The British Navy tightens alcohol consumption requirements on board - to ensure sailors "are ready to respond to the dynamic demands of naval operations." Just recently, sailors were issued a traditional daily tot of rum.
The United Kingdom's Royal Navy is introducing restrictions on alcohol consumption at sea, marking another departure from the centuries-old drinking culture in the fleet. This was reported on Thursday by the country's Ministry of Defence.
According to new rules presented this week, Royal Navy personnel must consume no more than three units of alcohol per day or 14 units per week while at sea, regardless of rank, a source in the defence ministry said.
Each ship will be required to adhere to a sober lifestyle for at least two days a week. Officials stated that to promote responsible drinking, there will be options for purchasing non-alcoholic and low-alcohol products.
This replaces previous guidelines that allowed sailors to drink two cans of beer a day, which is equivalent to more than three units depending on the strength of the beer.
The changes align with the Royal Navy's goal of enhancing the readiness of personnel while at sea, as well as recommendations issued for the UK population as a whole, officials said.
"The updated policy aligns with the recommendations of the Chief Medical Officer for the UK, ensuring that our people remain fit for naval operations and comparable to modern military and civilian maritime standards," said a Royal Navy representative.
"It also prioritizes the health of our people, which is paramount, and ensures that they are ready to respond to the dynamic demands of naval operations while still enjoying their downtime."
The new restrictions will not apply when sailors are not on board ships, such as at shore bases, a source in the defence ministry reported.
Previously, for about three centuries, sailors in the Royal Navy were issued a traditional daily ration of rum, but this practice was discontinued in July 1970.
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