SAMS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield SAMS 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 main role of a Cargo Surveyor? → To assess the condition and quantity of cargo being loaded
2. On an inboard gasoline-powered vessel, ABYC standards require the engine compartment blower to run for how long before starting the engine? → 4 minutes
3. A surveyor observes blistering on a fiberglass hull below the waterline. What is the primary chemical process causing osmotic blisters? → Hydrolysis of ester linkages in polyester resin
4. When surveying an outboard motor on a fiberglass transom, what structural condition is most critical to evaluate? → Transom core delamination or saturation that reduces motor mounting strength
5. What does the SAMS Code of Ethics require when a surveyor has a financial interest in a vessel being surveyed? → Decline the engagement or obtain written informed consent from all parties
6. When assessing hull damage from a grounding, which area requires the most thorough inspection beyond the visible contact zone? → The keel attachment points and bilge areas adjacent to the impact zone
7. A vessel's engine compartment contains fuel tanks and an AC inverter. The inverter installation must: → Be ignition-protected to prevent sparks that could ignite fuel vapors
8. Under 33 CFR Part 164, vessels over 1,600 gross tons on certain US waters are required to carry which navigation equipment? → Voyage data recorder (VDR) and AIS transponder
9. In evaluating a vessel's propeller shaft, a surveyor finds runout exceeding manufacturer limits when measured with a dial indicator. This finding indicates: → Shaft bend or distortion requiring replacement or straightening
10. A surveyor discovers evidence of a prior insurance claim repair that was not disclosed by the owner. What is the proper course of action? → Note the undisclosed repair in the report and assess its quality
11. A diesel engine's turbocharger is producing an audible whine at elevated RPM. What should a surveyor check first? → Turbine and compressor blade condition and bearing wear
12. A commercial vessel operating in the Gulf of Mexico must comply with which additional environmental discharge standards beyond standard MARPOL requirements? → EPA Vessel General Permit (VGP) requirements for incidental discharges
13. What is the primary purpose of a cathodic protection system using zinc anodes on a vessel? → To suppress electrolytic corrosion by acting as sacrificial anodes
14. ABYC Standard E-11 primarily addresses which aspect of recreational vessel construction? → AC and DC electrical systems
15. When assessing a diesel engine's crankshaft deflection readings, what does an increasing deflection spread from forward to aft bearings typically indicate? → Engine foundation hogging or hull distortion
16. During a haulout survey of a fiberglass vessel, what is the significance of finding osmotic blisters primarily below the static waterline but not above it? → Confirms moisture permeation requires prolonged water immersion, consistent with osmosis
17. When inspecting a wet exhaust system on a recreational vessel, which of the following is a critical safety-related finding that must be reported? → A single hose clamp securing the exhaust hose to the manifold riser.
18. Which U.S. Coast Guard regulation requires recreational vessels 16 feet and over to carry one Type IV throwable PFD in addition to wearable PFDs? → 33 CFR Part 175
19. Which of the following best describes a SAMS member's obligation regarding continuing education? → Members must maintain and expand their knowledge to uphold competency standards
20. Which condition during a sea trial would most likely indicate a bent propeller shaft rather than a damaged propeller blade? → Vibration that increases proportionally with RPM
21. Which of the following would a Yacht and Small Craft Surveyor most likely inspect during a pre-purchase survey? → Hull condition, electrical systems, and engine
22. Which international convention specifically addresses the carriage of dangerous goods by sea? → IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code)
23. Stray current corrosion on a vessel is most effectively detected during a survey by: → Using a silver/silver-chloride reference electrode to measure hull potential in the water
24. When a marine surveyor observes that a vessel's alternator output wire lacks an overcurrent device near the alternator, the primary risk is: → Fire from a short circuit in the unprotected alternator output lead
25. Which SAMS guideline requires a marine surveyor to disclose a material relationship with a vessel being surveyed? → SAMS Ethics Canon 3 — Conflict of Interest disclosure
26. A pre-purchase survey report should always include which of the following regarding the surveyor's liability? → A limitation of liability clause stating the scope and boundaries of the inspection
27. The longitudinal center of gravity (LCG) is primarily used to calculate: → The vessel's trim (fore-and-aft inclination)
28. What is the primary role of a Commercial Vessel Surveyor? → To inspect large commercial vessels for structural integrity and regulatory compliance
29. When inspecting a vessel's keel bolts, which condition most strongly indicates electrolytic corrosion rather than simple galvanic corrosion? → Preferential wastage on bolts nearest the bilge pump discharge
30. Which standard does ABYC publish specifically addressing gasoline fuel system safety on recreational boats? → ABYC H-24