People who spend their leisure time on board boats or other vessels around Britain’s coasts and waterways could soon face the prospect of breath tests to determine if they are fit to be in control of their vehicle.

A new law, coming into force on Tuesday 30 March, will set an alcohol limit for professional seamen, such as the captains of fishing boats.

Although the new law does not initially include recreational yachting or the use of speedboats, the government has announced that leisure-time mariners will eventually be incorporated into the legislation.

The Department of Transportation will this week launch a consultation exercise, which will take around four months to complete.

The legislation, which could affect anyone using jet skis, motorboats or canal boats, is likely to be introduced in 2005. Details: www.dft.gov.uk