Thousands of commercial and recreational vessels could be at risk of leaking fuel lines because of a longstanding failure to check them.
Five people died when the charter boat i-Catcher, with 11 people on board, capsized in Kaikōura last September.
A preliminary report says a fuel leak may have contributed to their deaths with the five who died all showing symptoms of petrol exposure, consistent with inhaling and absorbing petrol fumes.
Now, the Transport Accident Investigation Commission is urging Maritime New Zealand to include a vessel's entire fuel system in boat surveys.
Executive Officer for the New Zealand Marine Transport Association, Margaret Wind spoke to Corin Dann.
