The Marine Environment Protection Committee, at its eighty-second session (30 September to 4 October 2024), having considered draft amendments prepared by the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC), at its tenth session (22 to 26 January 2024), pertaining to the inclusion of the underwater radiated noise (URN) planning reference chart, approved the annexed Revised guidelines for the reduction of underwater radiated noise from shipping to address adverse impacts on marine life (Revised Guidelines).

Commercial shipping is one of the main contributors to underwater radiated noise (URN), which has adverse effects on critical life functions for a wide range of marine life, including marine mammals, fish and invertebrate species, upon which many coastal Indigenous communities depend for their food, livelihoods and cultures.

The effective mitigation of URN impact from ships on marine life requires international collaboration and action at various levels, involving multiple stakeholders including, but not limited to, seafarers, designers, shipbuilders, shipowners and ship operators, maritime authorities, suppliers, manufacturers and classification societies. Member States also play an important role in setting expectations for noise reduction targets and establishing mechanisms and programmes through which noise reduction efforts may be realized.

These Revised Guidelines will take effect on 1 December 2024. This circular revokes MEPC.1/Circ.906.

MEPC.1-Circ.906-Rev.1 – Revised Guidelines For The Reduction Of Underwater Radiated Noise From Shipping To Address… (Secretariat)