Rules for Classification and Construction

I Ship Technology
1 Seagoing Ships

23 Harmony Class - Rules on Rating Noise and Vibration for Comfort,

Cargo Ships

Edition 2009
 The following Rules come into force on July 15th, 2009

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I - Part 1 Table of Contents Chapter 23
GL 2009 Page 3

Table of Contents

Section 1 Classification
A. Scope .......................................................................................................................................... 1- 1
B. Harmony Categories (hc) ........................................................................................................... 1- 1
C. Class Notation ............................................................................................................................ 1- 1

Section 2 Noise and Vibration Limits

A. General ....................................................................................................................................... 2- 1
B. Noise Limits and Tolerances ...................................................................................................... 2- 1
C. Vibration Limits and Tolerances ................................................................................................ 2- 1

Section 3 Required Measurements

A. General ....................................................................................................................................... 3- 1
B. Measuring Conditions ................................................................................................................ 3- 1
C. Performance of Measurements ................................................................................................... 3- 1
D. Preparation and Documentation of Measurements ..................................................................... 3- 3

Annex A Standards
A. General ....................................................................................................................................... A- 1
B. Standards .................................................................................................................................... A- 1

Annex B Important Definitions

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- 1
E. Supplementary Measurements during Production Phase ............................................................ C- 2
I - Part 1 Section 1 C Classification
GL 2009
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 standards
when deemed necessary or will be modified to ac-
count for the progress of knowledge. The Rules reflect
the state of the art in vibration and acoustic technol-
ogy.
2. Some important definitions for expressions
used in these Rules are given in Annex B.
3. Various comfort-promoting factors like furni-
ture and size of cabins, the indoor climate, ship mo-
tions as well as the noise and vibration level decide on
the well-being of the crew and officers. In these Rules
only noise and vibration is dealt with.
4. In this context, noise and vibration are de-
fined as follows:
4.1 Noise
Audible air pressure variations in the range of 16 Hz
to 16 kHz
4.2 Vibration
Structural oscillations in the frequency range of 1 to
80 Hz
5. The influence of ship motions on human well-
being (seasickness) is not considered in these Rules.
6. These Rules are intended to support owners
and shipyards to specify requirements regarding the
comfort of the crew on board seagoing cargo vessels.
7. Requirements according to current regula-
tions of the responsible flag state regarding maximum
noise and vibration levels in crew spaces are to be
fulfilled independently of these Rules.
8. If the length between perpendiculars is less
than 80 m, limit values given in these Rules do not
apply. They shall be agreed upon separately after
conferring with Germanischer Lloyd (GL).
9. The Rules do not give special requirements
for vessels with additional passenger cabins, but a
reasonable comfort level for this case is indicated.
Chapter 23
Page 11
10. To reflect the different situation of small and
large cargo vessels with regard to noise and vibration
the limit values distinguish between an aft and a more
forward deck house position.
B. Harmony Categories (hc)
1. To allow for a graduation of noise and vibra-
tion levels, 3 harmony categories hc are introduced:
hc = 1 = high comfort
hc = 2 = moderate comfort
hc = 3 = acceptable comfort
2. Respective limit values of noise and vibration
are defined in Section 2.
3. Compliance with criteria given in these Rules
shall be verified through measurements performed under
defined conditions at specified locations, see Section 3.
C. Class Notation
1. Upon request, ships complying with these
Rules are granted the following special Notation of
Harmony Class
HC (hc).
2. For a series of ships, the required noise
measurements are to be conducted individually for
each ship of the series. Regarding vibration measure-
ments, 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 is to be reconfirmed by GL.
4. The Class Notation is granted on basis of the
measurement results attainted during the sea trials or a
later voyage on ballast draft by GL's own experts or
authorised companies.
If other loading conditions yield a substantially higher
noise or vibration level an additional measurement
voyage is required. If the noise or vibration level does
not meet the Class Notation, the Notation can be
downgraded, withdrawn or - provided that abatement
measures are foreseen - limited as to time.
I - Part 1 Section 2 C Noise and Vibration Limits
GL 2009
Section 2
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 vibra-
tion comfort it shall be ensured that main and auxiliary
machinery do not vibrate heavily. To closely cover
these vibration excitation sources corresponding
measurements are performed. The results, however,
are not subject to the HC-rating.
The influence of external sources on the wellbeing of
the crew is not considered. However, it is pointed out
that loading/unloading of the vessel herself as well as
harbour activities in general may substantially impair
the recreation of the crew.
2. Requirements regarding acoustic privacy are given
in addition to those for noise and vibration. The ship should
be designed in a way that the acoustic privacy levels stated
in Table 2.2 are maintained. Noise measurements will be
conducted only in case complaints from the crew occur.
3. The ship should be designed in a way that the
speech interference levels (SIL) maintain the limits given
in footnote of Table 2.1. Noise measurements will be
conducted only in case complaints from the crew occur.
4. The personal noise protection has to be con-
form to Chapter 5 "Noise exposure limits" and Chap-
ter 7 "Ear protection and warning information" of
IMO resolution A.468 (XII), 1982.
5. Noise limits given are valid for Sea Mode
and under loading/unloading condition, vibration
limits are valid for Sea Mode only.
6. The noise and vibration limits given for Sea Mode
Operation form an upper bound for any operation mode.
7. Different requirements are valid for ships with
deck houses positioned aft and more forward, where
"aft position" is defined by a distance of the propeller
plane to aft deckhouse bulkhead < 20 % Lpp. All other
cases correspond to a "forward position".
8. Noise and vibration caused by charging or dis-
charging of the vessel are not subject to these rules as such
operation is not practicable within the scope of sea trials.
B. Noise Limits and Tolerances
1. Most relevant standards are ISO 2923, ISO
717/1, ISO 717/2 and IMO Resolution A.468 (XII).
Chapter 23
Page 21
2. The noise limit values depending on the harmo-
ny category number (hc) are listed in Tables 2.1 and 2.2.
3. The noise measurement procedures are de-
scribed in Section 3.
4. Following tolerances may be applied in com-
paring the measured noise levels with the limit values.
4.1 Sea Mode and loading/unloading condition
4.1.1 Machinery, work, service and navigating
spaces
In case that the HC-criterion (Table 2.1) is exceeded
by max. 1 dB, this will be tolerated as long as the
corresponding Noise Rating curve (NR) is maintained.
4.1.2 Accommodation spaces
For day and sleeping rooms the average noise level per
deck is to comply with the limits of Table 2.1 provided
that not more than 15 % per deck exceed the relevant
HC-criterion and by not more than 2 dB(A) each.
For mess and recreation rooms as well as offices ex-
ceedances are not granted in any case.
4.1.3 Other spaces
Noise levels higher than specified for hospital, treat-
ment room, corridors, open recreation deck, gymna-
sium, hobby room, indoor swimming hall, sauna etc.
are acceptable as long as not more than 30 per cent of
these spaces exceed the relevant HC-criterion and by
not more than 2 dB(A) each. IMO Res. A.468 (XII)
has to be fulfilled in any case.
4.2 Acoustic privacy
Verification of acoustic privacy has to be proved ei-
ther with a certificate (Rw-value) by the supplier of
interior systems combined with a site inspection or by
measurements. Taking sound flanking paths into con-
sideration the certified Rw-value shall be 5 dB higher
than the specified limits in Table 2.2.
C. Vibration Limits and Tolerances
1. The most relevant vibration standard is ISO
6954, edition 2000. The limit values refer, conse-
quently, to the overall frequency-weighted rms value
in the range of 1 to 80 Hz. The vibration velocities are
given in mm/s.
Chapter 23 Section 2 C Noise and Vibration Limits I - Part 1
Page 22 GL 2009

2. Required vibration limit values depending on
the harmony category (hc) are listed in Table 2.3.
3. The vibration measurement procedure is de-
scribed in Section 3.
4. Following tolerances may be applied in compar-
ing the measured vibration levels with the limit values.
4.1 No tolerance is granted for global longitudi-
nal and transverse measurement points on decks form-
ing the floor of living, working or recreation spaces.
4.2 Maximum 15% of all vertical measurement
points on floors in living, working or recreation spaces
may exceed the limit value given for the respective
target-hc by max. 0,3 mm/s.

Table 2.1 Noise limits, crew accommodation and work spaces

DH aft position (see A.7.) DH forward position
Sea mode and loading/ Sea mode and loading/
Maximum noise level in dB(A) unloading operation 1 unloading operation 1
HC HC
1 2 3 1 2 3
Machinery and work spaces
Machinery spaces (continuously manned) 1, 2 85 90 90 85 90 90
Machinery spaces (not continuously manned) 1, 2 108 110 110 108 110 110
Workshops 1, 2, 5 82 85 85 82 85 85
Crane indoor working places (cockpit) 85 85
Laundries and changing rooms 1 80 80
Open deck working areas and rescue stations 2, 3, 4, 5 85 85
Control rooms located in and/or adjacent to engine rooms 1, 3 70 73 75 70 73 75
On car decks of RoRo and RoPax vessels 2, 5 85 90 90 85 90 90
Stores and work spaces not specified 2 90 90
Service spaces
Galleys 1, 5 70 73 75 70 73 75
Pantries, shops, etc. 1, 5 70 70 75 70 70 75
Navigation spaces
Navigation bridge and chart rooms 1, 3 62 65 65 62 65 65
Radio rooms 1, 3 60 60
Listing posts, including outdoor bridge wings 6 70 70
Accommodation spaces
Day and sleeping rooms 1 55 58 60 52 56 60
Crew's and officer's mess 1, 3 and recreation rooms 1, 3, offices 1 60 63 65 57 60 65
Gymnasiums, hobby rooms, indoor swimming halls, saunas etc. 1 65 70 70 60 65 70
Hospital 1 57 60 60 57 60 60
Treatment rooms 1 65 65
Corridors adjacent to accommodation spaces 67 67
Open deck recreation areas 72 75 75 72 75 75
1 The noise level generated only by air-conditioning and/or mechanical ventilation systems are to be limited to at least 7 dB(A) below the
required HC noise limit value.
2 Reference is made to COLREG, Annex II and IMO Resolution A.468 (XII), 1982 ear protectors should be worn when the noise level is
above 85 dB(A).
3 For spaces requiring verbal communication when berthing the ship and during normal seagoing condition of the vessel (wheelhouse,
control rooms, mess and recreation rooms) the corresponding SIL level is to be maintained on board. Acceptance measurements are to be
conducted on board only in case that complaint of the crew occurs. The corresponding SIL level is determined as follow: SIL = (HC Noise
limit) minus 7 dB.
4 Open deck working spaces which are normally occupied during loading and discharging of the vessel are included, e.g. between container
cells, refrigerating containers, at pump stations, etc. (see also Annex B).
5 With mechanical ventilation in normal operation.
6 Reference is made to IMO Resolution A.343 (IX), 1975 which also requires that the noise level at of max. vessels 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.
I - Part 1 Section 2 C Noise and Vibration Limits Chapter 23
GL 2009 Page 23

Table 2.2 Noise limits for acoustic privacy

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
1 2 3
Cabin to cabin 1 35
Cabin to mess and recreation rooms 1 45
Cabin to hospitals, gymnasiums, service spaces etc. 1 45

On board acoustic privacy impact sound insulation

(maximum permissible normalized sound pressure level in dB
according to ISO 717/2, ISO 140/7)
HC
Arrangements
1 2 3
Cabin below and/or adjacent to gymnasiums, passageways on open deck 1 58
Cabin below bridge wings and wheelhouse 1 60
Cabin below service spaces (galleys, pantries etc.) 1 65

1 Acoustic privacy levels are to be maintained on board. Acceptance measurements are to be conducted only in case that complaint of the
crew occurs.

Table 2.3 Vibration level limits

DH aft position (see A.7.) DH fwd position
Vibration level limits in mm/s
HC HC
(overall frequency- weighted rms value 1 to 80 Hz)
1 2 3 1 2 3
Accommodation and recreation spaces
Day & sleeping rooms, hospital 2,7 3,0 3,2 2,2 2,7 3,2
Mess and recreation rooms 3,0 3,3 3,5 2,5 3,0 3,5
Gymnasium 3,5 3,8 4,0 3,0 3,5 4,0
Open deck recreation areas 4,0 4,8 5,0 3,0 4,0 5,0
Work and nav. spaces, permanently manned
Nav. bridge, chart & radio room 3,5 3,8 4,0 3,0 3,5 4,0
Engine control room 4,0 4,3 4,5 3,5 4,0 4,5
Galley 4,0 4,3 4,5 3,5 4,0 4,5
Offices 3,5 3,8 4,0 3,0 3,5 4,0
Work and nav. spaces, sometimes manned
Offices 4,0 4,3 4,5 3,5 4,0 4,5
Navigation bridge wing 5,0 5,3 5,5 4,5 5,0 5,5
Workshops 5,0 5,0 5,0 5,0 5,0 5,0
Spaces, not manned
Machinery spaces 6,0 6,0 6,0 6,0 6,0 6,0
Stores 6,0 6,0 6,0 6,0 6,0 6,0
I - Part 1 Section 3 C Required Measurements
GL 2009
Section 3
Required Measurements
A. General
1. Noise and vibration measurements and their
evaluation have to be carried out by GL experts or
companies accepted by GL.
2. Propulsion machinery power shall be verified
during measurements.
3. Measurements shall be witnessed by a GL
expert.
B. Measuring Conditions
1. Sea Mode
1.1 Propulsion machinery shall produce the nec-
essary power to reach the service speed of the vessel
as contractually agreed on. Power shall not be less
than 85 % MCR.
1.2 The minimum water depth during measure-
ments shall be at least five times the aft draught. For
ships normally operating in shallow waters, corre-
sponding conditions have to be chosen for measure-
ments.
1.3 Sea state 3 (significant wave height approx.
1,2 m) and a wind speed of 4 Bft shall not be ex-
ceeded. For more severe weather conditions, the ac-
ceptance of measurements will be decided by GL on a
case-by-case basis.
1.4 The course of the vessel shall be as straight as
possible. Minimum rudder movement is imperative.
Rudder angles shall not exceed 2 degrees.
1.5 The ship shall be fully outfitted, and all sys-
tems contributing to noise and vibration shall be in
normal seagoing condition, i.e. all auxiliary machin-
ery, navigation instruments, radar sets, etc. shall be in
normal operation.
Mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning equip-
ment shall be in normal operation (capacity to be in
accordance with design conditions). All air-condition-
ing systems shall be adjusted prior to measurements.
1.6 Doors and windows shall, in general, be
closed.
Chapter 23
Page 31
C. Performance of Measurements
1. Noise
1.1 Instrumentation
The measuring instrumentation has to fulfil the re-
quirement according to ISO 2923. Basically an inte-
grating sound level meter with 1/3-octave filters shall
be applied.
A measuring device suitable for storing time signals,
sound (booming) or obvious tonal components is to be
provided.
1.2 Measurement locations
The measurement locations have to be chosen accord-
ing to ISO 2923. All measurement positions shall be
documented traceable in a measurement location plan.
1.3 Measurement procedure
The general measurement procedure is described in
ISO 2923.
During each measurement, the microphone is to be
slowly moved horizontally and/or vertically over a
distance of approximately 0,5 m (averaging over
time and space).
Wind noise, e.g. wind trash, singing or similar effects
have to be reported for outdoor spaces surveyed.
The overall sound pressure level (LAeq), file number
of the data storage (ID number), measurement loca-
tion, noise limit according to hc target and subjective
noise impression are to be recorded and immediately
noted in measurement protocol sheets after recording.
1.3.1 Acoustic privacy
Acoustic privacy measurements shall be carried out if:
no adequate certificate is available
proper workmanship during outfitting is not
approved
the sound or impact insulation keeps obviously
not the limits (subjective impressions) or com-
plaints occur
Required measurements shall be performed following
the standards ISO 140/4, ISO 140/7, ISO 717/1 and
ISO 717/2.
Chapter 23 Section 3 C Required Measurements
Page 32
1.3.2 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.) are to be eliminated
in crew accommodation space.
1.3.3 Presence of obvious tonal components
1.3.3.1 In general, obvious tonal components in crew
accommodation spaces will not be accepted for Sea
Mode or Harbour Mode. Obvious tonal components
audible in crew spaces are to be subjectively judged
and reported.
1.3.3.2 If measured noise contains obviously tonal
components, third-octave band readings are to be
taken and stored, with centre frequencies from 20 Hz
to 10 kHz. In addition, narrow band readings should
be measured and stored in the frequency range of
interest.
1.3.3.3 The octave band levels in dB are to be calcu-
lated based on the third-octave band measurements as
described in 1.3.4.2. The octave band levels in dB are
to be compared against the corresponding NR curves.
1.3.4 Presence of booming effects
1.3.4.1 In general, the presence of annoying low-
frequency sound (booming effects) occurring in crew
spaces during Sea or Harbour Mode will not be ac-
cepted. Annoying low-frequency sound audible in
crew spaces are to be subjectively judged and re-
ported.
1.3.4.2 Where the measured noise levels contain
annoying low-frequency sound (booming effects),
third-octave band readings are to be taken and stored,
with centre frequencies from 20 Hz to 10 kHz. In
addition, narrow band readings should be measured
and stored in the frequency range of interest.
1.3.4.3 The octave band levels in dB are to be calcu-
lated based on the third-octave band measurements as
described in 1.3.5.2. The octave band levels in dB are
to be compared against the corresponding NR curves.
1.3.5 Presence of impulse noise
1.3.5.1 In general, impulse noise in crew spaces will
not be accepted for Sea or Harbour Mode Impulse
noise audible in crew spaces are to be reported.
1.3.5.2 Impulse noise is to be determined following
the procedure described in ISO 2923.
1.3.6 SIL-Levels
SIL-levels mentioned in Section 2, Table 2.1 foot-
note 3 are to be calculated by arithmetic averaging the
octave-band levels 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz and
4000 Hz.
I - Part 1
GL 2009
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 Measurement Locations and Directions
2.2.1 The required number of measurement loca-
tions depends on the vibration direction to be meas-
ured (longitudinal, transverse or vertical).
2.2.2 Measurement locations for assessing longitu-
dinal vibrations shall be chosen in a way that meas-
urement results adequately reflect the global longitu-
dinal deck house vibration level. At least following
positions should be included:
weather deck level , deckhouse front wall, ps or
sb
nav. deck level in way of ps and sb deckhouse
walls
nav. deck level outer edge of ps or sb bridge
wing
compass deck level, main mast foundation
top of main mast
2.2.3 Measurement positions for assessing trans-
verse vibration shall be chosen in a way that results
adequately reflect the global transverse hull and deck-
house vibration level. At least following measurement
positions should be included:
weather deck level, transom ps or sb
weather deck level , deckhouse front wall ps or sb
nav. deck level, in way of aft and front deck-
house walls
compass deck level, main mast foundation
top of main mast.
2.2.4 Measurement positions for assessing vertical
vibration shall be chosen in a way that results ade-
quately reflect local vibration levels of deck panels in
I - Part 1 Section 3 D Required Measurements
GL 2009
accommodation and working spaces. At least follow-
ing measurement positions should be included:
all crew and, if present, passenger cabins. For com-
bined living and sleeping rooms one position, for
separate rooms two measurement positions
all working, navigation, accommodation spaces
and offices which are permanently or frequently
occupied
inner and outer deck recreation spaces
nav. deck level outer edge of ps or sb bridge
wing
sample measurements in non-occupied spaces as
machinery rooms and stores.
compass deck level, main mast foundation
2.3 Measurement procedure
2.3.1 Provision shall be made that amplitude spec-
tra of the measured time signals can be made available
during sea trials for diagnostic purposes, i.e. identifi-
cation of frequency content.
2.3.2 If desired by GL experts, for instance if beat-
ing occurs, time records of selected measurement
positions shall be recorded and stored.
2.3.3 To ensure comparability of the spectra, the
following parameters shall be applied for data acquisi-
tion and signal processing:
measurement time per point: 1 min
sampling rate: 300 1/s
Chapter 23
Page 33
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)
2.3.4 The results shall be presented as weighted
rms values in terms of vibration velocity
D. Preparation and Documentation of Meas-
urements
1. Survey Programme
Measurements shall be planned in due time before
conducting the measurements, be documented in a
Survey Programme containing all relevant informa-
tion. The Survey Programme has to be submitted to
GL at least two months before sea trials or measure-
ments.
2. Survey Report
The measurement results as well as the resulting HC-
Class Notation shall be documented in a report based
on the Survey Program. Each deviation from the Pro-
gramme shall be explicitly stated.
An electronic standard form containing all information
to be filled in can be submitted on request.
I - Part 1 Annex A B Standards Chapter 23
GL 2009 Page A1

Annex A

Standards

A. General Field measurements of airborne sound insulation

between rooms"
1. If these Rules contain procedures deviating
ISO 140/6: 1978-07,
from the relevant standards, these Rules shall have
priority. "Acoustics Measurement of sound insulation
in buildings and of building elements Part 4:
Laboratory measurements of impact sound insu-
lation of floors",
B. Standards
here: 4 Equipment.tapping machines with
rubber coated hammers
1. Noise standards
ISO 140/7: 1998-12,
IMO Resolution A.468 (XII): 1982, "Acoustics Measurement of sound insulation
"Code on noise levels on board ship" in buildings and of building elements Part 7:
IMO Resolution A.343 (IX): 1975-11, Field measurements of impact sound insulation
of floors"
"Recommendation on Methods of Measuring
Noise Levels at Listening Posts" ISO 9921: 2003/10,
ISO 2923, 1996-12, "Ergonomics Assessment of speech communi-
"Acoustics Measurement of noise on board cation"
vessels"
ISO 1999: 1990-01,
ISO 31-7: 1992-09,
"Acoustics Determination of occupational
"Quantities and units of acoustics" noise exposure and estimation of noise-induced
IEC 61672 / 2003-10, hearing impairment"
"Electroacoustics - Sound level meters - Part 1:
2. Vibration standards
Specifications"
IEC 61260: 1995-08 and IEC 61260-Am 1: ISO 6954: 2000E, "Mechanical vibration
2001-09, Guidelines for the measurement, reporting and
"Electroacoustics - Octave-band and fractional- evaluation of vibration with regard to habitabil-
octave-band filters" ity on passenger and merchant ships"

IEC 60942: 2003-11, ISO 2631-1: 1997 (E), "Mechanical vibration

"Sound calibrators"
ISO/DIS 20283-3: 2005,
"Pre-installation vibratory noise measurement of
shipboard equipment"
ISO 717/1: 1996-12,
"Acoustics Rating of sound insulation in
buildings and of building elements Part 1:
Airborne sound insulation in buildings and inte-
rior elements"
ISO 717/2: 1996-12,
"Acoustics Rating of sound insulation in
buildings and of building elements Part 2: Im-
pact sound insulation"
ISO 140/4: 1998-12,
"Acoustics Measurement of sound insulation
in buildings and of building elements Part 4:
and shock Evaluation of human exposure to
whole-body vibration Part 1: General require-
ments"
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 measurement
and reporting of shipboard vibration data"
ISO 4868: 1984 (E), "Code for the measurement
and reporting of local vibration data of ship
structures and equipment"
ISO 8041: 1990 (E), "Human response to vibra-
tion Measuring instrumentation"
GL Rules Machinery Installations (I-1-2)
I - Part 1 Annex B A Important Definitions
GL 2009
Annex B
Important Definitions
1. Angular frequency, circular frequency
[rad/s] is the product of the frequency of a sinusoi-
dal quantity and the factor 2 :
= 2 f
2. Acoustic privacy
"Privacy" from an acoustical point of view, i.e. the
state of being alone and relatively undisturbed with
regard to noise emissions from neighbouring cabins,
sanitary cells, corridors, public spaces, open deck
recreation spaces, service spaces etc. (sound and im-
pact sound insulation).
3. Acoustic privacy plan
Drawings showing the arrangement of all cabin types
including noise limit values to be kept. See also "cabin
type".
4. Auxiliary machinery
Machinery, other than main propulsion machinery,
operating when the ship is in normal service, e.g.
auxiliary diesel engines, turbo-generators, hydraulic
motors and pumps, compressors, boilers, ventilation
fans, gears, pumps.
5. 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 vibration levels of struc-
tures, equipment etc.
6. A-weighted sound pressure level LAeq or
LAeq,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.
7. Beat, beating
Periodic amplitude variations of an oscillation result-
ing from the superposition of two excitation sources of
slightly different frequencies. Beating which occurs in
the audible frequency range is experienced as being
annoying.
Chapter 23
Page B1
8. 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 components of signifi-
cantly 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".
9. Booming rating procedure
Procedure for measuring and assessing the occurrence
of audible discrete tones below 125 Hz (booming
effect). The procedure developed by GL is based on
experimental investigations on board ships.
As result of this procedure a booming adjustment (CB
in dB(A)) is established. The noise rating level has to
be used for further evaluation.
10. Cabin type
Cabins with different types of interior systems (lining
walls, ceilings, doors, etc.), floor constructions, floor
coverings etc. See also "Acoustic Privacy Plan".
11. Crew spaces
Cabins, offices (for carrying out the ship's business),
hospitals, mess rooms, recreation rooms (such as
lounges, smoke rooms, cinemas, libraries, hobby and
game rooms) and open recreation areas used by offi-
cers and crew.
12. Corridors
Passageways/alleyways arranged in crew and passen-
ger spaces.
13. Displacement ()
Displacement of the vessel in metric tonnes.
14. Engine or shaft speed
Number of revolutions per minute [rpm]
15. Equivalent continuous sound pressure
level Leq or Leq,T
Unweighted sound pressure level of a continuous
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:
Chapter 23 Annex B A Important Definitions I - Part 1
Page B2 GL 2009

t2 p ( t)
2 23. Measured SPL
1
Leq = Leq ,T = 10 log10 dt The sound pressure level measured with a sound level
( t2 t1 ) t1 po
meter or sound measurement instrumentation. The
measured SPL shall be expressed to one decimal
where: place.
(t2 t1) = is the period T over which the average is
taken, starting at t1 and ending at t2 24. Noise level

p (t) = unweighted instantaneous rms sound pres- See "A-weighted sound pressure level".
sure between 16 and 16 000 Hz
25. NRC
p0 = 2 105 Pa (reference level)
Noise rating curve, see "ISO noise rating (NR) num-
16. Fluctuating noise ber".

The measured sound pressure level (e.g. pointer of the

26. Noise rating level
display) varies more than 3 decibels with the "slow"
meter characteristic switched on. Impulse noise shall The noise rating level LA, r is defined as follows:
be excluded.
L A, r = L Aeq + CT + CI + CB in dB(A)
17. HVAC
LA, r is the noise rating level in dB(A)
Heating, venting and air-conditioning system
LAeq is the measured overall A-weighted sound
18. Impulse noise pressure level

Noise of less than one second duration that occurs as CT, CI, CB are adjustments as result of the tone, im-
an isolated event or as one of a series of events with a pulse and booming rating procedure
repetition rate of less than 15 times per second. The
presence of impulse noise shall be determined by 27. Normal service speed
obtaining the difference between the equivalent con-
Shaft speed and propulsion power corresponding to
tinuous sound pressure level measured with time service speed contractually agreed on, at least at 85 %
weighting "impulse" and "fast". If the difference is MCR.
more than 2 dB, the presence of impulse noise may be
assumed. As result of this GL procedure an impulse
adjustment (CI in dB(A)) is established. The noise 28. Overall frequency-weighted rms value
rating level has to be used for further evaluation. The overall frequency-weighted rms value has to be
determined according to ISO 6954.
19. Integrating sound level meter
A sound level meter designed or adapted to measure 29. RMS value
the level of the mean squared time averaged A- The rms value of a single-valued function, f(t), over an
weighted sound pressure level (IEC 804). interval between t1 and t2 is
12
20. ISO noise rating (NR) number t2
t1 f ( t ) dt
2

The number found by plotting the 1/1 octave band rms value =
spectrum of the NR curves given in ISO Standard R t 2 t1
1996-1967 and selecting the highest noise rating curve
tangent to the spectrum .

30. Room space

21. Machinery spaces
Total room area of an individual public space in
All spaces containing propulsion machinery, boilers,
square metres.
steam and internal combustion engines, generators and
major electrical machinery, oil filling stations, refrig-
erating, stabilizing, hydraulic units, air-conditioning 31. Sound pressure level "L"
cooling compressors, etc. A measure of sound level on logarithmic scale given
by:
22. Maximum continuous rating (MCR)
p
Designed maximum continuous power rating of main L = 20 log10 [ dB]
engines. p0
I - Part 1 Annex B A Important Definitions
GL 2009
where:
p = rms value of measured sound pressure be-
tween 16 and 16 000 Hz
p0 = 2 105 Pa reference level
32. Steady noise without audible discrete tones
Level fluctuations equal to or less than 3 decibels. This
type of noise is frequently referred to as "broad-band"
noise. Obvious tonal components of noise (tonality and/
or booming) in the whole audible frequency range be-
tween 16 and 16 000 Hz are absent or negligibly small.
33. Steady noise with audible discrete tones
This type of noise has components at one or more
discrete frequencies having significantly greater am-
plitudes than those of the adjacent spectrum level.
Audible discrete tonal components of noise (tonality
and/or booming) can occur in the whole audible fre-
quency range between 16 and 16 000 Hz.
Chapter 23
Page B3
34. Tonality, annoying discrete tone
A sound wave whose instantaneous sound pressure
varies essentially as a simple sinusoidal function of
time (pure tone). Tonality is experienced as being
annoying and can only be detected subjectively. To-
nality is defined in the frequency range between
125 and 16 000 Hz. It is mainly caused by main reduc-
tion gears, pumps, air-conditioning cooling compres-
sor units, thruster gears, HVAC inlet and outlet open-
ings etc.
35. Tone rating procedure
Procedure for measuring and evaluating the occur-
rence of tonality. It is described in DIN 45681 "De-
termination of tonal components of noise and determi-
nation of a tone adjustment for the assessment of noise
immissions"
As a result of this procedure, a tone adjustment (CT in
dB(A)) is established. The noise rating level has to be
used for further evaluation.
I - Part 1 Annex C D Recommendations to Reduce Noise and Vibration
GL 2009
Annex C
Recommendations to Reduce Noise and Vibration
A. General
To maintain the required noise and vibration levels
various investigations and reduction measures are
recommended. This concerns the planning, design,
fabrication and testing phase of a newbuilding.
B. Considerations Regarding Excitation Forces
By nature, the reduction of noise and vibration excita-
tion 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. As a guideline the analyses
summarised in Table C.1 are recommended.
The following types of investigations are distin-
guished:
2.1 Review of general arrangement plan
Prior to detailed investigations, the general arrange-
ment plan is reviewed with regard to noise and vibra-
tion. This should take place as early as possible in the
design process.
2.2 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 reso-
nance with main excitation frequencies. Added masses
Chapter 23
Page C1
as well as hydrodynamic masses have to be consid-
ered. Attention should focus on deck structures situ-
ated in the deckhouse and on living and working
spaces close to the propeller and main engine. Natural
frequencies of all structural components shall be cho-
sen to have a sufficient margin to main excitation
frequencies.
2.3 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 lev-
els. Noise limits specified for passenger and crew
spaces are compared with predicted values.
2.4 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). Dynamic
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 predicted vibration levels are expected to exceed
the specified limits, modifications of the steel struc-
ture, a different number of propeller blades, arrange-
ment of compensators, etc. might be proposed as pos-
sible means of improvement.
D. Secondary Measures
If the theoretical investigations reveal that the required
noise and vibration levels probably can not be main-
tained secondary measures should be provided, i.e.
isolation (resilient supports for instance)
insulation, encapsulation
damping (floating floors for instance)
compensation of vibration excitation forces
silencing
structural modifications
Chapter 23 Annex C E Recommendations to Reduce Noise and Vibration I - Part 1
Page C2 GL 2009

E. Supplementary Measurements during 2. During outfitting stage the local vibrations of

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 specifi-
cations agreed on with suppliers.
deck structures should be measured (impact or/and ex-
citer measurements) to verify calculation results and to
identify and rectify local structural deficiencies.
3. During outfitting stage the impedance of ma-
chinery foundations should be measured to verify cal-
culation results and to identify and rectify local struc-
tural deficiencies.

Table C.1 Recommended theoretical investigations for seagoing cargo vessels

Deckhouse position Deckhouse position

forward aft

hc hc

1 2 3 1 2 3
Review of general arrangement O O O O O O
Local vibration calculation O O O O O O
Noise prediction Z Z Z O O O
Global vibration level prediction P P P Z Z Z

O = Strongly recommended
Z = Recommended
P = Recommended only if experience with similar ships is not available