Section Saf-C 403.23 - Noise Level Testing Procedure(a) This section shall set forth the testing procedures used to measure marine engine noise levels, pursuant to RSA 270:36-40.(b) The following instruments shall be used to measure decibel levels of marine engines and motors: (1) A precision sound level meter that conforms to the specifications of ANSI S1.4-1983; and(2) An external field test, such as a sound level calibrator.(c) The test site shall be located on a calm body of water that is large enough to allow pass-bys at full speed, as designated by the division.(d) The area around the test site shall be free of large obstructions, such as buildings, boats, hills, large piers and breakwater walls, for a minimum distance of 100 feet.(e) The test course shall consist of 3 small buoys, in a straight line.(f) The test boat shall be positioned parallel to the test course, at a distance of 50 feet from the center buoy of the course. The bow and stern of a test boat shall be secured to moorings.(g) A marine patrol officer shall stay on board each boat tested to verify that the boat was operated at maximum speed, pursuant to (k) below, for 2 of the pass-bys.(h) Calibration shall be as follows: (1) The sound level meter used shall be calibrated using an external field test;(2) Field calibration of the sound level meter shall be made immediately before and after each test sequence;(3) The person performing the field calibration shall record successful completion of the calibration on a noise test report form;(4) An external standard calibration test shall be conducted annually on the sound level meter and the external field test; and(5) A copy of the external standard calibration test form, completed by the person(s) who performed the last external standard calibration, shall be evidence that the sound level meter and the external field test were properly calibrated at the time of the noise level test.(i) The ambient sound level, including wind effects, due to noise sources other than the vessel being tested, shall be measured immediately prior to the test sequence. The value shall be recorded.(j) The temperature, humidity and windspeed shall be recorded, using the current values available and reported by the National Weather Service at the nearest observation station to the site.(k) The test shall consist of 4 passes along the test course of 3 buoys, at a distance of 1 to 3 feet from the buoys. The direction of travel shall be reversed between each run. The first 2 runs shall be at the boat's half throttle cruising speed, and the other 2 runs shall be at full throttle.(l) During each test, all radio equipment shall be switched off. An officer shall hold the sound level meter 5 to 6 feet above the water with the microphone inclined approximately 70 degrees off horizontal, facing the center buoy of the test course. The results of each run shall be recorded by a marine patrol officer in the test boat.(m) Each meter reading shall be obtained while the boat is within the boundaries of the test course, at the highest sound level for each speed.(n) All values obtained pursuant to (m) above shall be recorded, however, the sound level shall be the average of the 2 readings, rounded down to the nearest whole number.(o) The officers conducting the noise level test shall record the following information on a log sheet: (1) Name, address and date of birth of owner of the boat;(2) Documentation showing proof of identification of the boat operator;(3) Names of officers conducting the test;(4) Date and time of test;(5) Location of test site;(8) Make, model number and color of the boat being tested;(10) Registration number of the boat;(11) Hull identification number of the boat;(12) Names or distinguishing marking on the boat;(13) The result of the external field test of the sound level meter;(14) Direction of the test pass, either left or right; and(15) Results of each test.N.H. Admin. Code § Saf-C 403.23
#4562, eff 1-3-89; ss by #5936, INTERIM, eff 1-3-95, EXPIRES, 5-3-95 (formerly Saf-C 403.26); ss by #6005, eff 3-24-95, EXPIRED: 3-24-03
New. #7904, INTERIM, eff 6-24-03, EXPIRED: 12-21-03
New. #8107, EMERGENCY, eff 6-22-04, EXPIRES: 12-19-04; ss and moved by #8172, eff 9-21-04 (from Saf-C 403.22); ss by #10293, eff 3-20-13