Normative framework for noise emissions from ships: Present situation and future trends

The work addresses the problem of the ship noise emissions towards the inner part of the vessel and towards the external space. In the former case, the focus is on the air-borne and structureborne transmission to living and working spaces on board. Limits and regulations are devoted primarily to the preservation of the worker's health and integrity and to the attainment of comfortable conditions in resting and recreational spaces for crew and passengers. As regards airborne noise emissions from the ship, the main concern is for the inhabitants of the living areas near ports and along the coast in case of heavy ship traffic. Finally, noise emissions in water are considered; in this case, the concern is about their negative impact on the marine wildlife. The present situation in terms of national, regional and international requirements and the trends in the normative framework for the various emissions are highlighted