Marine investigators today called for a drink-driving ban at sea after a trainee sailor drowned at port.
Brian Daly(20), from Co Offaly, was pulled from the water in Swansea docks three days after he disappeared from the cargo ship
MV Arklow Willowin December 2007.
The Irish seaman had high levels of alcohol in his blood because he went drinking before starting duty. Marine Casualty Investigation Board's report into the tragedy recommended new laws allowing for breath testing for sailors.
"It is recommended that the Department of Transport highlight the danger of the consumption of alcohol by
Masters and crews of any vessel.
"The department should consider the promotion of legislation to introduce a breath test. The legislation should set maximum blood alcohol levels for seafarers on duty."
Marine investigators said in the absence of laws, shipping companies should provide on board alcohol testing kits for random testing and review their alcohol and drug policies.
Arklow Shipping Limited, which operated the vessel, said it bans seamen from drinking before work.
The Government intends to cut the legal blood alcohol level for drivers from 80mg to 50mg per 100mls - a move backed by the International Transport Forum (ITF).
Jack Short, ITF secretary general, said: "Lower blood alcohol levels can save lives." Although there were no witnesses it is believed Mr Daly may have fallen from the quayside, as a woolly hat he was wearing was found on shore.
Investigators said Mr Daly worked on the ship until 8pm on December 1st and was due back on duty at 2am. He had beer with a colleague onboard, before leaving for shore in Swansea.
The deck trainee returned to the vessel and reported for duty to the second officer at around 3am.
Cargo operations were cancelled due to rain and Mr Daly was last seen on the gangway with a can of soft drink about ten minutes later.
When the second officer later saw the drinks can on the gangway and the woolly hat on shore, a search was carried outfor Mr Daly.
His body was recovered from the water on December 5th 2007.