Why the Government has not already made float-free satellite-linked beacons compulsory is beyond Port Chalmers Fishing Co-operative executive member Peter Scott.
Mr Scott was asked about Otago-Southland coroner David Crerar's comments about safety at the inquest into the drownings of two fishermen on K-Cee and two on Governor.
A float-free beacon cost $1000-$1200, while a traditional beacon, which requires someone to set it off, cost $500-600, he said.
''For $400 extra, that might save a life. I cannot for the life of me see why they are not mandatory.''
Fishermen who did not have them must not value their lives or those of their crew, he said.
He was also concerned that even if the Government made them compulsory it would take years to become operational.
''Maritime New Zealand needs to sharpen up and start saving some lives.''
Port Chalmers Fishing Co-operative president Ant Smith said he would not go to sea without a float-free beacon, but wearing a surveyable life jacket (which are mandatory to have on board) would be impractical on a small fishing boat.
''You'd have to take it on a case-by-case basis. They're fairly bulky.''
They could be worn on a bigger fishing boat, when working at night or when boats were crossing bars, he said.
The issue of float-free beacons was raised after Easy Rider capsized in Foveaux Strait last year and eight people died.
Maritime New Zealand told the Otago Daily Times shortly afterwards changing the rules was considered ''impractical at the time''.
A Maritime NZ spokesman said this week it needed a chance to work through the implications of the coroner's report on the tragedies.
It was also working through the development and implementation of the maritime operator safety system (MOSS), due to be implemented in 2014.
''In the meantime, there is nothing preventing skippers from using float-free EPIRBs [emergency position-indicating radio beacons] now and we encourage them to do so.''
However, a float-free EPIRB was essentially an emergency measure used after the fact.
''While emergency measures are extremely valuable and Maritime New Zealand encourages their carriage and use, the focus is rightly on systems ensuring the safe operation of vessels and prevention of accidents.''
