Managing Underwater Noise from Commercial Ships with the Rectification at Source Principle

Abstract

The threat of underwater noise pollution from commercial ships is one of the most widespread and persistent sources of pollution. Therefore, it is receiving great national and international attention that led to calls, in recent years, to improve the regulation of noise generation in the oceans. The scope of this Article would address only the rectification at source principle, which is one of the most essential principles in managing underwater noise from commercial ships as well as some legal aspects and measures in an international context; which is the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Guidelines for the Reduction of Underwater Noise from Commercial Shipping, the United States measures, and Canada measures that adhere to the rectification at source principle.