The ABS Guide for Crew Habitability on Ships was developed with the objective of improving the quality of crew member performance and comfort by improving working and living environments in terms of accommodation area design and ambient environmental qualities. 

HAB criteria assess six major areas to determine a ship's habitability, including accommodation areas, whole-body vibration, noise, indoor climate, and lighting. There are three levels a ship can obtain on this scale, including Ship Habitability (HAB), Ship Habitability Plus (HAB+), and Habitability Plus Plus (HAB++). Having a vessel that meets HAB++ standards means that the ship has obtained the most stringent accommodation criteria. Mascoat sound control solutions can help your vessel comply with HAB++ standards, making your ship the most comfortable and safe for your crew.

How can Mascoat help your vessel meet the various HAB Standards?

Mascoat sound control solutions specifically address accommodation areas, noise and whole-body vibration issues for ships. Frequent vibrations can disturb passengers and crew as they work, play, and sleep. Our Sound Control-dB coating is a spray-on insulation coating designed to reduce noise and vibration caused by resonating metal. Usually applied heaviest in engine and bow thruster compartments and lighter applications throughout crew areas, the coating can help to reduce the effects throughout the entire vessel in an easy-to-apply, one-part coating form. It's so effective that the US Coast Guard decided to replace floating floors with the Sound Control-dB coating because it offered similar damping effects without the corrosion maintenance issues associated with floating floors.

We also offer our VBS isolation mounts, which help vessels meet HAB standards for livability and safety, by reducing the rattling noise ceiling and wall tiles can cause while underway. Our VBS isolation mounts eliminate metal-to-metal contact, which reduces noise and vibration throughout a ship. With no need for multiple bits to attach brackets and tighten locking pins, installation of VBS isolation mounts is quick and simple. They can reduce labor costs by as much as 50 percent when compared to rigid mounting systems. The brackets are available in 25- and 50-millimeter heights and can be used in conjunction with the Mascoat Omega Rail system.

What Vessels do HAB Standards Apply to?

  • Oil or chemical tankers
  • Bulk or combination carriers
  • Container carriers
  • Multi-purpose cargo vessels
  • Crew areas on passenger vessels


Ready to make your ship more livable? Request more information from Mascoat today.