CMI Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CMI facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the legal significance of a vessel's Certificate of Inspection (COI) issued by the USCG? → It certifies the vessel meets safety standards for its route and trade
2. Which of the following best describes the correct use of passive voice in formal marine investigation reports? → It should be used sparingly and only when the actor is unknown or irrelevant
3. Under the principle of subrogation in marine insurance, after paying a claim the insurer: → Acquires the right to pursue recovery from the party legally responsible for the loss
4. Which document is the primary forensic record of a vessel's movements and crew actions leading up to a marine casualty? → Official deck logbook maintained by the officer of the watch
5. Which document would a CMI most likely use to establish a vessel's navigational track during an incident investigation? → AIS (Automatic Identification System) data records
6. What distinguishes a Certified Marine Investigator certified professional from a non-certified practitioner? → Certification validates competency through standardized assessment against benchmarks
7. Which statement BEST describes the relationship between Certified Marine Investigator certification and industry evolution? → Requirements evolve periodically to reflect advances in knowledge and practice
8. When a marine investigator uses a 'fault tree analysis' in their report, they are: → Graphically mapping how multiple contributing factors combined to cause an incident
9. When a CMI professional faces pressure to compromise professional standards, the BEST response is to: → Document the pressure and uphold professional standards
10. What is the purpose of a 'go-team' rapid deployment in major marine casualty investigations? → To reach the scene quickly and preserve perishable evidence before it is altered or lost
11. How does the CMI body of knowledge relate to daily professional practice? → It provides the foundational framework guiding decision-making and standard practices
12. Under 33 CFR Part 155, what must a vessel owner submit to the USCG to demonstrate oil spill response preparedness? → A Vessel Response Plan (VRP)
13. What is the importance of case documentation in investigations? → Provides permanent record
14. What is the MOST effective way for new CMI professionals to build competency? → Combining formal education, mentored practice, and ongoing professional development
15. Which method helps preserve evidence integrity? → Chain of custody
16. During a marine structural failure investigation, which categories of documentary evidence should be collected as the highest priority? → Pre-existing defects, repair history, maintenance logs, and operational loading patterns
17. What is the PRIMARY purpose of obtaining CMI certification in Certified Marine Investigator? → To demonstrate verified competency and adherence to professional standards
18. In marine casualty assessment, 'proximate cause' is best defined as: → The dominant, effective cause of a loss without which the loss would not have occurred
19. In marine structural investigation, 'wasting' refers to which condition? → Reduction in metal plate or member thickness caused by corrosion or erosion
20. When a witness displays signs of trauma or emotional distress during an interview, the CMI investigator should: → Pause the interview, offer support, and resume only when the witness is ready to continue
21. When conducting a risk assessment for CMI operations, which factor should receive the HIGHEST priority? → Probability and severity of potential harm
22. What distinguishes a Certified Marine Investigator certified professional from a non-certified practitioner? → Certification validates competency through standardized assessment against benchmarks
23. Under 46 CFR, who is responsible for reporting a marine casualty to the USCG within 5 days? → The owner, agent, master, or operator of the vessel
24. Which body sets international maritime safety standards? → International Maritime Organization (IMO)
25. Which risk management approach is MOST effective for CMI professionals when evaluating potential workplace hazards? → Proactive hazard identification and assessment
26. Stress corrosion cracking in marine structural steel most commonly occurs when: → Sustained tensile stress combines simultaneously with exposure to a corrosive environment
27. In a marine investigation, the term 'spoliation of evidence' refers to: → Intentional or negligent destruction, alteration, or concealment of relevant evidence
28. When collecting water samples as evidence in a pollution investigation, how should samples be stored to preserve their evidentiary value? → In amber glass containers, refrigerated at 4°C, with appropriate preservatives per analyte
29. Under 46 CFR Part 4, what is the required timeframe for a vessel operator to report a marine casualty involving a death to the nearest Coast Guard sector? → Immediately, by the most practicable means
30. When a marine investigator references SOLAS Chapter V in a report, they are addressing requirements related to: → Safety of navigation, including bridge procedures and voyage planning