Maritime New Zealand is currently investigating whether a cruise ship line is liable over death of a crew member in explosion in Dunedin.
A Filipino man was killed on Emerald Princess last Thursday when a gas cylinder hit him as he was carrying out maintenance on the ship's lifeboats, while it was docked at Port Chalmers.
Maritime New Zealand spokesman Vince Cholewa said an investigation was being carried out under the Maritime Transport Act, and the penalties included a fine of up to $100,000 or 12 months' jail.
He said the ship's owners, police and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority were involved in the investigation, which is expected to take weeks.