Occupational noise exposure of fishermen aboard small and medium-scale fishing vessels

There is little information about occupational noise exposure of fishermen working on small and medium-scale fishing vessels, mainly because of the difficulty of conducting noise exposure surveillance in such occupations. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the exposure of this group of workers to occupational noise using a combined measurement and questionnaire approach. Sound pressure levels were measured aboard 24 fishing vessels at all working or resting locations and during speeding and slow-down moods of the engine. The average existence times of the crew at such locations were collected using a questionnaire. The average daily noise exposure levels (LEP,d,8h) for engine mechanics in all vessel types (91.2–94.3 dBA) and the tiller operators in gill/trammel and purse seining vessels (84.7–88.4 dBA) exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of 85 dBA. Other crew members were found to be exposed, on average, to daily noise exposure levels slightly lower than the recommended one (81.6–83.5 dBA). However, direct personal dosimetry for five crew members revealed daily noise exposure levels 1.1–5.1 dBA higher than the calculated averages, which might be attributed, partly, to sources of uncertainty. The results of this study suggest that small and medium-scale vessels fishermen are at high risk of NIHL, calling for development and enforcement of suitable interventions for hearing protection of the workforce of this sector.Relevance to industryAvailability of the data about actual exposure to noise aboard small and medium-scale fishing vessels supports decision making on the most suitable interventions to protect workers of such underserved occupation from NIHL.

► Task-based measurement of noise exposure aboard fishing vessels is a good strategy.
► Excessive noise levels were found in engine rooms and at the tiller crew location.
► The mechanic and the tiller crew are at high risk of NIHL as compared to others.
► Hearing protection programs in small and medium-scale fishing vessels are urgent.