Noise and vibration on boats are almost inevitable, as they’re produced by the boat’s motors and engines during operation. While almost all maritime vessels produce noise, it can differ from one type to the other.
So how do noise and vibration affect you when operating a boat? Although they might seem harmless, noise and vibration can cause a lot of trouble to a boater.
They’re pretty distracting and can affect your judgment and decision by shrinking the window of time available for a reaction.
Moreover, there are some physical implications from overexposure to noise and vibration while on a pontoon boat.
In this article, we’ll have a closer look at the sources and levels of noise on your boat as well as how to control them. Let’s hop in!
What Are the Factors of Distraction While Operating a Boat?
Of course, the main factor of noise on a boat is going to be noise and vibration produced due to the motorized operation.
However, there can be other factors that can also cause some issues. Here’s a brief overview of some of them:
Engines
Of course, the number one factor for all the noise produced on the vast majority of boats is the engine, regardless of its type.
For instance, diesel-fueled engines focus on producing an acceleration by generating power through cylinders, which produces noticeable vibration due to the movement of the crankshaft.
Even in electric engines, which are significantly quieter than fuel-powered engines, a loud hum or whining noise is produced by the electromagnetic field made by the engine.
Wind
The wind is another factor that produces noise as it consistently hits your boat. This effect is more significant in boats with open helms like pontoon boats.
The speed at which you’re moving and the aerodynamics of the boat will also have a huge impact on how the wind will affect you.
Water
Water is pretty similar to the wind in which it produces both vibration and noise, even in motorless boats.
As the water hits the hull, it creates a vibration that is one of the major contributors to fatigue on boats.
Of course, similar to wind, the speed at which you’re moving will affect the amount of noise made by the water as well as the hydrodynamics of the vessel you’re operating.
Glare
Noise doesn’t have to be audible or tactile only, as it can also be visual. While a clear horizon might not pose a lot of distraction, reflections and sun glare can cause a lot of problems and visual disruption, which can be a problem if you’re moving at a high speed.
Other Sources
In addition to sources that are related to your boat, there are others that are more related to the body of water you’re in, such as the motion of the water itself, the amount of audible noise on deck, and even water depth.
While these factors have a lesser impact on you, their main issue lies in how difficult it can be to control them.
How Do Noise and Vibration Affect You When Operating a Boat?
A lot of boat owners will say that you can easily get used to the noise while operating the boat. However, according to several studies, exceeding a certain level of noise can be pretty harmful, whether you’re on a boat or not.
Here are some of the effects of excessive noise when operating a boat:
- Significant reduction in reaction time due to lower concentration and continuous distraction
- Continuous vibration can cause nausea and sickness, which varies in severity from one person to the other
- Insomnia and difficulty in sleeping due to alerted central nervous system
- Serious headaches that might develop into migraines in some people.
- Excessive noise levels might cause increased blood pressure and heart rate
- Very high noise and sitting near the source for a long time might cause hearing impairment
- Increased stress and tension in the body that causes muscle fatigue and exhaustion
What Are the Exposure Limits When it Comes to Boat Operation?
Sound levels are measured in decibels (dB), which is regulated by the ISO standard 6954’s guidelines for onboard seagoing vessels permissible mechanical vibrations.
These standards and limits change from one country to another. For that reason, the International Maritime Organization has set some standards for maximum boat noise levels and safety.
Ideally, a maximum of 80 to 90 dB shouldn’t be crossed if you want to avoid the previously mentioned effects of noise. You can use a decibel checker to make sure that your boat doesn’t exceed the healthy limits.
How to Control and Avoid Vibration and Noise in Boats?
Now that you know more about the impact of noise and vibration on your health, here are some of the best ways to avoid their side effects while on a boat:
Soundproofing
Soundproofing is all about controlling the source of noise and preventing it from making more noise. For example, separating the motor and captain chamber to limit the noise reached.
By using elastic materials for engine mounts and isolating the fittings and pipes. These dampers have the ability to absorb not only a major chunk of the sound produced but also the mechanical vibration produced by them.
In addition to dampeners, you can use harmonic balancers to limit the crankshaft movement in diesel motor engines. Avoid using ear protection unless you work very close to the noise source.
Limit Your Time on the Boat
The U.S. Coast Guard is known for limiting their watch shifts to 4 hours despite the strenuous training of their personnel.
You can also reduce your time of operation on the boat to avoid overloading your brain and ears.
Regular Maintenance
In some cases, noise is produced due to loose bolts here and there. Continuous maintenance and lubrication of different boat components will make sure that it produces as little noise as possible.
Wrap Up
With that said, you now know how noise and vibration affect you when operating a boat. As you can see, almost all maritime vessels, especially motorized ones, will be affected by noise and vibration.
However, the level of distraction or physical harm is dependent on the level of exposure to these sources.
Luckily, there are plenty of methods to control these noises, whether directly by soundproofing or indirectly by maintaining the boat’s engine and lubrication.