ISO 17208‑2 is a safety standard on determining source levels from deep water measurements.
ISO 17208‑2 specifies methods for calculating an equivalent monopole source level by converting radiated noise level values obtained in deep water according to ISO 17208-1. Procedures are also given for direct calculation from measurements made in deep water with specific hydrophone geometry.
The source level calculated by the procedure in ISO 17208‑2 is that of an equivalent monopole source at a specified nominal source depth, and for broadside aspect only. The nominal source depth is intended to be reported with the equivalent monopole broadside source-level value.
ISO 17208‑2 on determining source levels from deep water measurements is relevant to:
The measurement of underwater sound radiated from ships depends upon various conditions related to the vessel under test and its surrounding environment. Specifically, the speed, draught, and operational conditions of the engine(s) of the ship influence the level of radiated underwater sound.
The sea surface and bottom can reflect acoustical waves. Ambient noise sources, such as traffic, industry, biological, geological, or meteorological noise can also interfere with the measurement of underwater sound radiated from the target ship. ISO 17208‑2 has been developed in response to the demand, noted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and its Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), for an International Standard for measurement of underwater sound radiated from ships. In ISO 17208‑2 the sound radiated by the ship under test is described in terms of an equivalent monopole source level.
As a user of ISO 17208‑2, you can be ensured of procedures for the calculation of source levels from deep water with specific hydrophone geometry. With obedience and compliance to ISO 17208‑2, you can calculate an equivalent monopole source level in deep water. ISO 17208‑2 provides you with comprehensive information useful throughout the process of measurement.
Overall, ISO 17208‑2 is useful as it assists the user with the nominal depth of the monopole point source from which the sound is considered to originate.
ISO 17208-2