The Royal Canadian Navy on Friday imposed an almost total ban on sailors drinking at sea, after a warship had to be recalled from an international exercise because inebriated crew members got into trouble.
Sailors had hitherto been allowed to drink off duty. Now they will only be able to sample alcohol on special occasions such as Christmas if the captain gives permission.
In addition, beer vending machines will be removed from vessels. And in the rare instances when sailors are allowed to drink, they will have to pay more, since ships will hike the price of alcohol served in their bars.