Physical influences on seafarers are different during their voyage episodes of port stay, river passage and sea passage: A maritime field study

Abstract

Introduction During a sea voyage, crew members of vessels are permanently exposed to physical stress caused by noise, vibration and heat. This study aims to describe the extent of the physical influences on board container ships and the resulting stress. Methods Up to four scientific investigators accompanied six sea voyages on container ships under German management. Workplace and person-related measurements for noise, vibration and climatic parameters were carried out on the vessels during the three different voyage episodes (port stay, river passage and sea passage). Results The interviewed seafarers reported, in decreasing order, the level of psychological stress due to vibration (80.6%), noise (71.8%) and, much less, heat (45.7%) in the workplace. In terms of workplace-related physical measurements, the highest noise levels were found in the engine room (104 dB (A)), in the workshop (81 dB (A)) and on deck (77 dB (A)), irrespective of the voyage episode. Some noise measurements in the recreational area revealed levels above the threshold. All measured 180 vibration values were below the relevant threshold limits-with the highest values in the engine room (62 mm/s 2), followed by the workshop (37 mm/s 2) and the engine control room (34 mm/s 2). In terms of thermal comfort, none of the measured climatic parameters differed significantly between the voyage episodes. According to the person-related physical measurements, the noise exposure was particularly pronounced among the engine room personnel with an average noise level of 96 dB (A) (often during cleaning, painting and repair work). In contrast, the deck crew and nautical officers were respectively exposed to an average level of 83 dB (A) and 77 dB (A) at work.

Seafarers’ Perception and Attitudes towards Noise Emission on Board Ships

“…The estimated average noise intensity during working hours was at almost 85 dB. This value follows findings obtained by Oldenburg et al [ 11 ] and measured by Mansi et al [ 14 ]. They are, obviously, insufficiently protected as they use noise protection agents only occasionally.…”

“…However, ship noise onboard can endanger seafarers and passengers, while underwater and airborne emitted ship noise can affect port areas and coastal residents, even the fauna on maritime routes [ 10 ]. Based on the research of [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ], the principal source of noise on board can be assumed to be the engine room, where the highest levels of intensity can be found. On most ships, noise levels over 100 dB(A) are present, reach the levels of 110 dB(A) in the noisier area and decrease depending on the location on board.…”

“…On most ships, noise levels over 100 dB(A) are present, reach the levels of 110 dB(A) in the noisier area and decrease depending on the location on board. Permanent and simultaneous exposure to noise, vibration, and heat on ships contributes significantly to developing anxiety in seafarers [ 11 ]. Noise exposure onboard increases mobility during sleep by 12%, and conjoined with other agents like caffeine and nicotine, may cause shallow sleep [ 15 ].…”

Concerning the relationship between noise on board ship and the onset of hypertension in seafarers

“…On the other hand, Oldenburg [12] does not include noise as the cause of hypertension in sailors. However, the same author has recently shown that engine room personnel remain exposed to harmful noise levels, greater than 85 dB (A) [13].…”

About the relationship between ship noise and the occurrence of arterial hypertension in seafarers

“…It should suggest that technological advances on noise exposure prevention on board ships are significant for 40 years (improvement of the insulation of living areas, automation of machines, soundproofed surveillance rooms, diesel-electric propulsion...) and therefore that seamen are today less exposed. L E T T E R T O T H E E D I T O R still exposed to harmful noise levels, above 85 dB (A), even today [11][12][13]. Turan et al [14] consider that ships easily meet the International Maritime Organisation criteria, while people working on board such ships are still likely exposed to high noise levels [14].…”