Having one too many as you steer your floating gin palace between marinas will become a thing of the past under new Government proposals. Ministers hope that the days of the drunken sailor will be curbed in much the same way as drink-driving became acceptable after the intruction of the breathalyser.
For years yacht skippers and devil-may-care speedboat drivers have over-indulged with a carefree "the sun's gone over the yardarm" excuse as they pour out the gin and tonics.
However, the new proposals will make it a criminal offence to be in charge of a leisure boat while under the influence of alcohol. Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman said the alcohol drink-driver limit would soon be introduced to apply to "non-professional mariners", people who go boating on a casual basis.
It will apply to those who navigate a vessel longer than 21ft (7m) and/or capable of a maximum speed of more than seven knots (9 mph).
The measures are being introduced in response to an increasing number of water sports enthusiasts who are drinking to excess and putting others' lives at risks with their waterborne activities.
For the moment, however, jet skis will be exempt from the new legislation.
Under the new laws - to be introduced after draft legislation is drawn up this summer - leisure mariners who get behind the wheel when drunk will face similar prosecution to drink-drivers.
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