The limit of 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood will be equivalent to that already in existence for professional mariners, and will apply to those persons involved in the navigation of a vessel greater than 7 metres in length and/or capable of a maximum speed of more than 7 knots.

The limit for non-professional mariners is being introduced after a consultation in 2004. Announcing the results of the consultation, Dr Ladyman said:

"Everyone has the right to enjoy themselves on the water, but in a way that does not put others at risk. We have weighed very carefully the results of the consultation exercise and the views of all concerned - leisure sailors, enforcement authorities and accident investigators.

"I am satisfied that in bringing in an alcohol limit for non-professional mariners and in setting the exclusion limit at 7 metres and 7 knots we are providing the best balance between improving safety and avoiding unnecessary regulation.

The Department will be consulting on a set of draft regulations later in the Summer.

Dr Ladyman said the regulations will not apply to jet skis:

"Jet skis will not be included in the regulations for now because the Court of Appeal has ruled that jet skis are not ships and are not therefore within the scope of the existing legislation I intend to consult on extending the legislation to them in due course."