ISO 17208-3:2025

Underwater acoustics — Quantities and procedures for description and measurement of underwater sound from ships — Part 3: Requirements for measurements in shallow water

ISO 17208 series describe procedures for the measurement of underwater sound radiated by the ship under test, and for calculating sound source quantities such as source level and radiated noise level from the measurement results. In ISO 17208-1 to ISO 17208-3 it is presumed that the ship under test cooperates in the measurements, sailing multiple runs over a specified track past the measurement system at a specified speed with pre-determined machinery configurations. Opportunistic measurements of the radiated sound of passing ships are outside the scope of these three standards. Part 1 of the ISO 17208 standards[ REF Reference_ref_4 \r \h 1 08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B0200000008000000100000005200650066006500720065006E00630065005F007200650066005F0034000000 ] provides the procedure to quantify the underwater sound from the ship in terms of its radiated noise level, which is calculated from the sound pressure level (SPL) measured in the far field of the ship, in beam aspect, scaled by the distance to CPA and reported in decidecade bands. The intended use of radiated noise level is 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. ISO 17208-2[ REF Reference_ref_4 \r \h 1 08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B0200000008000000100000005200650066006500720065006E00630065005F007200650066005F0034000000 ] specifies methods for calculating the source level of an equivalent monopole source at a specified nominal source depth from the radiated noise level values obtained according to ISO 17208-1. The intended use of source level, with associated nominal source depth, is to perform far field sound predictions such as needed for environmental impact studies or for creating underwater sound contour maps. ISO 17208-1 and ISO 17208-2[ REF Reference_ref_4 \r \h 1 08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B0200000008000000100000005200650066006500720065006E00630065005F007200650066005F0034000000 ] are applicable for measurements in deep water, defined as water depth greater than the larger of 150 m and 1,5 times overall ship length. The allowable water depths and environmental conditions for part 3 measurements are described in REF Section_sec_4.5 \r \h 4.5 08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B020000000800000010000000530065006300740069006F006E005F007300650063005F0034002E0035000000 . This document specifies procedures for the measurement of underwater sound radiated by the ship under test in shallow water. It also specifies procedures for the calculation of source level, with associated nominal source depth, from the sound pressure measurements, accounting for the relevant phenomena that govern the propagation of sound in shallow water. These calculations are described in REF Section_sec_7 \r \h Clause 7 08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B02000000080000000E000000530065006300740069006F006E005F007300650063005F0037000000 . Once the source level has been calculated, other metrics may be calculated from the source level and the source depth. REF Section_sec_7.3 \r \h 7.3 08D0C9EA79F9BACE118C8200AA004BA90B020000000800000010000000530065006300740069006F006E005F007300650063005F0037002E0033000000 provides a procedure for calculating the radiated noise level that would have been measured in deep water according to ISO 17208-1 for the same ship with the same operating condition.

Grandeurs et modes de description et de mesurage de l'acoustique sous-marine des navires — Partie 3: Exigences pour les mesurages en eau peu profonde

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 01-Sep-2025
• ICS: 17.140.30 - Noise emitted by means of transport
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 43/SC 3 - Underwater acoustics
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 43/SC 3 - Underwater acoustics
• Current Stage: 6060 - International Standard published
• Start Date: 02-Sep-2025
• Due Date: 15-Jun-2025
• Completion Date: 02-Sep-2025

Standards Content (Sample)

International
Standard
ISO 17208-3
First edition
Underwater acoustics — Quantities
2025-09
and procedures for description and
measurement of underwater sound
from ships —
Part 3:
Requirements for measurements in
shallow water
Grandeurs et modes de description et de mesurage de
l'acoustique sous-marine des navires —
Partie 3: Exigences pour les mesurages en eau peu profonde
Reference number
© ISO 2025
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 General measurement requirements . 5
4.1 General .5
4.2 Test ship parameters . .5
4.3 Frequency range .6
4.4 CPA distance .6
4.5 Test site selection .6
4.6 Sea surface conditions .7
4.7 Acoustic measuring instrumentation .7
4.7.1 System sensitivity .7
4.7.2 Frequency range and sampling rate .8
4.7.3 Directivity .8
4.7.4 System self-noise .8
4.7.5 Dynamic range .9
4.7.6 Full system calibration .9
4.7.7 Field calibration checks . .9
4.7.8 Data quality .9
4.8 Distance measurement .10
4.9 Hydrophone deployment .10
4.9.1 General .10
4.9.2 Vessel based deployments .11
4.9.3 Static deployments (bottom-tethered systems) .11
4.9.4 General criteria for deployments.11
4.9.5 Minimization of self-noise .11
5 Measurement configuration .12
5.1 Number of hydrophones . . 12
5.2 Hydrophone deployment configuration . 12
5.3 Test course and ship operation . 12
5.4 Number of runs . 15
5.5 Background noise measurement . 15
6 Data processing . 16
6.1 General .16
6.2 Calculation of sound pressure levels .16
6.3 Background noise adjustments .16
6.4 Sensitivity adjustments .17
7 Source level calculation .18
7.1 Calculation of source level .18
7.2 Hydrophone and run combination post-processing . 20
7.2.1 Introduction . 20
7.2.2 Multiple hydrophones . 20
7.2.3 Multiple runs .21
7.3 Calculation of radiated noise level .21
8 Measurement uncertainty .21
8.1 Overview .21
8.2 Uncertainty in measurement of source level . 22
8.2.1 Combined uncertainty . 22
8.2.2 Uncertainty in measurement of sound pressure levels . 22
8.2.3 Uncertainty in the source level computation . 22

iii
8.2.4 Variability of the source . 23
9 Reporting of results .23
9.1 Records required from vessel under test . 23
9.2 Records required from fixed range or deploying vessel .24
9.3 Reporting results . 25
Annex A (informative) Examples of deployment methods .27
Annex B (informative) Mitigation of platform and deployment related noise .31
Annex C (informative) Calculation of sound pressure level in decidecade bands .33
Annex D (informative) Propagation loss calculation (SSCI).39
Annex E (informative) Non-standard additional source level calculation methods .44
Annex F (informative) Evaluation of uncertainties .49
Annex G (informative) Notes on records and example additional records that may be required
by the trial authority .56
Bibliography .58

iv
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
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with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The p
...

FINAL DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/FDIS 17208-3
ISO/TC 43/SC 3
Underwater acoustics — Quantities
Secretariat: DIN
and procedures for description and
Voting begins on:
measurement of underwater sound
2025-05-09
from ships —
Voting terminates on:
2025-07-04
Part 3:
Requirements for measurements in
shallow water
Grandeurs et modes de description et de mesurage de
l'acoustique sous-marine des navires —
Partie 3: Exigences pour les mesurages en eau peu profonde
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO-
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
Reference number
ISO/FDIS 17208-3:2025(en) © ISO 2025

FINAL DRAFT
ISO/FDIS 17208-3:2025(en)
International
Standard
ISO/FDIS 17208-3
ISO/TC 43/SC 3
Underwater acoustics — Quantities
Secretariat: DIN
and procedures for description and
Voting begins on:
measurement of underwater sound
from ships —
Voting terminates on:
Part 3:
Requirements for measurements in
shallow water
Grandeurs et modes de description et de mesurage de
l'acoustique sous-marine des navires —
Partie 3: Exigences pour les mesurages en eau peu profonde
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
© ISO 2025
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO-
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ISO/FDIS 17208-3:2025(en) © ISO 2025

ii
ISO/FDIS 17208-3:2025(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 General measurement requirements . 5
4.1 General .5
4.2 Test ship parameters . .5
4.3 Frequency range .6
4.4 CPA distance .6
4.5 Test site selection .6
4.6 Sea surface conditions .7
4.7 Acoustic measuring instrumentation .7
4.7.1 System sensitivity .7
4.7.2 Frequency range and sampling rate .8
4.7.3 Directivity .8
4.7.4 System self-noise .8
4.7.5 Dynamic range .9
4.7.6 Full system calibration .9
4.7.7 Field calibration checks . .9
4.7.8 Data quality .9
4.8 Distance measurement .10
4.9 Hydrophone deployment .10
4.9.1 General .10
4.9.2 Vessel based deployments .11
4.9.3 Static deployments (bottom-tethered systems) .11
4.9.4 General criteria for deployments.11
4.9.5 Minimization of self-noise .11
5 Measurement configuration .12
5.1 Number of hydrophones . . 12
5.2 Hydrophone deployment configuration . 12
5.3 Test course and ship operation . 12
5.4 Number of runs . 15
5.5 Background noise measurement .16
6 Data processing . 16
6.1 General .16
6.2 Calculation of sound pressure levels .16
6.3 Background noise adjustments .17
6.4 Sensitivity adjustments .17
7 Source level calculation .18
7.1 Calculation of source level .18
7.2 Hydrophone and run combination post-processing . 20
7.2.1 Introduction . 20
7.2.2 Multiple hydrophones .21
7.2.3 Multiple runs .21
7.3 Calculation of radiated noise level .21
8 Measurement uncertainty .22
8.1 Overview . 22
8.2 Uncertainty in measurement of source level . 22
8.2.1 Combined uncertainty . 22
8.2.2 Uncertainty in measurement of sound pressure levels . 22
8.2.3 Uncertainty in the source level computation . 23

iii
ISO/FDIS 17208-3:2025(en)
8.2.4 Variability of the source . 23
9 Reporting of results .23
9.1 Records required from vessel under test . 23
9.2 Records required from fixed range or deploying vessel . 25
9.3 Reporting results . 25
Annex A (informative) Examples of deployment methods .27
Annex B (informative) Mitigation of platform and deployment related noise .32
Annex C (informative) Calculation of sound pressure level in decidecade bands .34
Annex D (informative) Propagation loss calculation (SSCI).40
Annex E (informative) Non-standard additional source level calc
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Copyright notice
ThisGrandeurs et modes de description et de mesurage de l'acoustique sous-marine des navires —
Partie 3: Exigences pour les mesurages en eau peu profonde
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ISO/FDIS 17208-3:2025(en)
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© ISO 2025 – All rights reserved
iii
ISO/FDIS 17208-3:2025(Een)
Formatted: Font: Bold
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Formatted: HeaderCentered
Contents Page
Formatted: Adjust space between Latin and Asian text,
Adjust space between Asian text and numbers, Tab
Foreword . viii
stops: Not at 0.71 cm + 17.2 cm
Introduction . ix
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 General measurement requirements . 6
4.1 General. 6
4.2 Test ship parameters . 6
4.3 Frequency range . 7
4.4 CPA distance . 7
4.5 Test site selection . 7
4.6 Sea surface conditions. 8
4.7 Acoustic measuring instrumentation . 8
4.8 Distance measurement . 11
4.9 Hydrophone deployment . 12
5 Measurement configuration . 13
5.1 Number of hydrophones . 13
5.2 Hydrophone deployment configuration . 13
5.3 Test course and ship operation . 14
5.4 Number of runs . 18
5.5 Background noise measurement . 18
6 Data processing . 18
6.1 General. 18
6.2 Calculation of sound pressure levels . 19
6.3 Background noise adjustments . 19
6.4 Sensitivity adjustments . 20
7 Source level calculation . 21
7.1 Calculation of source level . 21
7.2 Hydrophone and run combination post-processing . 25
7.3 Calculation of radiated noise level . 26
8 Measurement uncertainty . 26
8.1 Overview . 26
8.2 Uncertainty in measurement of source level . 26
9 Reporting of results . 28
9.1 Records required from vessel under test. 28
9.2 Records required from fixed range or deploying vessel . 30
9.3 Reporting results . 30
Annex A (informative) Examples of deployment methods . 34
Annex B (informative) Mitigation of platform and deployment related noise . 39
Annex C (informative) Calculation of sound pressure level in decidecade bands . 41
Annex D (informative) Propagation loss calculation (SSCI) . 49
Annex E (informative) Non-standard additional source level calculation methods . 57
Formatted: FooterPageRomanNumber
iv
iv
ISO/FDIS 17208-3:2025(en)
Formatted: Font: Bold, English (United Kingdom)
Formatted: Font: Bold
Formatted: HeaderCentered, Left
Annex F (informative) Evaluation of uncertainties . 63
Annex G (informative) Notes on records and example additional records that may be required
by the trial authority . 74
Bibliography . 76

Foreword . 6
Introduction . 7
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 General measurement requirements . 6
4.1 General. 6
4.2 Test ship parameters . 6
4.3 Frequency range . 6
4.4 CPA distance . 7
4.5 Test site selection . 7
4.6 Sea surface conditions. 8
4.7 Acoustic measuring instrumentation . 8
4.7.1 System sensitivity . 8
4.7.2 Frequency range and sampling rate . 9
4.7.3 Directivity . 9
4.7.4 System self-noise . 9
4.7.5 Dynamic range . 10
4.7.6 Full system calibration . 10
4.7.7 Field calibratio
...