The proposed blood/alcohol limit is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, in line with the limit for road and rail. It will apply to all mariners and to all types of civil waterborne transport in UK waters.

"The Government applauds the fact that many reputable ship operators already have strict alcohol policies and some run "dry" ships. Our proposals will not affect those policies. However, we recognise that on long voyages a ship isn't just a place of work but it is also a home. Therefore, the proposed statutory limits will apply to off duty crew members only when they have a safety critical function in the event of an emergency."