Australia's offshore energy regulator has slapped an improvement notice (IN) on Subsea 7 relating to dangerous noise and vibration levels on its Seven Pegasus vessel. 

According to the notice seen by ENB, members of the facility's workforce reported to NOPSEMA the ship's engines were causing noise in the onboard accommodation, leading to concerning levels of fatigue.  

A crew member recorded the unmistakable high levels of noise and vibration. 

During the inspection of the Seven Pegasus, NOPSEMA inspectors acknowledged that the noise levels in the accommodation do not meet the recommended limits set by good industry practice. 

NOPSEMA determined the noise represents a physical hazard that is not adequately controlled in the facility and could contribute to a "poor physical environment" which may lead to "worker fatigue." 

The IN stated: "there is a risk of serious personal injury that could lead to permanent or irreversible damage, where the workforce is exposed to uncontrolled noise and a poor physical environment which can cause and or contribute to worker fatigue." 

NOPSEMA also found no evidence to indicate Subsea 7 has assessed the risk associated with excessive noise levels or taken effective action to control noise to as low as reasonably possible (ALARP) and that, therefore, the IN was the appropriate course of action. 

Subsea 7 has been given until April 8 to bring on board a specialised third party to identify and assess the noise risk and to carry out an ALARP engineering noise control assessment to determine control options. 

Control measures must be put in place by July 7, and they must be adequately assessed as having been effective another 30 days later. 

Seven Pegasus is a diving support vessel with accommodation for 131 crew. 

Union response

A statement from the Maritime Union of Australia's WA branch (MUAWA) said they were pleased the noise levels were being addressed. 

"Since joining the vessel, the crew consistently raised concerns about the harmful noise levels affecting their health and wellbeing.  

"It's taken over eight months of relentless effort, numerous formal complaints to NOPSEMA, and pressure from the Union to ensure our members' voices were heard. But now, there's progress." 

Subsea 7 has been contacted for a response, and this article will be updated.