SAMS - Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors Certified Hull Inspection and Materials Questions and Answers

Question 1

When performing a non-destructive test on a steel hull to determine plate thickness, which method is most commonly used by marine surveyors?

Accepted Answer

Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement (UTM)

Answer

Radiographic Testing (RT)

Answer

Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI)

Answer

Dye Penetrant Inspection (DPI)

Question 2

A surveyor is inspecting a 15-year-old fiberglass (GRP) vessel that has been kept in warm seawater. They observe numerous small blisters below the waterline that, when punctured, release an acidic, vinegar-like fluid. What is the most likely cause of this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Osmotic Blistering

Answer

Galvanic Corrosion

Answer

Delamination from impact

Answer

Paint adhesion failure

Question 3

During a survey of an aluminum-hulled vessel, which of the following findings would be of GREATEST concern regarding potential accelerated corrosion?

Accepted Answer

A bronze through-hull fitting installed without proper isolation

Answer

Minor surface scratches above the waterline

Answer

Uniform, light oxidation on unpainted surfaces

Answer

Presence of a properly installed and functioning sacrificial anode system

Question 4

A surveyor is using the percussion (hammer) testing method on a cored fiberglass deck. A sharp, solid sound is heard over most of the area, but a dull thud is noted near a stanchion base. What does this dull sound most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

Delamination or water-saturated core material

Answer

A properly laminated and solid core

Answer

An area of thicker fiberglass laminate

Answer

The presence of a metal backing plate

Question 5

Which of the following is a primary reason for using cored composite construction in a fiberglass hull instead of solid fiberglass?

Accepted Answer

To achieve a higher stiffness-to-weight ratio

Answer

To increase the vessel's overall weight and displacement

Answer

To reduce construction costs by using cheaper materials

Answer

To make the hull impervious to water absorption

Question 6

When inspecting a wooden vessel, a surveyor finds soft, white, fibrous-looking wood around several keel bolts. This condition is most indicative of:

Accepted Answer

Freshwater rot

Answer

Damage from marine borers

Answer

Normal weathering of the wood

Answer

Surface checking due to drying