finite Element Method (NoiseFEM)
developed by Germanischer Lloyd makes it
possible to predict the propagation of structure-
borne noise energy in complex ship structures.
For this purpose the NoiseFEM uses the ge-
ometry and material data of existing global fi-
nite element models created mainly for strength
and vibration computations. NoiseFEM is
based on principles also used in SEA. For de-
tailed information see:
C. Cabos and H. G. Matthies:
"A method for the prediction of structure-
borne noise propagation in ships", Proceed-
ings of the 6th international congress on
sound and vibration 1999, Technical Univer-
sity of Denmark
Normal service speed:
Shaft speed and propulsion power correspond-
ing to service speed contractually agreed on, at
least at 85 % MCR.
Officers spaces:
See "crew spaces".
Overall frequency-weighted rms value:
The overall frequency-weighted rms value has
to be determined according to ISO 6954, sec-
ond edition 2000-12-15.
Overhang:
An overhang in this context is the part of a
deck area protruding the vertical support (walls,
pillars).
Passenger:
Any person on board other than members of the
crew or persons employed or engaged in any
capacity for the business of that ship.
Pax cabins:
All types of cabins (e.g. suite, first-class, stan-
dard cabin etc.) intended to be used by passen-
gers.
Passenger indoor spaces:
All areas used by passengers in enclosed spaces
of the vessel.
Passenger outdoor spaces:
All outdoor recreation areas to where passenger
access is foreseen.
Public spaces, type 1:
Enclosed spaces for passenger recreation where
the noise level normally is or may be high
when in use, e.g. entertainment spaces such as
discos, theatres, cinemas, gymnasiums, etc.
Public spaces, type 1a:
Separated deck/floor spaces of public spaces
type 1 such as dance floors, stages and gymna-
sium floors.
Public spaces, type 2:
Enclosed spaces for passenger recreation where
the noise level is not normally high (approx.
75 dB(A)) or can be expected to be low
(approx. 65 dB(A)) when in use, e.g. confer-
ence rooms, casinos, restaurants, bars, shops,
atriums, galleries, receptions, observation
lounges, libraries etc.
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Annex B Definitions Chapter 16
Page B3

A
RMS value:
The rms value of a single-valued function, f(t),
over an interval between t
1
and t
2
is

( )
1 2
t
2 2
t
1
2 1
f t dt
rms value
t t

Room space:
Total room area of an individual public space
in square metres.
SEA:
Statistical Energy Analysis. For detailed infor-
mation see:
R. H. Lyon and R. G. DeJong,
"Theory and Applications of Statistical En-
ergy Analysis", Butterworth Heinemann,
Boston 1995
Soft floor:
Floor characterized by a relatively soft final
covering, e.g. carpets, carpeting etc., fitted on
top of floating floors, viscoelastic floors, nor-
mal deck compounds, steel decks etc.
Sound pressure level "L":
A measure of sound level on logarithmic scale
given by:
[ ]
10
0
p
L 20 log dB
p

=



where:
p = rms value of measured sound pressure
between 16 and 16 000 Hz
p
0
= 2 10
5
Pa reference level
Steady noise without audible discrete tones:
Level fluctuations equal to or less than 3
decibels. This type of noise is frequently re-
ferred to as "broad-band" noise. Obvious tonal
components of noise (tonality and/or booming)
in the whole audible frequency range between
16 and 16 000 Hz are absent or negligibly
small.
Steady noise with audible discrete tones:
This type of noise has components at one or
more discrete frequencies having significantly
greater amplitudes than those of the adjacent
spectrum level. Audible discrete tonal compo-
nents of noise (tonality and/or booming) can
occur in the whole audible frequency range be-
tween 16 and 16 000 Hz.
Sanitary cell:
A space in which there is, e.g. a shower and/or
bathtub, a washbasin, a toilet etc. In these
Rules, the room space of a sanitary cell is less
than or equal to 6 m
2
. Sanitary cells are not de-
fined as "rooms".
Suite:
First-class passenger cabin/space with a set of
at least two adjacent rooms, e.g. bedroom, liv-
ing room and/or sitting room, bathroom, dress-
ing room etc.
Tonality, annoying discrete tone:
A sound wave whose instantaneous sound
pressure varies essentially as a simple sinusoi-
dal function of time (pure tone). Tonality is ex-
perienced as being annoying and can only be
detected subjectively. Tonality is defined in the
frequency range between 125 and 16 000 Hz. It
is mainly caused by main reduction gears,
pumps, air-conditioning cooling compressor
units, thruster gears, HVAC inlet and outlet
openings etc.
Tone rating procedure:
Procedure for measuring and evaluating the
occurrence of tonality. It was developed by
Germanischer Lloyd on the basis of national
standards and experimental investigations on
board ships.
As a result of this procedure, a tone adjustment
(C
T
in dB(A)) is established. The noise rating
level has to be used for further evaluation.

Chapter 16
Page B4
Annex B Definitions I - Part 1
GL 2003

A
Annex C

Recommendations to Reduce Noise and Vibration
A. General
1. To maintain the required noise and vibration
levels various investigations and noise and vibration
reduction measures are recommended. This is true for
the planning, design, fabrication and testing phase of
a newbuilding.
B. Considerations Regarding Excitation
Forces
By nature, the reduction of noise and vibration exci-
tation forces is the most effective way to reduce the
noise and vibration levels. Therefore it is recom-
mended:
to optimise the ship's lines by model tests in
order to achieve an appropriate wake distribu-
tion
to optimise the propeller design with regard to
noise and vibration excitation by cavitation
tank tests
to take into account the noise and vibration
excitation characteristics of main and auxiliary
machinery, gear, bow thruster etc. by appropri-
ate choice of suppliers
C. Theoretical Investigations
1. Noise and vibration aspects should be con-
sidered as early as possible in the design process.
2. The extent of the theoretical investigations
necessary depends on the experience of the yard with
the relevant ship type and the hc which shall be
achieved. As a guideline the analyses summarised in
Table C.1. are recommended.
The following types of investigations are distin-
guished:
Review of General Arrangement Plan
Prior to detailed investigations, the general arrange-
ment plan is reviewed with regard to noise and vibra-
tion.
Local Vibration Calculation
Natural frequencies of plate fields, stiffeners and
small regularly stiffened panels are estimated by
means of empirical formulas. The objective is to
avoid resonance with main excitation frequencies.
Added masses as well as hydrodynamic masses have
to be considered. Attention should especially focus
on local structures in the vicinity of excitation
sources (e.g. main propulsion, bow and stern thrust-
ers) as well as on structural components of public,
living and working spaces. Natural frequencies of all
structural components shall be chosen to have a suffi-
cient margin to main excitation frequencies.
Noise Prediction
A noise prediction is conducted at an early design
stage. Semi-empirical noise prediction programmes
are applied to predict the average airborne noise
levels. Noise limits specified for passenger and crew
spaces are compared with predicted values.
Global Vibration Level Prediction
In a global vibration level prediction, the vibration
level at "global" points of the ship structure is esti-
mated on the basis of a forced vibration calculation in
the lower frequency range (~ 1 Hz to 20 Hz). Dy-
namic magnification due to local resonances of plate
fields, stiffeners or panels is not considered. These
local structural systems are investigated separately
(see "Local Vibration Calculation").
The vibration level is estimated for relevant loading
conditions at representative points of the ship struc-
ture.
If the expected vibration level exceeds specified
limits, modifications of the steel structure, a different
number of propeller blades, arrangement of compen-
sators, etc. are proposed as possible means of im-
provement.
Detailed Vibration Level Prediction
A detailed vibration level prediction represents an
extension of a global vibration level prediction, i.e.,
the dynamic magnification due to vibrations of large
deck panel structures is considered. The distribution
of homogeneous and inhomogeneous masses on
decks are taken into account as realistically as possi-
ble. Detailed Impedance Investigation
Driving-point impedance levels (frequency range
approx. 50 to 300 Hz) of machinery foundations,
shell constructions above the propeller and of other
critical areas are determined by means of detailed
local finite element models as early as possible dur-
ing the design stage. The aim of such an investigation
is to optimize relevant parts of the ship structure from
an acoustical point of view.
I - Part 1
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Annex C Recommendations to Reduce Noise and Vibration Chapter 16
Page C1

C
NoiseFEM Analysis / Statistical Energy Analysis
(SEA)
With an SEA or a NoiseFEM analysis, the sound
propagation within the structure is predicted. Consid-
ering the main structural members, the structure-
borne noise intensity flow is calculated for each sub-
system of the SEA/NoiseFEM model. Then the en-
ergy level within each subsystem is used for predict-
ing average structure-borne and airborne noise levels
in the ship.
D. Secondary Measures
1. If the theoretical investigations reveal that
the required noise and vibration levels probably can
not be maintained secondary measures should be
foreseen, i.e.
Isolation (resilient supports for instance)
Insulation, Encapsulation
Damping (floating floors for instance)
Compensation of vibration excitation forces
Silencing
Structural modifications
E. Supplementary Measurements during
Production Phase
1. It is recommended to carry out test bed noise
and vibration measurements for machinery compo-
nents in order to check the adherence to noise and
vibration specifications agreed on with suppliers.
2. During outfitting stage the local vibrations
of deck structures should be measured (impact or/and
exciter measurements) to verify calculation results
and to identify and rectify local structural deficien-
cies.
3. During outfitting stage the impedance of
machinery foundations should be measured to verify
calculation results and to identify and rectify local
structural deficiencies.


Table C.1 Recommended Theoretical Investigations for Seagoing Passenger Ships (v 25 knots)
Seagoing
Passenger Ships
hc


Type of Investigation
E 1 2 3 4
Review of General Arrangement
1

Local Vibration Calculation
Noise Prediction
1

Global Vibration Level Prediction
Detailed Vibration Level Prediction
Detailed Impedance Investigation
Detailed Noise Analysis (e.g. NoiseFEM Analysis, SEA Analysis etc.)
1

= Strongly recommended
= Recommended
= Recommended only if experience with similar ships is not available
1
The occurrence of tonality and/or booming in pax cabins and public spaces will be strictly assessed for hc E, 1 and 2
(see Section 3, C.1.3.4).

Chapter 16
Page C2
Annex C Recommendations to Reduce Noise and Vibration I - Part 1
GL 2003

E
Annex D

Protocol Sheet
A. Measurement Protocol Sheet
Measurement Protocol Sheet (Noise)
No. Type of room
M
P
-
N
o
.
(
M
e
a
s
u
r
e
m
e
n
t

P
o
i
n
t

N
o
.
)
F
i
l
e

(
I
D
)

-

N
o
.
S
o
u
n
d

L
e
v
e
l

M
e
t
e
r
M
e
a
s
u
r
e
d

N
o
i
s
e

L
e
v
e
l
i
n

d
B
(
A
)
N
o
i
s
e

L
i
m
i
t

a
c
c
.

t
o

h
c
n

t
a
r
g
e
t
i
n

d
B
(
A
)
M
a
c
h
i
n
e
r
y

N
o
i
s
e

(
e
.
g
.

e
n
g
i
n
e
,
g
e
a
r
,

p
r
o
p
e
l
l
e
r
,

p
u
m
p
s

e
t
c
.
)
H
V
A
C
-
N
o
i
s
e
,

v
e
n
t
i
l
a
t
i
o
n

e
t
c
.
R
a
t
t
l
i
n
g

N
o
i
s
e
B
o
o
m
i
n
g
T
o
n
a
l
i
t
y
Remark
Auditory Impression
(Subjective Judgement)
Yard:
Owner:
Ship's name:
Kind of voyage:
Condition:
hc target:
Subjective judgement of noise events (auditory impression) has to be carried out during the noise measurement and
to be reported:
+ => Noise event is weakly audible, but is not dominating the overall SPL
++ => Noise event is clearly audible and is dominating the overall SPL
+++ => Noise event is clearly audible and is very annoying
Page .......... of ..........
Date ..........................
I - Part 1
GL 2003
Annex D Protocol Sheet Chapter 16
Page D1

A