CMI Evidence Collection & Forensic Analysis 5

Question 1

A commercial fishing vessel sinks in 60 feet of water. Before divers are sent to survey the wreck for evidence, what pre-dive briefing element is most important from an investigative standpoint?

Accepted Answer

Detailed evidence identification protocol including what to document, what not to disturb, photography sequence, and artifact collection prioritization

Answer

Divers must know exactly what to look for, what to leave in place, and how to document findings before entering the water, as the underwater environment limits communication and re-entry opportunities.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of conducting a 'negative autopsy' in a marine drowning investigation where no anatomical cause of death is identified?

Accepted Answer

To exclude other causes of death and support a drowning diagnosis by demonstrating the absence of findings inconsistent with drowning

Answer

A negative autopsy in drowning cases confirms that no injuries, disease, or toxicological findings explain death, making drowning the most probable cause by exclusion.

Question 3

An investigator recovers a waterproof GPS device from a casualty scene. What forensic step must be taken immediately to prevent remote data wipe or alteration?

Accepted Answer

Place the device in a Faraday bag to block wireless signals while maintaining power, preventing remote access

Answer

A Faraday bag blocks all radio frequency signals including cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, preventing remote wipe commands while keeping the device powered so volatile data is not lost.

Question 4

When documenting stability evidence after a capsizing casualty, which combination of factors is most critical to establish the vessel's condition at time of incident?

Accepted Answer

Actual load distribution, fuel and ballast levels, free surface effect of liquid cargo, and comparison against the stability booklet's approved loading conditions

Answer

Capsizing analysis requires knowing the actual loading state — including free surface effects — compared against the approved stability criteria to determine whether the vessel was operated within safe limits.

Question 5

During a fire investigation, an investigator finds multiple independent, non-connected points of origin. What does this pattern most strongly suggest?

Accepted Answer

Multiple points of origin are a strong indicator of incendiary (arson) fire unless a single credible accidental explanation connects all points

Answer

Multiple unconnected points of origin that cannot be explained by fire travel pathways strongly suggest deliberate ignition at each location.

(CMI) Certified Marine Investigator Practice Test

(CMI) Certified Marine Investigator Practice Test

CMI Evidence Collection & Forensic Analysis 5