Royal Navy Implements Strict New Alcohol Policy for Sailors
The Royal Navy has issued a directive requiring sailors to abstain from alcohol for at least two days each week while adhering to stringent Government health guidelines. This move represents a notable departure from hundreds of years of naval tradition, with ships designated as dry on specific days and crew members restricted to a maximum of 14 units of alcohol per week.
Concerns Over Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Official documents titled Alcohol Policy Onboard Ships, based on advice from military doctors, reveal that alcohol consumption aboard vessels remains a significant concern for service chiefs. The documents, obtained by the Daily Mail, indicate that an estimated 48 per cent of Navy personnel consume alcohol to excess, a decrease from 55 per cent in 2023.
The policy states: "These figures highlight the critical need for stricter alcohol policies to safeguard personnel, enhance operational performance and mitigate risks to operational capacity."
New Guidelines and Enforcement Measures
Under the new lower-risk guidelines, sailors must not exceed three units of alcohol on any single day, nor more than 14 units per week, with at least two whole-ship alcohol-free days mandated weekly. To ensure compliance, sailors will be required to complete forms in bars detailing their drink consumption, preventing them from surpassing these limits.
Additionally, warship bars are encouraged to stock non-alcoholic beers to promote healthier lifestyle choices, according to the official memorandum.
Reactions from Former Navy Chiefs
Retired Rear Admiral Chris Parry expressed concern over the potential impact on morale, stating: "This is very sad and I'm a teetotaller. You have to trust your sailors and your leaders aboard ships to set the rules. I never had any problems in my career with crew members stepping out of line. You can screw down a system too much. Sailors take great risks and make big sacrifices."
Retired Commander Tom Sharpe added: "This is an inevitable step towards dry ships. The Navy is changing. The modern sailor is more interested in gym and wifi."
Historical Context and Tradition
The association of alcohol with the Royal Navy dates back centuries, rooted in practical necessities. With limited access to clean drinking water at sea, alcohol such as beer and later rum became safer and longer-lasting alternatives. The daily rum ration, known as the 'tot', was a longstanding tradition until its abolition on July 31, 1970, a day remembered as Black Tot Day.
Despite this, rum can still be issued by captains as a reward, preserving a link to naval heritage.
Replacement of Previous Rules
The new orders supersede the previous 'two-can rule' observed across the Armed Forces, which allowed personnel to consume two cans of beer daily. This practice resulted in weekly totals of up to 21 units, significantly exceeding the current recommendation of 14 units.
Official Statement and Broader Context
A Royal Navy spokesperson commented: "The updated policy aligns with advice, ensuring our people remain fit for naval operations. It also prioritises the health of our people and ensures they are ready to respond to the dynamic demands of naval operations."
This policy shift follows recent news that the Navy is losing its last remaining full admiral, with no officers of this rank for the first time in nearly 500 years after Admiral Sir Keith Blount steps down in March.
