Disposable breathalysers will now be distributed to seafarers in a bid to reduce excessive drinking while at sea, where the alcohol limit is similar to that on the road.

Speaking at a press conference this morning, Malta Road Safety Council Consultant at Transport Malta Pierre Vella said the awareness campaign, which kicked off at public places on land two years ago, was now being taken to sea.

Alcohol drinking, he noted, was an important safety factor, no matter the type of transport.

In Malta, the legal alcohol limit for driving is still 0.8g, among the highest in Europe.

Pierre Vella, Ian Borg and James Piscopo at the news conference.

Transport Minister Ian Borg said this afternoon that the government was committed to reducing the limit to 0.5g, which is the EU average.

He noted that alcohol drinking increased throughout summer, with the onset of village feasts, weddings and parties.

Sea vessels were no longer a luxury affordable by the few, but several families had a boat and they too needed to be aware of the risks of excessive drinking, he added.

According to figures provided by Transport Malta, there were 270 inspections at sea between May and mid-July.

Of these, 119 were handed a fine, 85 received a warning and 66 were found to be in order. None of the contraventions were related to alcohol consumption. 

Violations included lack of a nautical license or vessel registration, while the “largest headache” was over speeding.