SAMS - Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors Certified Ethics and Professional Conduct Questions and Answers

Question 1

A SAMS surveyor is hired for a pre-purchase survey.
The seller's broker, who frequently recommends the surveyor for jobs, offers the surveyor a 'bonus' if the survey report is favorable and the sale is completed.
What is the surveyor's most ethical course of action?

Accepted Answer

Immediately refuse the bonus, inform the client of the offer, and conduct the survey with complete objectivity.

Answer

Perform the survey and accept the bonus, as it is a common business practice.

Answer

Disclose the bonus offer to the buyer and proceed with the survey.

Answer

Politely decline the bonus but proceed with the survey to maintain the relationship with the broker.

Question 2

A surveyor is commissioned to perform an insurance survey on a complex, foreign-built superyacht with systems (e.g., advanced hybrid propulsion) that are beyond their technical expertise. According to the SAMS Code of Ethics, what is the most appropriate action for the surveyor to take?

Accepted Answer

Decline the assignment, citing a lack of the specific competence required to perform the survey professionally.

Answer

Attempt the survey and use online resources to research the unfamiliar systems.

Answer

Accept the assignment but note the areas of limited expertise as a disclaimer in the final report.

Answer

Accept the assignment and hire a specialist to inspect the complex systems, incorporating their findings into the final report without attribution.

Question 3

During a pre-purchase survey, a surveyor discovers a significant, well-hidden defect that the seller and broker were likely aware of but did not disclose. After delivering the confidential report to the buyer (the client), the surveyor is contacted by a different potential buyer for the same boat a month later. How should the surveyor respond?

Accepted Answer

Advise the new client that a previous survey was conducted but that a new, independent survey must be performed, without revealing prior findings.

Answer

Share the previous survey report with the new potential buyer to save them time and money.

Answer

Inform the new client about the specific defect found previously before accepting the new assignment.

Answer

Refuse to survey the boat for a new client to avoid any conflicts.

Question 4

Which of the following advertising statements would be considered a violation of the SAMS Code of Ethics regarding professional conduct?

Accepted Answer

"Voted #1 Marine Surveyor - Guaranteed to find every flaw or your money back!"

Answer

"Certified SAMS-AMS®, specializing in pre-purchase surveys for recreational powerboats."

Answer

"Over 20 years of experience in marine surveying, following ABYC and USCG standards."

Answer

"Offering thermal imaging and ultrasonic testing services for hull inspections."

Question 5

A surveyor is asked by a client to appraise a vessel at a value significantly higher than its fair market value to help the client secure a larger bank loan. What is the surveyor's ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Perform the appraisal based on objective findings and professional judgment, regardless of the client's request.

Answer

Agree to the client's request but add a disclaimer that the value is for financing purposes only.

Answer

Appraise the vessel at a slightly inflated value as a compromise to help the client.

Answer

Politely refuse the assignment, explaining that it would violate professional ethics.

Question 6

After completing a survey and submitting the report, a surveyor is offered a lucrative contract to perform the recommended repairs on the same vessel. According to the ethical standards of major marine surveying organizations, what should the surveyor do?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to perform the repairs, as this would create a significant conflict of interest.

Answer

Accept the repair work, as they are most familiar with the vessel's issues.

Answer

Accept the work but provide the client with a significant discount on the repairs.

Answer

Disclose the conflict to the client and proceed with the repairs only with their written consent.