Sailors get a rum deal as Royal Navy makes them go teetotal two days a week
The Royal Navy is cracking down on alcohol consumption by ordering personnel to go teetotal for two days a week while on a ship.
The new rule affects all sailors, regardless of their rank, in a move to safeguard personnel and fit in with the Government's health advice.
Further guidelines have been put in place to include no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, which is around six pints of beer.
Fit for operations
Guidelines are also in place to limit personnel to three units a day, which is equivalent to a glass of wine.
The Navy says the updated policy is in line with Government advice and ensures personnel remain fit for operations.
A Royal Navy Spokesperson said: "The updated policy aligns with advice from the UK Chief Medical Officer, ensuring that our people remain fit for naval operations and comparable with modern military and civilian maritime standards.
"It also prioritises the health of our people, which is paramount, and ensures they are ready to respond to the dynamic demands of naval operations, while also continuing to enjoy downtime."
Doctor's orders
The policy follows documents titled Alcohol Policy Onboard Ships, seen by the Daily Mail, which offers advice from military doctors.
It revealed that alcohol consumption aboard ships "remains a significant concern" to service chiefs.
The documents indicate that around 48% of personnel drink alcohol to the excess - a figure down from 55% in 2023.
They said the figures highlight the "critical need for stricter alcohol policies to safeguard personnel, enhance operational performance and mitigate risks to operational capacity".
Alcohol has been deeply associated within the culture of the Royal Navy for hundreds of years - dating back to the 17th century when a daily rum ration was issued.
It’s not the first time sailors have been forced to limit their alcohol consumption while on ships, as the US has banned all alcohol consumption on its vessels.
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