Australian sailors are being warned to expect brutal conditions inside jail cells if they drink too much during shore leave overseas.

Key points: A new Navy "Fleet Directive" sets stricter alcohol limits for officers during shore leave

A new Navy "Fleet Directive" sets stricter alcohol limits for officers during shore leave Under the directive, sailors spending leave time in Singapore are limited to consuming three standard drinks in a 24-hour period

Under the directive, sailors spending leave time in Singapore are limited to consuming three standard drinks in a 24-hour period Many sailors have expressed annoyance at the new directive

The blunt warnings are contained in a new Royal Australian Navy "Fleet Directive" which sets stricter alcohol limits and has angered many serving personnel.

According to the directive leaked to the ABC, "ongoing poor behaviour of a minority of personnel has undermined the trust that Government and senior ADF leadership has in the Fleet".

The document, marked "For Official Use Only", recounts the experience of an Australian sailor arrested and convicted of an "alcohol-related incident" in Singapore in October 2017.

The sailor then spent six weeks in a Singaporean jail.

"Caning is conducted at Admiralty West [Prison] on Thursday and Friday at 1300," the jailed sailor is reported to have told his naval superiors.

"Screaming can be heard from the cells. Prisoners are returned to the cells after caning, without medical attention.

"Prisoners shower in the yard without hot water or privacy," the document adds.

The sailor, who was also detained in Singapore's notorious Changi Prison, also describes how the cells have no air-conditioning and temperatures regularly rise above 35 degrees Celsius.

In the directive, the Fleet Commander says he expects "all members of Fleet Command to control their behaviour and act with appropriate respect for foreign laws and cultural sensitivities in overseas ports".

"Equally I expect Commands to enforce good order and discipline amongst their people, ensuring they realise they will be held accountable for their actions," the Fleet Commander adds.

Under the directive, sailors spending leave time in Singapore are now bound by an 11:00pm curfew, limited to consuming three standard drinks during a 24-hour period and be accompanied by a "buddy" who must remain sober.

Many sailors have expressed annoyance at the new directive, with one telling the ABC it could have the consequence of naval members choosing to instead take drugs while on leave.

"A minority of Navy personnel take drugs, that's the truth of it, and one reason is that many exit the body very quickly," the Navy member has told the ABC on the condition of anonymity.

"I believe that some personnel, if they can't get a 'high' from getting 'on the drink', may be inclined to take drugs."

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