The new limits will apply to those persons involved in the navigation of a vessel greater than 7m in length and/or capable of a maximum speed of more than 7kts.

‘Everyone has the right to enjoy themselves on the water,’ said Dr Ladyman, ‘but in a way that does not put others at risk.’

‘Only an irresponsible minority create problems by going afloat whilst impaired through drink,’ commented BMF executive director Howard Pridding. ‘We are concerned that badly framed legislation that will be difficult to enforce will damage a very successful industry that generates annual revenues of £2.8bn and employs 35,000 people.’

The infrastructure is simply not in place for implementing the new laws and an appropriate timetable has not been set out, he added.

The regulations will not apply to jet skis 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.