Newbuilding or conversion sea trials
Noise & Acoustics · SERVICE 01
Onboard Noise Survey and Ship Noise Mapping
Uncontrolled onboard noise can affect communication, concentration, rest, hearing and the overall quality of life at sea. Vessel Doctor carries out structured noise surveys across machinery spaces, control rooms, workshops, accommodation, service areas, navigation spaces and open decks. Measurements are documented against the agreed vessel operating condition and evaluated using the applicable IMO, flag, class, contract or owner criteria. Whether the requirement is a newbuilding noise trial, an investigation into crew complaints or verification after corrective work, the outcome is a clear noise profile showing where attention is needed and which sources are most influential.
ACOUSTIC FIELD MAPPINGClear evidence→
VESSEL DOCTOROnboard Noise Survey and Ship Noise Mapping
SURVEY PROFILENoise & Acoustics
01/19
Original category-specific diagnostic visual
01
WHY THIS SURVEY MATTERS
Evidence before assumption.
Noise is not only a comfort issue. It can indicate poor isolation, airborne leakage, structure-borne transmission, ventilation noise or machinery behaviour that deserves further investigation. A properly planned survey separates subjective impressions from measurable evidence.
02
MEASUREMENT SCOPE
What we measure.
- ✓A-weighted equivalent and maximum sound pressure levels
- ✓Octave or one-third-octave spectra where required
- ✓Machinery-space, control-room, workshop and accommodation noise
- ✓Bridge wings, open decks and listening positions where applicable
- ✓Dominant tonal, impulsive or low-frequency characteristics
- ✓Operating state, machinery combination, vessel speed and environmental conditions
- ✓Noise contours and source-specific measurements when the scope requires them
03
TIMING & APPLICATION
When to request it.
Before vessel handover or owner acceptance
Following a noise complaint or failed acceptance test
After machinery, exhaust, ventilation or insulation changes
When preparing a noise-control plan
When the onboard noise survey report requires updating or verification
04
SURVEY PROCESS
A controlled route from plan to finding.
Define
Confirm the decision, vessel condition and evaluation basis.
Prepare
Agree locations, safe access, instruments and operating matrix.
Measure
Capture traceable data with conditions documented during measurement.
Interpret
Evaluate against the agreed basis and isolate meaningful patterns.
Report
Issue findings, limitations and focused next actions.
05
TECHNICAL DELIVERABLE
What you receive.
- ✓Survey plan and agreed operating condition
- ✓Measurement-location schedule
- ✓Instrumentation and calibration details
- ✓Tabulated and graphical results
- ✓Evaluation against the agreed criteria
- ✓Identification of priority spaces and probable contributors
- ✓Practical recommendations and retest scope where requested
06
STANDARDS & PROJECT CRITERIA
The governing basis comes first.
Apply the Code on Noise Levels on Board Ships adopted by IMO resolution MSC.337(91), SOLAS regulation II-1/3-12, ISO 2923 where applicable, relevant flag/class requirements and the vessel’s contract specification. State that applicability depends on vessel type, size, construction date and project requirements.
Important
Explore our standards directory↗Acceptance remains subject to the applicable flag administration, classification society, contract, vessel specification and authorised reviewing party.
ASIA + WORLDWIDE ATTENDANCE
Onboard Noise Survey and Ship Noise Mapping wherever the vessel needs it.
Vessel Doctor coordinates this service for vessels in Singapore, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, wider Asian maritime centres and ports worldwide. The scope can support technical managers, marine superintendents, ship agents, owners, operators, shipyards and consultants who need documented onboard evidence.
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SERVICE FAQ
Questions project teams ask.
Every scope is confirmed against the actual vessel, timing and decision requirement.
01Is an onboard noise survey mandatory for every ship?+
Applicability depends on vessel type, size, construction date, flag and statutory requirements. We confirm the relevant basis before finalising the scope.
02Must the survey be completed during sea trials?+
A statutory or contractual acceptance survey usually requires defined operating conditions. Troubleshooting measurements may also be conducted at berth or under other representative conditions when appropriate.
03Can you identify the source of excessive noise?+
Source identification can be added using frequency analysis, near-source measurements and operating comparisons. More complex cases may require vibration or sound-insulation testing.
04Can the report be submitted to class?+
Reports can be prepared for submission, but acceptance remains with the relevant classification society, flag administration or authorised party.
START A TECHNICAL DISCUSSION
Plan your onboard noise survey and ship noise mapping.
Share the vessel, location, operating condition and reporting purpose. We will help shape a focused, technically defensible survey scope.