SHIPPING bosses are to be urged to better monitor alcohol abuse among staff following a probe into the captain of a dredger who smashed into Hythe Pier.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) today published a report into the incident after Andrew Bartlett was jailed for eight months earlier this year.

He was in charge of the 681 ton Donald Redford when she ploughed into the 123-year-old structure last November, causing £300,000 worth of damage.

Mr Bartlett was jailed after admitting being in charge of a ship while under the influence of alcohol.

His conviction coincided with new government plans to introduce drink limits at sea.

Southampton Crown Court was told Mr Bartlett had downed up to six pints of lager in the Yacht Tavern in Woolston during an afternoon off duty before returning to take command of the vessel.

The MAIB has now drawn up a series of recommendations following the collision with the pier.

It has told the UK Chamber of Shipping to update its guidelines to offer advice to companies on how to detect, manage and police alcohol abuse.

The group has also urged the British Ports Association to carry out risk assessments on requirements for dedicated lookouts on ships.

Judge John Boggis told Mr Bartlett, 37, during the court case that the results of the collision could have been "appalling".

It happened just after hundreds of Saints football fans returned to the Waterside from a match at St Mary's.

Northwood (Fareham) Limited, which owns the dredger, held an internal investigation after the incident.

Among the measures it brought in were undertaking random drink and drug tests on crews and appointing and training safety officers for Donald Redford.