DIN ISO 17208-1:2026-05

This standard specifies the general measurement system, procedure, and methodology used for the measurement of underwater sound from ships under a prescribed operating condition. The resulting quantities are based on the root-mean-square sound pressure levels (SPL), herein used synonymously with sound pressure level or SPL measured in the far field of the ship and normalized to a distance of 1 m and reported in one-third octave bands. The result of these measurements is called "radiated noise level". This standard is applicable to any and all underway surface vessels, either manned or unmanned. The measurement method smooths the variability caused by Lloyd's mirror surface image coherence effects, but does not exclude a possible influence of propagation effects like bottom reflections, refraction and absorption. A specific ocean location is not required to use this standard, but the requirements for an ocean test site are provided. The intended uses of the method described in this part of ISO 17208 are: to show compliance with contract requirements or criteria, for comparison of one ship to another ship, to enable periodic signature assessments, and for research and development. Additional post-processing would be required to use the data obtained from this measurement method for determination of the ship source levels to perform far field noise predictions such as needed for most environmental impact studies or for creating underwater noise contour maps. The procedure for that purpose is described in ISO 17208-2. The intended users include government agencies, research vessel operators, and commercial ship owners. This standard has been prepared by ISO/TC 43/SC 3/WG 1 "Measurement of underwater sound from ships" in collaboration with German experts from NA 001-02-04 AA "Akustische Belastung im Meer" ("Acoustic stress in the sea").