I visited a Royal Navy frigate once and there was evidence of the crew's drinking everywhere. Empty beer cans littered the mess deck. I understand the Brits now ban alcohol on their ships.

I was once a guest aboard a French destroyer, and learned wine was routinely served to the crew at mealtimes. They claimed there was never any problem; due, no doubt, to a difference between the Gallic and Anglo-Saxon temperaments.

A shipmate of mine who visited a Portuguese tin can told me there were huge casks of wine lashed down in the berthing spaces. The crew also had wine with their meals.