The RNLI has warned leisure boat users to clean up their act - or face a possible raft of statutory controls aimed at guaranteeing seamanship standards.

The issue affects every type of user, from divers in RIBs to the crews of motorboats, speedboats, yachts and sailing dinghies.

Andrew Freemantle, RNLI Chief Executive, said that many incidents were taking place which were avoidable given proper training. If sea users did not improve standards voluntarily, the Government could consider various forms of compulsory training and qualification.

Charging for call-outs in emergencies borne of incompetence is another possibility. This is already done in some other European countries, including France.

Freemantle told The Times: "The sea is one of the last unregulated areas of our lives...It would be a great shame if we lost that...What worries us is that if people don't take care and prepare themselves for going to sea, then the pressure for regulation will rise."

Mark Criddle, a West Country RNLI coxswain, said errors ranged from simply forgetting to check fuel level to fundamental lack of knowledge about tides and weather.

"A lot of it could be avoided with a simple bit of training," he told The Times. Referring specifically to divers, he said: "There are some quite inexperienced guys doing 'extreme diving', down to 50m or 70m, without really being aware of the tides or anything."

A comprehensive range of boat handling, seamanship, navigation and VHF radio courses exists, created by the Royal Yachting Association and taught at schools around the country. All are voluntary, except for radio use which requires certification.

Edmund Whelan, RYA Legal and Government Affairs Manager, told Divernet: "I would certainly agree with Andrew Freemantle of the RNLI when he warns of possible regulations being a Government response to falling safety standards among recreational boat users.

"Proposals for legislation have been forthcoming from various quarters, including MPs of various parties, pressure groups etc, since at least the mid-60s, but each time, after discussion, the all-party consensus has been re-asserted that legislation is not the appropriate response.

"The RYA is a strong advocate of 'Education not Legislation', and over the years we have continued to believe that the voluntary approach is the best. However this approach depends on the boating public agreeing to be educated, and once educated, to act responsibly in equipping, maintaining, and using their boats.

"In the past the RYA and others (including the yachting press which is very influential in this regard) have promoted the culture of self-reliance and responsibility afloat; however if this culture is eroded by the easy accessibility of the rescue services, then the Government may well be moved to take action."

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