Noise Exposure on a Warship during Firing of a Heavy Machine Gun

Abstract

Sound pressure levels were measured on a military ship during firing of a Heavy Machine Gun (HMG). Measurements were made at three locations on the ship's bridge (the wheelhouse) and one location on the starboard bridge wing. The highest peak sound pressure levels measured on the bridge wing and on the bridge were 160.7 dB(C) (2170 Pa) and 122.7 dB(C) (27.3 Pa), respectively. The highest sound exposure levels measured on the bridge wing and on the bridge corresponding to one round being fired were 127.8 dB(A) and 88.9 dB(A), respectively. The ship's structure provided about 40 dB attenuation in the transmitted noise. The operator of the weapon would be required to wear some form of hearing protection. Based on the measured peak noise levels, there would be no requirement for bridge crew to wear any hearing protection during firing of a HMG. However, crew exposure to noise on the bridge is likely to exceed the upper exposure action value corresponding to 85 dB(A) after about 11 750 rounds.