A coroner says the death of a Foxton man, who drowned when his boat sank in the Tasman Sea, highlights the need for better safety education for boaties.
Colin Chrystall and a friend were fishing off Hokio Beach in October 2011 when their catamaran sank without warning.
The boat went down so quickly, the two men were only able to grab one lifejacket, which they shared as a floatation device in the cold water.
Several hours later, Mr Chrystall slipped off the lifejacket and drowned.
Coroner Carla na Nagara found Mr Chrystall's death was preventable and should serve as a warning to the boating community.
Ms na Nagara said the men should have been wearing their lifejackets, and flares and communication equipment should have been readily accessible on the boat.
She said boating clubs and coastguards need clearer procedures for when to start searching for overdue boats.
