Maritime New Zealand has laid charges against two construction companies after a double fatality off the Canterbury coast last year.
The men died while working at sea on a sewage outfall pipe off the coast of Christchurch last October.
The two companies are Heron Construction Ltd and McConnell Dowell Constructors Ltd.
They are accused of operating a vessel without appropriate documentation, and in a manner causing unnecessary risk, and failing to take all practicable steps to ensure safety of employees.
The charges could incur a maximum fine of $250,000.
A hearing is set down for 6 August.
