NOISE-CONTROL PROGRAM FOR A LARGE TRACTOR TUG

To effectively reduce noise on small, high powered vessels such as tug boats, it is necessary to conduct a concerted noise control effort. Fo r optimal improvement, the program must be carried through all phases of the design, construction and testing. This paper describes a progra m instituted by the owner and design agent early in the procurement pr ocess to control habitability noise on a large tractor tug. The owners , dedicated to maximizing crew comfort and performance while recognizi ng the benefits of on-deck communications, have found from prior exper ience that without appropriate treatments the tug would have unaccepta bly high noise levels. Noise goals were established and treatments wer e selected, both in terms of acoustic and non-acoustic impacts. Detail designs were developed for floating room treatments, genset and diese l exhaust vibration isolation, and absorptive materials, Later rests r evealed that the noise goals had been met. This paper describes the pr ogram from initiation through acoustic trials, provides insights into some problem areas and makes recommendations for future designs.