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Noise standards for older inland navigation vessels

If your inland navigation vessel has a Certificaat van Onderzoek voor Rijnschepen, CvO-R (Rhine vessel examination certificate) and its keel was laid before 1 April 1976, a more relaxed standard applies to noise levels in living and sleeping areas when the classification society or inspection body renews your certificate. This applies to inland navigation vessels operating in the Netherlands. 

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Adjusted measurement and permissible exceedance

For vessels built from 1 April 1976 onwards, the maximum permissible noise level at 95% engine power is 70 dB(A) in living areas and 60 dB(A) in sleeping areas. 

If your vessel was built before 1 April 1976, the noise level is measured using a weighted average of different engine speeds. In case the adjusted noise measurement exceeds the permitted levels, you must take ‘wat redelijkerwijs van u mag worden verwacht’ (reasonable measures) to reduce the noise. If you can demonstrate that the noise levels do not exceed 75 dB(A) in living areas and 70 dB(A) in sleeping areas, the ILT will consider you to have taken the reasonable steps required.

Options in case of non-permissible exceedance

If the adjusted noise measurement still exceeds the permitted levels, you can:

  • Take measures to comply with the rules and regulations.
  • Change the mode of operation (in Dutch) to A1 dagvaart (vessels operating only by day), increasing the permitted noise levels in living areas to 75 dB(A).
  • Navigate at a lower engine speed, ensuring that the noise level in sleeping areas does not exceed 60 dB(A).
  • Request that your classification society or notified body applies for an exemption with the ILT under the hardheidsclausule (hardship clause).

Your classification society or inspection body will record any changes to the mode of operation in your Inland Navigation Certificate. If you choose to navigate at a lower engine speed, you must use a tachograph to prove that the obligatory rest periods are respected.

See also

Work instructions for maximum permissible noise levels for classification societies or inspection bodies (in Dutch).