---
kind: "section"
citation: "36 C.F.R. § 3.15"
title: "36"
number: "3.15"
heading: "What is the maximum noise level for the operation of a vessel?"
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/36/3.15"
---

# §3.15. What is the maximum noise level for the operation of a vessel?

- (a) A person may not operate a vessel at a noise level exceeding:
  - (1) 75dB(A) measured utilizing test procedures applicable to vessels underway (Society of Automotive Engineers SAE—J1970); or
  - (2) 88dB(A) measured utilizing test procedures applicable to stationary vessels (Society of Automotive Engineers SAE—J2005).
- (b) An authorized person who has reason to believe that a vessel is being operated in excess of the noise levels established in [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section may direct the operator of the vessel to submit the vessel to an on-site test to measure the noise level.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 54 U.S.C. 100101, 100751, 320102.

### Source

Source: 72 FR 13702, Mar. 23, 2007, unless otherwise noted.