Promising fields of system research in man-made marine noise

Abstract

Object and purpose of research. This paper discusses current international regulations governing man-made noise in marine environment. Systematization of normative documents issued by a number of international classification societies, as well as of the documents released by the international organization dealing with life safety of marine ecosystems highlighted the necessity for the Russian Federation to develop a similar regulatory basis of its own. This paper is a review of international standards and rules for man-made underwater noise, as well as of current international programs dealing with research, regula-tion and control of man-made underwater noise. Subject matter and methods. This paper is based on KSRC-developed methodical materials, international standards for underwater noise, as well as available publications in this sphere, both Russian and foreign. The study followed the methods of system analysis. Main results. Systematization of the data on current regulations for underwater noise of various ships, like cargo carriers, research vessels, seismic survey ships and fishing craft. The study concludes that Russia needs a similar regulatory basis that would cover offshore drilling rigs (both wildcat and production), underwater mining systems and subsea pipelines, large ships with high ice class, icebreakers and icebreaker-led caravans, as well as port infrastructure along Northern Sea Route lanes. Conclusion. To develop its own regulatory basis intended to set out the rules for man-made underwater noise, Russia needs a wide-scale systematic research campaign that would tackle the sources of man-made underwater noise at each lifecycle stage of any marine technology. This systematic research would pave way to a scientifically justified regulations for underwater noise of marine industrial facilities, shipping and port infrastructure.

Keywords

• man-made underwater noise
• international standard
• regulations and norms