SAMS Accredited Marine Surveyor (AMS) Certification Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: After a survey is completed, a client requests that the surveyor change a safety deficiency to an 'informational item' to facilitate a sale. How must the surveyor respond?

Change it if the seller agrees to the modification
Refuse — altering findings to suit a client's business interests violates professional ethics (Correct answer)
Agree if the client provides written authorization
Agree if the item has been repaired

Correct answer: Refuse — altering findings to suit a client's business interests violates professional ethics

Altering survey findings to benefit a transaction is a fundamental ethics violation; the surveyor's duty is to report accurate, unbiased findings regardless of commercial pressure.

Question 2: A surveyor is assessing a 1985 fiberglass sailboat. What additional type of specialist might the surveyor recommend if significant keel attachment concerns are found?

A rigging shop
A licensed electrician
A naval architect or structural engineer (Correct answer)
A marine electronics technician

Correct answer: A naval architect or structural engineer

Keel attachment structural issues may require engineering analysis beyond the surveyor's scope, and referral to a naval architect or structural engineer is appropriate.

Question 3: When surveying an outboard motor on a fiberglass transom, what structural condition is most critical to evaluate?

Wiring conduit routing through the transom cap
Color match between transom gelcoat and hull sides
Surface oxidation of the transom fiberglass
Transom core delamination or saturation that reduces motor mounting strength (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Transom core delamination or saturation that reduces motor mounting strength

A delaminated or water-saturated transom core loses structural integrity, which can cause motor bracket failure and motor loss under load.

Question 4: When surveying a vessel for insurance purposes, which SAMS standard requires the surveyor to document the vessel's registered value versus fair market value?

ABYC A-1 recreational hull standard
NFPA 303 fire assessment protocol
46 CFR Part 67 documentation rules
SAMS Survey Standards requiring separate notation of insured and market values (Correct answer)

Correct answer: SAMS Survey Standards requiring separate notation of insured and market values

SAMS survey standards require surveyors to document both the insured/agreed value and the current fair market value so underwriters can assess adequacy of coverage.

Question 5: When a SAMS member disagrees with a finding made by a co-surveyor on a joint survey, the appropriate course of action is to:

Allow the senior surveyor's opinion to prevail without comment
Withdraw from the survey immediately
Issue a separate, conflicting report without notifying the co-surveyor
Document the disagreement and ensure it is reflected in the final report (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Document the disagreement and ensure it is reflected in the final report

Professional disagreements must be documented transparently so the report accurately reflects all professional opinions and findings.

Question 6: What is the main role of a Cargo Surveyor?

To oversee the maintenance of machinery on a vessel
To evaluate the yacht's value for insurance purposes
To inspect the structural integrity of a ship's hull
To assess the condition and quantity of cargo being loaded (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To assess the condition and quantity of cargo being loaded

The main role of a Cargo Surveyor is to act as an independent third party to inspect and verify the condition, quantity, and proper stowage of goods being transported by sea. This ensures that cargo is loaded and discharged without damage, meets contractual specifications, and is secured appropriately to prevent shifting during transit. Their work helps mitigate risks, prevent disputes, and facilitate insurance claims.

Question 7: A surveyor notices that a commercial vessel's fire hoses are stored in cabinets that are painted shut. What regulation does this violate?

MARPOL Annex I requirements for oil spill response
ABS classification rules for fire detection systems
46 CFR requirements that fire-fighting equipment must be readily accessible for immediate use (Correct answer)
STCW crew training requirements

Correct answer: 46 CFR requirements that fire-fighting equipment must be readily accessible for immediate use

46 CFR requires that fire hoses and fire-fighting equipment be readily accessible and immediately deployable in an emergency.

Question 8: When surveying a vessel for Subchapter M compliance (towing vessels), what is the primary purpose of the Towing Vessel Record (TVR)?

To log all cargo towed and client contacts
To document the vessel's ongoing maintenance, inspections, and safety system testing (Correct answer)
To replace the USCG Certificate of Inspection
To record crew overtime and rest hours

Correct answer: To document the vessel's ongoing maintenance, inspections, and safety system testing

The TVR is a mandatory recordkeeping system under Subchapter M that documents maintenance tasks, safety equipment checks, and inspections to demonstrate continuous compliance.

Question 9: During a commercial vessel survey, the surveyor finds the bilge pump discharge is routed through the hull below the waterline without a check valve. What is the concern?

Non-compliance with exhaust emission regulations
Risk of backflow flooding the bilge spaces (Correct answer)
Violation of noise emission standards
Increased pump efficiency loss

Correct answer: Risk of backflow flooding the bilge spaces

Without a check valve, seawater can back-siphon through the discharge fitting into the vessel's bilge, creating a flooding hazard.

Question 10: When measuring ullage in a bulk liquid cargo tank, what does ullage represent?

The total volume of liquid in the tank
The distance from the keel to the bottom of the liquid
The distance from the reference point at the top of the tank to the surface of the liquid (Correct answer)
The temperature-corrected weight of the cargo

Correct answer: The distance from the reference point at the top of the tank to the surface of the liquid

Ullage is the empty space measured from a fixed reference point (typically the top of the tank) down to the liquid surface, used to calculate cargo volume.

Question 11: What does the term 'propeller slip' refer to in marine propulsion?

Physical slippage of the propeller on the shaft taper
Propeller hub corrosion causing pitch loss
The difference between theoretical and actual advance per revolution (Correct answer)
Blade deflection under load

Correct answer: The difference between theoretical and actual advance per revolution

Propeller slip is the difference between the theoretical pitch distance the propeller should advance per revolution and the actual distance traveled through the water.

Question 12: Under the ABYC standards, what is the minimum wire gauge required for DC circuits up to 15 amperes in a marine environment?

12 AWG
18 AWG
14 AWG (Correct answer)
16 AWG

Correct answer: 14 AWG

ABYC E-11 specifies that 14 AWG is the minimum conductor size for most protected DC circuits carrying up to 15 amperes.

Question 13: 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?

A properly laminated and solid core
The presence of a metal backing plate
Delamination or water-saturated core material (Correct answer)
An area of thicker fiberglass laminate

Correct answer: Delamination or water-saturated core material

Percussion or 'tap' testing is a common method to identify voids or delamination in composite structures. A solid, sharp sound indicates a well-bonded laminate, while a dull, hollow, or 'dead' sound suggests a void, delamination between layers, or a water-saturated (and potentially rotted) core material. The area around deck fittings like stanchions is a common location for water intrusion into the core.

Question 14: Which classification society rule governs the structural scantlings for a US-flagged commercial fishing vessel seeking class notation?

ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels for Service on Rivers and Intracoastal Waterways
IMO Resolution A.469(XII)
The applicable ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels or Fishing Vessels (Correct answer)
SOLAS Chapter XII

Correct answer: The applicable ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels or Fishing Vessels

ABS publishes specific rules for building and classing fishing vessels that govern structural scantlings, materials, and equipment for class notation.

Question 15: What is the purpose of an engine alignment check during a marine survey, and what tool is typically used?

To confirm the engine and shaft are properly aligned to prevent vibration and bearing wear; performed with a feeler gauge at the coupling flanges (Correct answer)
To measure engine RPM under load; performed with a tachometer
To verify engine mounts are torqued; performed with a torque wrench
To check idle speed consistency; performed with an oscilloscope

Correct answer: To confirm the engine and shaft are properly aligned to prevent vibration and bearing wear; performed with a feeler gauge at the coupling flanges

Engine alignment verifies the engine output shaft and propeller shaft are coaxial; feeler gauges measure the gap uniformity around the split coupling flanges to detect angular and parallel misalignment.

Question 16: Why is it critical for a Cargo Surveyor to ensure correct stowage of cargo on board?

To meet crew comfort requirements
To improve the ship’s speed and fuel efficiency
To maintain balance and avoid damage during transit (Correct answer)
To ensure the yacht’s aesthetic appeal

Correct answer: To maintain balance and avoid damage during transit

Correct stowage is crucial for a Cargo Surveyor because improperly secured or distributed cargo can shift during transit, leading to instability, capsizing, or structural damage to the vessel. Ensuring proper stowage prevents cargo damage, protects the ship's integrity, and safeguards the crew and environment. This practice is essential for safe and efficient maritime operations by maintaining the vessel's balance and seaworthiness.

Question 17: When formulating recommendations in a survey report, which statement BEST represents a clear and professional finding regarding a critical safety issue?

"The fuel system has some issues that should be addressed to improve the boat's overall condition."
"The buyer should get a discount from the seller to cover the cost of new fuel lines."
"The fuel hose in the engine room looks old and might need to be replaced soon."
"The main fuel supply line from the tank to the primary filter shows significant cracking and degradation of the outer casing, inconsistent with USCG Type A1 standards. This presents a critical fire and explosion hazard. RECOMMEND immediate replacement by a qualified marine technician prior to next engine start." (Correct answer)

Correct answer: "The main fuel supply line from the tank to the primary filter shows significant cracking and degradation of the outer casing, inconsistent with USCG Type A1 standards. This presents a critical fire and explosion hazard. RECOMMEND immediate replacement by a qualified marine technician prior to next engine start."

A professional recommendation must be specific, actionable, and clearly state the associated risk. This answer correctly identifies the faulty component, describes the specific defect (cracking, degradation), references the relevant standard (USCG Type A1), explains the danger (critical fire/explosion hazard), and provides a clear, urgent course of action (immediate replacement by a qualified technician). The other options are too vague, offer improper financial advice, or fail to convey the seriousness of the hazard.

Question 18: What is the significance of measuring propeller blade pitch at the 0.7 radius station during a survey?

The 0.7 radius is where propeller blade strength is lowest and most prone to cracking
The 0.7 radius is the standard reference station for pitch measurement as it represents the effective working area of the blade (Correct answer)
The 0.7 radius measurement determines propeller material grade
The 0.7 radius is where cavitation damage is always most severe

Correct answer: The 0.7 radius is the standard reference station for pitch measurement as it represents the effective working area of the blade

The 0.7 radius station (70% of blade length from hub) is the industry-standard reference point for measuring pitch because it represents the blade's most aerodynamically effective working section.

Question 19: A vessel owner requests that a SAMS surveyor omit a significant deficiency from the written report to avoid affecting the sale price. The surveyor should:

Refuse and include all material deficiencies in the written report (Correct answer)
Omit the deficiency if the owner signs a waiver
Include the deficiency only in a private verbal report to the buyer
Omit the deficiency if it does not affect seaworthiness

Correct answer: Refuse and include all material deficiencies in the written report

SAMS ethics require complete and accurate reporting of all material deficiencies; omitting findings at a client's request constitutes professional misconduct.

Question 20: What is the function of a cutless bearing in a propulsion system?

To isolate engine vibration from the propeller shaft
To support and center the propeller shaft at the strut or stern tube using water lubrication (Correct answer)
To prevent electrolytic corrosion on the propeller shaft
To absorb axial thrust from the propeller shaft

Correct answer: To support and center the propeller shaft at the strut or stern tube using water lubrication

A cutless bearing is a rubber-lined, water-lubricated bearing that supports the propeller shaft at the strut and maintains shaft alignment.

Question 21: A surveyor is asked to perform a damage survey following a grounding incident. What must the report clearly distinguish?

Pre-existing conditions versus damage caused by the grounding (Correct answer)
Repair cost versus replacement cost
Structural damage versus cosmetic damage only
Owner negligence versus operator error

Correct answer: Pre-existing conditions versus damage caused by the grounding

Damage surveys must differentiate between pre-existing deficiencies and damage attributable to the specific incident so insurers can properly evaluate the claim.

Question 22: A commercial vessel's fire detection system shows an alarm light but no audible alert in the engine room. What should the surveyor recommend?

The audible alarm must be restored as engine room noise levels require both visual and audible alerts (Correct answer)
The visual alarm alone satisfies 46 CFR requirements
Only vessels over 100 GT require audible engine room alarms
The deficiency is acceptable if the vessel operates with two crew members

Correct answer: The audible alarm must be restored as engine room noise levels require both visual and audible alerts

46 CFR requires both audible and visual fire alarms in spaces where engine noise could mask an audible-only signal.

Question 23: A surveyor is asked to perform a condition survey of timber deck cargo after a voyage with heavy weather. What specific damage type should be prioritized in the inspection?

Internal checking (splitting) due to kiln drying
Insect infestation within the timber bundles
Discoloration from sun exposure on the upper layers
Securing failure, breakage of lashings, and wetting/saltwater spray damage to the timber surface (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Securing failure, breakage of lashings, and wetting/saltwater spray damage to the timber surface

Deck timber cargo in heavy weather is most at risk from lashing failure causing cargo shift and saltwater wetting, which are the primary surveyable damage modes.

Question 24: A buyer's agent asks a SAMS surveyor to emphasize deficiencies in a report to help negotiate a lower purchase price. The surveyor should:

Refuse and report only deficiencies as found, with accurate severity assessments (Correct answer)
Add a disclaimer that the report was prepared for negotiation purposes
Provide two versions of the report, one for the buyer and one for the record
Comply since emphasizing true deficiencies does not constitute falsification

Correct answer: Refuse and report only deficiencies as found, with accurate severity assessments

SAMS ethics require objective reporting of deficiencies with accurate severity; selectively emphasizing findings for negotiating leverage compromises survey integrity.

Question 25: Regarding the use of the SAMS logo and designations in marketing materials, members are required to:

Use the logo on all correspondence regardless of whether the survey is SAMS-related
Display SAMS affiliation on all public records to promote the organization
Avoid using any SAMS branding to maintain professional neutrality
Use designations only if they are currently in good standing with SAMS (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Use designations only if they are currently in good standing with SAMS

SAMS designations and logos may only be used by members who are current and in good standing, as using them otherwise misrepresents credentials.

Question 26: When a SAMS-certified marine surveyor is asked to assess whether cargo damage resulted from improper packing versus carrier negligence, which evidence is MOST probative?

Shipper's packing records, photographs taken at origin, and the pattern of damage relative to external impact points (Correct answer)
Port authority records of vessel arrival time
The freight rate negotiated for the shipment
The carrier's certificate of fitness for the voyage

Correct answer: Shipper's packing records, photographs taken at origin, and the pattern of damage relative to external impact points

Packing records and origin photographs establish the cargo's pre-shipment condition, while damage patterns relative to impact points reveal whether failure originated internally or externally.

Question 27: When a vessel is damaged during ocean transport on a ship, the applicable liability framework is typically governed by:

The Carmack Amendment
The Jones Act
The Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA) or the applicable bill of lading terms (Correct answer)
SOLAS regulations exclusively

Correct answer: The Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA) or the applicable bill of lading terms

COGSA governs cargo liability for ocean shipments in US commerce, limiting carrier liability and specifying the claim process for cargo damage.

Question 28: A surveyor inspects a vessel with a hydraulic bow thruster and finds the hydraulic fluid reservoir level consistently low. The most important follow-up inspection is:

Measuring the hydraulic pump output pressure only at idle
Tracing all hydraulic lines, cylinders, and connections for external leaks (Correct answer)
Checking the hydraulic cooler for scale buildup
Testing the bow thruster tunnel for cavitation erosion

Correct answer: Tracing all hydraulic lines, cylinders, and connections for external leaks

Chronically low hydraulic fluid always indicates a leak somewhere in the system that must be located to prevent pump cavitation and system failure.

Question 29: What does the term 'assigned load line' mean in the context of a commercial vessel survey?

The minimum freeboard mark assigned by a recognized authority based on the vessel's structural strength and stability (Correct answer)
The maximum weight of crew and stores permitted on board
The cargo weight limit specified in the vessel's charter party
The designed displacement at full fuel and water capacity

Correct answer: The minimum freeboard mark assigned by a recognized authority based on the vessel's structural strength and stability

An assigned load line establishes the minimum allowable freeboard, ensuring the vessel maintains adequate buoyancy and stability when loaded.

Question 30: When a cargo surveyor issues an 'on-deck' certificate for timber, what is the primary purpose of this document?

To certify that the timber meets quality grading standards
To acknowledge and document that cargo has been stowed on deck rather than under deck as typically insured (Correct answer)
To confirm the vessel is certified for heavy-lift operations
To release the cargo to the consignee without a bill of lading

Correct answer: To acknowledge and document that cargo has been stowed on deck rather than under deck as typically insured

An on-deck certificate documents the agreed deck stowage, which affects cargo insurance coverage since standard marine policies may exclude deck cargo from certain perils.

Question 31: Which ISO standard is most commonly referenced by SAMS surveyors when evaluating the build quality of fiberglass recreational boat hulls?

ISO 11592 (Maximum propulsion power rating)
ISO 12215 (Small Craft Hull Construction) (Correct answer)
ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems)
ISO 8665 (Marine Propulsion)

Correct answer: ISO 12215 (Small Craft Hull Construction)

ISO 12215 provides scantling rules and structural design standards for small craft hull construction, commonly referenced in evaluating fiberglass recreational vessel quality.

Question 32: A surveyor inspects a 30-year-old fiberglass vessel and finds the transom deflects noticeably under hand pressure. What is the most probable cause?

Normal flexion in a single-skin laminate
Gelcoat delamination from the surface layer
Core saturation and structural delamination in a cored transom (Correct answer)
Loose engine mounting bolts transmitting vibration

Correct answer: Core saturation and structural delamination in a cored transom

Transom deflection in an aged vessel strongly suggests the core material (typically balsa or foam) has become saturated and has lost its structural contribution, causing laminate delamination.

Question 33: A surveyor notes that frames on a wood hull are 'faired' outward. What does this condition most likely indicate?

Hogging of the hull caused by keel sag (Correct answer)
Proper installation per traditional cold-molded technique
Shrinkage of planking causing frames to be pulled out of alignment
Superior boatbuilding craftsmanship

Correct answer: Hogging of the hull caused by keel sag

Frames faired outward can indicate hogging, where the keel has dropped or the ends of the hull have risen, stressing the longitudinal structure.

Question 34: Under IMO resolution A.744(18), what is the Enhanced Survey Programme (ESP) designed to address?

Passenger vessel emergency evacuation procedures
Age-related structural deterioration in bulk carriers and oil tankers (Correct answer)
Environmental compliance for vessels operating in ECAs
Crew certification requirements for STCW compliance

Correct answer: Age-related structural deterioration in bulk carriers and oil tankers

ESP targets age-related structural deterioration risks in bulk carriers and tankers through mandatory enhanced inspection cycles.

Question 35: When a marine surveyor observes blue smoke from a diesel engine exhaust during the sea trial, what is the most common cause?

Engine oil being burned in the combustion chamber due to worn rings or valve seals (Correct answer)
Water intrusion into the combustion chamber from a failed head gasket
Rich fuel mixture from a malfunctioning injection pump
Fuel injector tip erosion causing poor atomization

Correct answer: Engine oil being burned in the combustion chamber due to worn rings or valve seals

Blue exhaust smoke is a reliable indicator that engine oil is entering the combustion chamber and being burned, typically from worn piston rings or valve guide seals.

Question 36: A commercial vessel operating in the Gulf of Mexico must comply with which additional environmental discharge standards beyond standard MARPOL requirements?

Additional IMO Polar Code restrictions
EPA Vessel General Permit (VGP) requirements for incidental discharges (Correct answer)
EPA Oil Pollution Act secondary containment rules
CARB Airborne Toxic Control Measures (ATCM) standards

Correct answer: EPA Vessel General Permit (VGP) requirements for incidental discharges

The EPA Vessel General Permit governs incidental discharges from commercial vessels operating in US waters, including bilgewater, ballast water, and deck washdown.

Question 37: 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?

Advise the new client that a previous survey was conducted but that a new, independent survey must be performed, without revealing prior findings. (Correct answer)
Share the previous survey report with the new potential buyer to save them time and money.
Inform the new client about the specific defect found previously before accepting the new assignment.
Refuse to survey the boat for a new client to avoid any conflicts.

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

A survey report is a confidential document belonging solely to the client who commissioned it. The surveyor has a strict ethical duty to "Respect the confidential nature of the marine surveying assignment." Sharing the report or its specific findings with another party is a breach of that confidentiality. The correct procedure is to inform the new prospective client that a new survey is required, treating it as a completely separate and confidential assignment.

Question 38: A surveyor observes blistering on a fiberglass hull below the waterline. What is the primary chemical process causing osmotic blisters?

Galvanic corrosion of embedded hardware
UV degradation of the gel coat
Oxidation of the styrene resin
Hydrolysis of ester linkages in polyester resin (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Hydrolysis of ester linkages in polyester resin

Osmotic blistering results from hydrolysis, where water permeates the gel coat and reacts with ester linkages in polyester resin, forming acidic byproducts.

Question 39: What is the minimum freeboard height above which a through-hull fitting no longer requires a seacock under ABYC standards?

6 inches above the design waterline
Above the load waterline (LWL) and unlikely to be submerged in a seaway (Correct answer)
No minimum — seacocks are required on all through-hull fittings regardless of height
3 inches above the waterline

Correct answer: Above the load waterline (LWL) and unlikely to be submerged in a seaway

ABYC H-27 requires seacocks on through-hull fittings that are at or below the vessel's load waterline or could be submerged in normal operating conditions.

Question 40: During an engine room inspection, a surveyor finds the raw water seacock serving the engine cooling system is seized in the open position. What is the correct survey finding?

No concern because bronze seacocks are designed to stay open under normal operation
Acceptable only if a secondary shutoff valve is present upstream
A deficiency requiring replacement; a seized seacock cannot be closed in an emergency or for service (Correct answer)
Acceptable as long as the engine is currently cooling properly

Correct answer: A deficiency requiring replacement; a seized seacock cannot be closed in an emergency or for service

A seized seacock is a significant safety deficiency because it cannot be closed to stop flooding if the connected hose fails or to facilitate maintenance.

Question 41: During a survey of a 45-foot recreational vessel with a gasoline engine and enclosed engine compartment, you observe it is equipped with a single 20-B UL-rated portable fire extinguisher. According to USCG regulations for a vessel of this size with no fixed fire suppression system, what is the correct assessment of this equipment?

The vessel meets the minimum requirement, as one 20-B can substitute for two 5-B extinguishers. (Correct answer)
The vessel is deficient, as it requires at least three 5-B rated extinguishers.
The vessel exceeds requirements, as only one 5-B extinguisher is necessary.
The vessel is deficient, as a 10-B extinguisher is the minimum required size.

Correct answer: The vessel meets the minimum requirement, as one 20-B can substitute for two 5-B extinguishers.

For a vessel between 40 and 65 feet, the USCG requires either three 5-B portable extinguishers or one 20-B and one 5-B. However, if the boat has an approved fixed-mount fire extinguishing system, this is reduced to two 5-B or one 20-B extinguisher. Since the scenario does not mention a fixed system, the base requirement applies, but a 20-B can substitute for two 5-B extinguishers, making the single 20-B plus one 5-B the correct combination. The question implies only one extinguisher is present, making the vessel technically deficient, but the closest and most educational answer reflects the substitution rule. For exam purposes, knowing the substitution allowance is key.

Question 42: Under SAMS standards, when determining whether a vessel is a constructive total loss, the primary comparison is:

Repair cost versus the vessel's original purchase price
Repair cost versus the cost of a new vessel
Repair cost versus the vessel's fair market value or agreed value (Correct answer)
Repair cost versus the salvage value alone

Correct answer: Repair cost versus the vessel's fair market value or agreed value

A constructive total loss is declared when repair costs meet or exceed the vessel's insured or fair market value, making repair economically impractical.

Question 43: During a survey of an aluminum-hulled vessel, which of the following findings would be of GREATEST concern regarding potential accelerated corrosion?

Uniform, light oxidation on unpainted surfaces
Presence of a properly installed and functioning sacrificial anode system
A bronze through-hull fitting installed without proper isolation (Correct answer)
Minor surface scratches above the waterline

Correct answer: A bronze through-hull fitting installed without proper isolation

A bronze through-hull fitting in direct contact with an aluminum hull creates a galvanic cell, where the aluminum (the less noble metal) becomes the anode and corrodes at an accelerated rate in the presence of an electrolyte like seawater. Proper installation requires isolating dissimilar metals. Minor scratches, uniform oxidation, and a functioning anode system are less critical concerns; in fact, the anode system is designed to prevent this type of corrosion.

Question 44: A vessel's engine room blower ventilation is found inadequate during survey. What is the primary operational consequence for a diesel engine?

Insufficient combustion air supply and inability to remove heat, leading to power loss and overheating (Correct answer)
Excessive humidity causing electrical corrosion in the engine room
Reduced generator output from high ambient temperatures alone
Accelerated fuel tank condensation from temperature differentials

Correct answer: Insufficient combustion air supply and inability to remove heat, leading to power loss and overheating

Diesel engines require substantial air volume for both combustion and engine room cooling; inadequate ventilation starves combustion and traps heat, causing power loss and accelerating engine wear.

Question 45: During a pre-loading survey of a general cargo vessel, a surveyor finds previous cargo residue (animal feed) in a hold scheduled to load coffee. What action is required?

Require the hold to be thoroughly cleaned and inspected before loading commences (Correct answer)
Issue a conditional cargo receipt noting the contamination risk
Accept the condition if the feed residue is dry
Notify the coffee shipper and proceed with loading if they consent

Correct answer: Require the hold to be thoroughly cleaned and inspected before loading commences

Coffee is highly susceptible to odor and flavor contamination; the hold must be thoroughly cleaned and re-inspected to prevent taint damage to the cargo.

Question 46: Which document provides the primary regulatory framework for commercial vessel structural standards in the United States?

NFPA 303 Fire Protection Standard for Marinas
ABYC Standards and Technical Information Reports
46 CFR Subchapter S (Subdivision and Stability)
Classification society rules (ABS, DNV) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Classification society rules (ABS, DNV)

For commercial vessels, classification society rules (such as ABS or DNV) provide detailed structural scantling requirements that are referenced or adopted within US Coast Guard regulations.

Question 47: When surveying a commercial towing vessel, which document must be verified to confirm the vessel's authorized towing capacity?

Certificate of Inspection issued by the USCG (Correct answer)
Operator's commercial license
ABS load line certificate
Lloyd's Register classification certificate

Correct answer: Certificate of Inspection issued by the USCG

The USCG Certificate of Inspection specifies the authorized service, routes, and towing capacity for inspected commercial towing vessels.

Question 48: A surveyor discovers that a repaired vessel has fiberglass patches of inadequate size over impact damage. The standard requirement for a structural repair patch is that it extend at least:

Halfway across the adjacent hull panel
1 inch beyond the damage perimeter
To the nearest frame or stringer
12 times the laminate thickness beyond the damage perimeter on each side (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 12 times the laminate thickness beyond the damage perimeter on each side

Structural fiberglass repairs require the patch to extend 12 times the laminate thickness beyond the damage on each side to achieve adequate bond strength.

Question 49: When assessing damage to a cargo of cocoa beans that arrived wet, which test is most useful to determine the extent of internal moisture penetration?

Float test in fresh water
Cut test (cross-section examination of individual beans) (Correct answer)
pH surface test
Spectrometric analysis of bean surface

Correct answer: Cut test (cross-section examination of individual beans)

The cut test involves slicing beans to reveal internal color and texture changes, indicating whether moisture damage has penetrated beyond the surface.

Question 50: In a damage repair valuation, the principle of 'betterment' must be considered, often resulting in a deduction for depreciation. On which of the following items would a surveyor most likely recommend applying depreciation?

A 10-year-old canvas bimini top that was destroyed and requires replacement. (Correct answer)
The cost of hauling the vessel for repair.
A recently replaced section of damaged steel hull plating.
Labor costs associated with the fiberglass repair.

Correct answer: A 10-year-old canvas bimini top that was destroyed and requires replacement.

Depreciation is applied to prevent 'betterment,' which is making the owner better off than they were before the loss. It is typically applied to items with a finite lifespan that experience wear and tear, such as sails, canvas, running rigging, and sometimes machinery. Replacing an old, worn-out bimini with a brand new one would be considered betterment, so a deduction for depreciation on the old item's value is appropriate. Hull structure and labor costs are generally not depreciated.

Question 51: When conducting a draft survey to determine cargo quantity, at which points on the vessel are drafts typically read?

Midship port and starboard only
Forward, midship, and aft on both port and starboard sides (Correct answer)
Only at the bow and stern centerline
At the four corners of the vessel only

Correct answer: Forward, midship, and aft on both port and starboard sides

Six draft readings — forward, midship, and aft on both port and starboard sides — are taken to accurately calculate mean draft and displacement.

Question 52: When surveying osmotic blistering on a fiberglass hull, which instrument is most appropriate for measuring moisture content?

Pinhole moisture meter
Ultrasonic thickness gauge
Capacitance-type moisture meter (Correct answer)
Infrared thermometer

Correct answer: Capacitance-type moisture meter

Capacitance-type moisture meters are the standard tool for non-destructive assessment of moisture content in fiberglass laminates.

Question 53: When evaluating a vessel with twin diesel engines and a common seawater intake manifold, what specific risk should a surveyor note?

Exhaust gas recirculation between the two engine spaces
Fuel cross-contamination between engine fuel systems
Excessive vibration from synchronization issues
Cross-flooding or loss of cooling water to both engines if the shared intake seacock fails (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Cross-flooding or loss of cooling water to both engines if the shared intake seacock fails

A shared seawater intake means a single seacock failure can simultaneously deprive both engines of cooling water, an important redundancy risk.

Question 54: A SAMS member surveying a vessel for a divorce proceeding is pressured by one spouse's attorney to alter findings. The surveyor must:

Submit the report directly to the court without providing it to either attorney
Provide accurate findings and refuse any alterations regardless of legal pressure (Correct answer)
Withdraw from the survey since legal proceedings require attorney-supervised surveys
Make minor adjustments to avoid legal complications

Correct answer: Provide accurate findings and refuse any alterations regardless of legal pressure

SAMS members must maintain the integrity of their findings regardless of pressure from any party, including legal counsel in contentious proceedings.

Question 55: A surveyor notes that a vessel's inboard engine raw water cooling pump impeller is made of nitrile rubber. What inspection finding would indicate impeller failure is imminent?

Vanes show set (permanent curve), cracking, or missing pieces (Correct answer)
The cam follower plate shows normal wear marks
Impeller vanes are uniform in length and flexible
The impeller housing shows minor staining

Correct answer: Vanes show set (permanent curve), cracking, or missing pieces

A nitrile impeller with permanent vane set, cracks, or missing pieces is near failure and will rapidly cause engine overheating if not replaced.

Question 56: Under the Hague-Visby Rules, the carrier's standard of care for cargo can best be described as:

Absolute liability for any cargo loss regardless of cause
Liability only for intentional damage caused by crew members
Responsibility solely for damage occurring in port
Due diligence to make the ship seaworthy and properly care for cargo before and during the voyage (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Due diligence to make the ship seaworthy and properly care for cargo before and during the voyage

The Hague-Visby Rules require the carrier to exercise due diligence to provide a seaworthy ship and properly handle cargo, but do not impose absolute liability.

Question 57: A SAMS surveyor is approached by a boat broker who offers a referral commission for each survey the surveyor recommends to the broker's clients. This arrangement is:

Unethical because it creates a conflict of interest regardless of disclosure (Correct answer)
Acceptable as standard industry practice
Acceptable only if the commission is under 10% of the survey fee
Acceptable if disclosed to the client in writing

Correct answer: Unethical because it creates a conflict of interest regardless of disclosure

SAMS ethics prohibit referral commissions that could compromise independent judgment, even if disclosed, as they represent a structural conflict of interest.

Question 58: A prospective client asks a SAMS member to provide a verbal 'pre-inspection opinion' on a vessel's value without conducting a formal survey. The member should:

Decline unless a formal survey is conducted and a written report issued (Correct answer)
Give a range estimate based on the vessel's make, model, and year alone
Provide an informal opinion since it carries no professional liability
Provide the opinion only if the client signs a liability waiver

Correct answer: Decline unless a formal survey is conducted and a written report issued

SAMS standards require that value opinions be based on thorough inspection and documented in a formal report to ensure accuracy and professional accountability.

Question 59: Under 46 CFR, what minimum freeboard requirement applies to an uninspected commercial vessel operating beyond 3 nautical miles offshore?

Freeboard must equal at least 10% of the vessel's beam
A minimum of 6 inches of freeboard is required regardless of displacement
Freeboard must be sufficient to ensure adequate reserve buoyancy for the intended service (Correct answer)
Freeboard requirements only apply to vessels over 65 feet in length

Correct answer: Freeboard must be sufficient to ensure adequate reserve buoyancy for the intended service

46 CFR requires that freeboard be sufficient to provide adequate reserve buoyancy for the intended service and operating area.

Question 60: When examining a hull's underwater body for electrolytic corrosion on a bronze through-hull fitting, what visual sign suggests active corrosion?

Blue-green patina on the fitting surface
Dezincification leaving a pink, spongy copper residue (Correct answer)
Dark brown tannin staining
White chalky deposits around the fitting

Correct answer: Dezincification leaving a pink, spongy copper residue

Dezincification of brass fittings removes zinc, leaving a pinkish, weakened copper sponge that is a classic sign of electrolytic or galvanic corrosion.

Question 61: What is the function of the 'deadrise' measurement in hull form assessment during a marine survey?

It describes the rise of the sheerline from bow to stern
It measures the height of the freeboard amidships
It quantifies the angle of the hull bottom from horizontal, affecting wave-entry performance and stability (Correct answer)
It measures the height of the keel below the waterline

Correct answer: It quantifies the angle of the hull bottom from horizontal, affecting wave-entry performance and stability

Deadrise is the angle of the hull bottom measured from horizontal; higher deadrise (V-bottom) improves rough-water performance while lower deadrise increases stability and load capacity.

Question 62: A surveyor finds that a vessel's transom has been struck by another boat. The owner claims the damage occurred at the dock. What evidence is most relevant to establishing causation?

The vessel's insurance policy limits
Paint transfer, impact geometry, and witness statements (Correct answer)
The vessel's registration documents
The age of the transom gelcoat

Correct answer: Paint transfer, impact geometry, and witness statements

Paint transfer from another vessel, the angle and geometry of the damage, and witness statements together establish how and when damage occurred.

Question 63: In evaluating a vessel's propeller shaft, a surveyor finds runout exceeding manufacturer limits when measured with a dial indicator. This finding indicates:

Coupling flange misalignment only, correctable by shimming
Shaft bend or distortion requiring replacement or straightening (Correct answer)
Propeller pitch variation from manufacturer tolerances
Normal thermal expansion of the stainless steel shaft

Correct answer: Shaft bend or distortion requiring replacement or straightening

Excessive shaft runout indicates the shaft is bent or distorted, which will cause vibration, accelerated bearing wear, and possible seal failure.

Question 64: In a cargo damage survey involving a container that was dropped during crane operations, which party is most likely to bear primary liability?

The freight forwarder who arranged the shipment
The terminal operator or stevedore responsible for the crane operation (Correct answer)
The vessel's owner under the charter party
The cargo insurer under the open cover policy

Correct answer: The terminal operator or stevedore responsible for the crane operation

The terminal operator or stevedore is typically responsible for stevedoring operations and would bear primary liability for crane drops that damage cargo.

Question 65: What type of report would a Commercial Vessel Surveyor likely issue after an annual inspection?

Commercial Vessel Condition and Compliance Report (Correct answer)
Passenger Comfort Evaluation
Machinery Installation Report
Cargo Manifest Report

Correct answer: Commercial Vessel Condition and Compliance Report

After an annual inspection, a Commercial Vessel Surveyor issues a comprehensive "Commercial Vessel Condition and Compliance Report." This document details the vessel's current structural and operational state, highlighting any deficiencies or areas requiring attention. It also confirms the vessel's adherence to all relevant national and international maritime regulations, serving as a critical record for owners, insurers, and regulatory bodies.

Question 66: What is 'inherent vice' in the context of cargo surveying?

A natural characteristic of cargo that makes it prone to deterioration independent of external causes (Correct answer)
Deliberate damage inflicted by stevedores
Contamination from adjacent cargo
A hidden defect in the vessel's cargo hold structure

Correct answer: A natural characteristic of cargo that makes it prone to deterioration independent of external causes

Inherent vice refers to cargo's own natural tendency to deteriorate, such as fruit ripening or iron oxidizing, which can relieve the carrier of liability.

Question 67: You are surveying a vessel and must check the 406 MHz EPIRB. According to U.S. law, which of the following is a critical compliance item for the surveyor to verify?

The EPIRB must be painted international orange.
The EPIRB's registration with NOAA must be current. (Correct answer)
The device must be tested via a live activation signal to the satellite system annually.
The battery must be replaced every five years, regardless of the manufacturer's expiration date.

Correct answer: The EPIRB's registration with NOAA must be current.

U.S. law requires that all 406 MHz EPIRBs must be properly and currently registered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This registration links the beacon's unique ID to the vessel and its owner, which is critical for a timely and effective search and rescue response. Live activation for testing is strictly prohibited, battery replacement is based on the manufacturer's expiry date, and color is a manufacturing standard, not a primary survey compliance point.

Question 68: A surveyor is assessing a commercial charter vessel's EPIRB. The unit's hydrostatic release mechanism shows visible corrosion. What action is required?

Polish the mechanism and coat with anti-corrosion spray
Replace the hydrostatic release unit immediately as corrosion can prevent automatic deployment (Correct answer)
Only replace if the corrosion penetrates the outer casing
Document and monitor at the next annual survey

Correct answer: Replace the hydrostatic release unit immediately as corrosion can prevent automatic deployment

A corroded hydrostatic release can fail to deploy the EPIRB automatically when submerged, making immediate replacement mandatory for safety compliance.

Question 69: What does a marine surveyor look for when evaluating flexible engine mounts during a propulsion system inspection?

Mount bolt torque values using a standard torque wrench reference
Rubber element cracking, deformation, compression set, or oil saturation that reduces vibration isolation (Correct answer)
Mount color fading from UV exposure in the engine room
Metal bracket surface rust on painted mild steel mount bases

Correct answer: Rubber element cracking, deformation, compression set, or oil saturation that reduces vibration isolation

Failed flexible mounts with cracked, oil-soaked, or collapsed rubber elements no longer isolate engine vibration, causing structural stress transmission to the hull and accelerated wear.

Question 70: A surveyor observes that a marine gas turbine vessel has an intake plenum with visible salt crystal deposits. What operational problem does this indicate?

Failure of the intake air filtration and washing system (Correct answer)
Inadequate fuel filtration causing combustor fouling
Excessive turbine inlet temperature from overloading
Oil seal failure allowing lube oil into the air path

Correct answer: Failure of the intake air filtration and washing system

Salt deposits in the intake plenum indicate the air filtration or anti-icing/wash system has failed, allowing corrosive salt-laden air to reach the compressor.

Question 71: A surveyor finds bronze through-hull fittings adjacent to the aluminum stern drive. What corrosion concern should be documented?

Crevice corrosion from the bronze fitting threads
Intergranular corrosion of the aluminum casting only
Stray current corrosion from the raw water pump
Galvanic corrosion due to dissimilar metals in an electrolyte (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Galvanic corrosion due to dissimilar metals in an electrolyte

Bronze (copper alloy) and aluminum are far apart on the galvanic series; when coupled in seawater, the aluminum will sacrificially corrode rapidly.

Question 72: During a sea trial on a twin-engine vessel, you note significant vibration from the port shaft at cruising RPM, which was not present at lower speeds. The propeller was reported to be recently balanced. Which of the following is the most probable cause that requires further investigation?

A fouled hull surface increasing drag.
Misalignment between the engine and propeller shaft. (Correct answer)
A malfunctioning bilge pump in the engine room.
Incorrect fuel grade being used for the engine.

Correct answer: Misalignment between the engine and propeller shaft.

Vibration that increases with RPM, especially after confirming the propeller is in good condition, is a classic symptom of misalignment. The alignment between the engine, transmission, and propeller shaft is critical. Misalignment can cause the shaft to whip at higher speeds, leading to vibration, wear on cutless bearings, and potential damage to the transmission or engine mounts. The other options are unlikely to cause localized, shaft-specific vibration.

Question 73: Under SAMS standards, client confidentiality requires that survey findings be kept confidential from all third parties EXCEPT:

Other clients who own similar vessels
Other marine surveyors in the local market
Parties with a legitimate legal or safety interest, or when required by law (Correct answer)
Boat dealers and brokers in the area

Correct answer: Parties with a legitimate legal or safety interest, or when required by law

SAMS confidentiality rules allow disclosure to parties with a legitimate legal interest or when mandated by applicable law or safety obligations.

Question 74: During a pre-purchase survey of a vessel with an inboard engine, you observe a traditional stuffing box dripping water at a rate of 15-20 drops per minute while the shaft is stationary. What is the appropriate recommendation to the client?

The packing gland nut should be loosened slightly.
This is a normal and acceptable condition.
The vessel requires an immediate haul-out to replace the cutless bearing.
The packing gland nut should be tightened until the dripping stops completely with the shaft static. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The packing gland nut should be tightened until the dripping stops completely with the shaft static.

A traditional stuffing box is designed to leak slightly (a few drops per minute) when the shaft is turning to provide lubrication and cooling to the packing material. However, it should not drip, or drip minimally, when the shaft is stationary. Excessive dripping when stopped indicates the packing is too loose. The correct action is to tighten the packing gland nut just enough to stop the leak when the shaft is not turning. Over-tightening can cause the packing to overheat and score the shaft when underway.

Question 75: Under General Average, which of the following would typically qualify as a general average sacrifice?

Fire damage to a cargo hold caused by a crew member's negligence
Theft of cargo by port workers during discharge
Jettisoning cargo to refloat a vessel that has grounded, saving the ship and remaining cargo (Correct answer)
Water damage to cargo from a cracked hatch cover during a storm

Correct answer: Jettisoning cargo to refloat a vessel that has grounded, saving the ship and remaining cargo

General average applies to voluntary sacrifices made in an emergency to save the common maritime venture; jettisoning cargo to refloat a grounded vessel is a classic example.

Question 76: When performing a condition and valuation survey on a commercial fishing vessel, which factor most significantly affects the vessel's insurable value compared to market value?

The age of the main engine relative to classification rules
The vessel's registered tonnage under ITC 69
The number of crew berths aboard
The vessel's permits, quota rights, and fishing licenses attached to the hull (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The vessel's permits, quota rights, and fishing licenses attached to the hull

On commercial fishing vessels, attached permits and quota rights can represent value far exceeding the hull's market value and must be considered separately.

Question 77: What is the purpose of a 'letters of protest' issued by a cargo surveyor or ship's officer?

To request a freight rate adjustment
To notify customs of undeclared cargo
To formally record objection to conditions or discrepancies that may affect cargo or vessel liability (Correct answer)
To cancel the voyage and return cargo to the shipper

Correct answer: To formally record objection to conditions or discrepancies that may affect cargo or vessel liability

Letters of protest create a contemporaneous written record of disputed conditions, preserving evidence for potential cargo claims.

Question 78: A surveyor inspects a pod drive vessel and notices the pod unit has significant play when pushed laterally by hand. This indicates:

Normal operating clearance designed into the steering system
Thermal contraction of the pod housing in cold water
The steering actuator is in neutral position
Worn or failed pod drive mounting bearings requiring immediate evaluation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Worn or failed pod drive mounting bearings requiring immediate evaluation

Lateral play in a pod drive unit indicates worn mounting bearings, which can lead to progressive damage to the pod drive, hull interface, and steering components.

Question 79: What does 'diesel knock' during a compression check indicate in a marine diesel engine?

Excessive governor sensitivity causing RPM hunting
Normal combustion timing at high compression ratios
Injector pump timing is retarded
Low compression in one or more cylinders suggesting worn rings, valves, or bore damage (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Low compression in one or more cylinders suggesting worn rings, valves, or bore damage

Diesel knock during compression testing indicates low compression, which prevents proper fuel ignition and points to worn piston rings, valves, or cylinder bore damage.

Question 80: When inspecting a vessel's reduction gear, a marine surveyor notices pitting on gear teeth. What does this typically indicate?

Lubrication failure or contaminated gear oil (Correct answer)
Thermal expansion from overheating exhaust
Excessive shaft alignment error only
Normal wear from extended operation

Correct answer: Lubrication failure or contaminated gear oil

Pitting on gear teeth is a classic sign of lubrication failure or oil contamination, which prevents proper film formation between meshing surfaces.

Question 81: While inspecting the AC shore power system on a yacht, the surveyor notes that an electrical device is installed in the engine compartment where gasoline vapors could potentially accumulate. What specific characteristic must this device have to be considered safe for this location?

It must be connected with tinned copper wiring.
It must be rated for at least 240 volts.
It must be housed in a sealed plastic enclosure.
It must be 'Ignition Protected'. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It must be 'Ignition Protected'.

Electrical devices located in spaces where flammable vapors (like gasoline) may be present, such as engine compartments, must be 'Ignition Protected'. This means the device is constructed to prevent it from igniting surrounding flammable gases, typically by ensuring it doesn't spark or reach a high surface temperature. This is a key safety requirement under both ABYC and U.S. Coast Guard regulations.

Question 82: Which of the following represents the highest level of accreditation within SAMS?

Master Marine Surveyor (MMS)
Senior Accredited Marine Surveyor (SAMS)
Accredited Marine Surveyor (AMS) (Correct answer)
Certified Marine Surveyor (CMS)

Correct answer: Accredited Marine Surveyor (AMS)

The Accredited Marine Surveyor (AMS) designation is the highest credential awarded by SAMS, indicating full compliance with experience, education, and ethical standards.

Question 83: Which condition would a surveyor most expect to find associated with a cavitating propeller?

Even thinning of blade trailing edges from abrasion
Erosion pitting on the suction face of the blades near the tips (Correct answer)
Smooth leading edges with uniform pitch
Increased propeller diameter from metal deposition

Correct answer: Erosion pitting on the suction face of the blades near the tips

Cavitation causes vapor bubbles to implode violently against blade surfaces, leaving characteristic erosion pits primarily on the suction face near blade tips.

Question 84: A SAMS member receives a survey request from an insurance company that is also the surveyor's primary source of referrals. The surveyor should:

Disclose the referral relationship to the vessel owner and the insurer, then proceed if independent judgment can be maintained (Correct answer)
Accept but provide a more favorable report to preserve the referral relationship
Accept the survey and maintain objectivity, documenting all findings accurately
Decline all surveys for that insurer to avoid any appearance of bias

Correct answer: Disclose the referral relationship to the vessel owner and the insurer, then proceed if independent judgment can be maintained

SAMS ethics require disclosure of any relationship that could be perceived as influencing objectivity, with independent judgment as the overriding standard.

Question 85: A stern drive (I/O) unit shows heavy barnacle growth on the lower unit and cavitation plate. What propulsion concern should the surveyor investigate further?

Electrolytic corrosion of the engine block from marine growth
Accelerated fuel consumption from hydrodynamic drag alone
Distortion of the gear case from biological pressure
Restriction of water flow to the engine cooling water intake on the lower unit (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Restriction of water flow to the engine cooling water intake on the lower unit

Heavy fouling on a stern drive lower unit can block the engine cooling water pickup, causing overheating and potential engine damage.

Question 86: Reserve buoyancy is best described as:

The additional cargo capacity available above the assigned load line
The difference between light ship displacement and full load displacement
The extra stability provided by permanently installed ballast
The intact watertight volume of the vessel above the waterline (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The intact watertight volume of the vessel above the waterline

Reserve buoyancy is the watertight volume above the current waterline that can provide additional flotation if the vessel takes on water or is overloaded, delaying or preventing sinking.

Question 87: Under SAMS guidelines, which practice regarding survey fees is considered unethical?

Billing hourly for time spent on the survey
Accepting a contingency fee based on the vessel's appraised value (Correct answer)
Charging a flat rate for a defined scope of work
Requiring a deposit before beginning the survey

Correct answer: Accepting a contingency fee based on the vessel's appraised value

Contingency fees tied to survey outcomes create a conflict of interest and are prohibited under SAMS ethical standards.

Question 88: What is the primary purpose of a shaft seal (stuffing box or lip seal) in a propulsion system?

To prevent seawater ingress into the vessel around the propeller shaft (Correct answer)
To maintain propeller pitch angle
To dampen vibration between shaft and hull
To lubricate the propeller shaft bearings

Correct answer: To prevent seawater ingress into the vessel around the propeller shaft

A shaft seal prevents seawater from entering the vessel through the aperture where the propeller shaft penetrates the hull.

Question 89: A surveyor is inspecting a reefer container loaded with frozen fish. The set-point is -18°C but the pulp temperature reads -12°C. What does this indicate?

The thermometer is calibrated incorrectly and should be ignored
The cargo is within acceptable temperature tolerance
The reefer unit is functioning above its rated capacity
The cargo was likely loaded at an insufficient temperature before stuffing (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The cargo was likely loaded at an insufficient temperature before stuffing

A pulp temperature significantly above the set-point typically indicates the cargo was not pre-cooled to the required temperature prior to loading into the container.

Question 90: The righting lever (GZ) in a stability analysis represents:

The horizontal distance between vertical lines through G and B when the vessel is heeled (Correct answer)
The restoring force per degree of heel expressed in foot-tons
The angle at which a vessel will capsize under dynamic loading
The vertical distance from the keel to the center of gravity at any angle of heel

Correct answer: The horizontal distance between vertical lines through G and B when the vessel is heeled

GZ is the horizontal (perpendicular) distance between the vertical line through G and the vertical line through B at a given angle of heel, representing the righting arm per unit displacement.

Question 91: A surveyor inspecting a vessel's steering gear system in accordance with SOLAS and USCG regulations should verify which of the following?

The tiller arm is painted with high-visibility yellow paint.
The presence of audible and visual alarms for power failure and hydraulic fluid low-level. (Correct answer)
The system is capable of moving the rudder from 35 degrees on one side to 35 degrees on the other in less than 15 seconds.
The hydraulic fluid was changed within the last 12 months.

Correct answer: The presence of audible and visual alarms for power failure and hydraulic fluid low-level.

Regulations such as 46 CFR 58.25-25 require specific audible and visual alarms for the steering gear. These include alarms in the pilothouse and machinery space for power failure to the power unit or control system, and for low hydraulic fluid levels. While rudder movement speed is tested (typically 35 degrees to 30 degrees in 28 seconds), the 15-second parameter is not a standard requirement. Fluid change intervals and paint color are maintenance and company practices, not specific regulatory alarm requirements.

Question 92: When conducting an engine survey, a surveyor performs a compression test on a gasoline inboard engine. What would an uneven reading between cylinders most likely indicate?

A clogged fuel injector in the low cylinder
An incorrectly adjusted carburetor
Worn piston rings, a leaking valve, or a blown head gasket (Correct answer)
Low octane fuel causing pre-ignition

Correct answer: Worn piston rings, a leaking valve, or a blown head gasket

Low or uneven cylinder compression typically points to worn piston rings, a leaking intake or exhaust valve, or a failed head gasket allowing combustion gases to escape.

Question 93: What reading would alert a surveyor to excessive crankshaft main bearing wear on a running diesel engine?

High coolant temperature on the thermostat gauge
Elevated alternator output voltage
Abnormally low engine oil pressure at operating temperature and RPM (Correct answer)
High fuel consumption with normal exhaust temperature

Correct answer: Abnormally low engine oil pressure at operating temperature and RPM

Worn main bearings increase bearing clearances, allowing oil to escape faster and reducing oil pressure measured at the sender.

Question 94: A commercial vessel surveyor finds sea chest strainers heavily fouled with marine growth during a drydock survey. What is the primary safety concern?

Violation of ballast water treatment regulations
Restricted cooling water flow that can lead to engine overheating and failure (Correct answer)
Increased underwater hull drag reducing fuel efficiency
Accelerated galvanic corrosion of adjacent hull plating

Correct answer: Restricted cooling water flow that can lead to engine overheating and failure

Fouled sea chest strainers restrict cooling water flow to the engine, risking overheating and potential engine failure at sea.

Question 95: Which of the following advertising statements would be considered a violation of the SAMS Code of Ethics regarding professional conduct?

"Over 20 years of experience in marine surveying, following ABYC and USCG standards."
"Voted #1 Marine Surveyor - Guaranteed to find every flaw or your money back!" (Correct answer)
"Certified SAMS-AMS®, specializing in pre-purchase surveys for recreational powerboats."
"Offering thermal imaging and ultrasonic testing services for hull inspections."

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

The SAMS Code of Ethics requires members to "Advertise only in a dignified manner avoiding misleading statements." The statement "Guaranteed to find every flaw" is an unrealistic and misleading claim that no surveyor can ethically make. A survey is a snapshot in time of accessible components. Such a guarantee creates false expectations and is unprofessional. The other options are factual statements about qualifications, experience, and services offered, which are acceptable.

Question 96: A SAMS member who witnesses another SAMS member engaging in clearly unethical conduct is obligated to:

Ignore the conduct since reporting colleagues is itself considered unprofessional
Report the conduct to SAMS through the established ethics complaint process (Correct answer)
Inform only clients who may have been affected without reporting to SAMS
Confront the member privately and take no further action if they deny it

Correct answer: Report the conduct to SAMS through the established ethics complaint process

SAMS members have a professional obligation to uphold the integrity of the organization by reporting observed ethical violations through proper channels.

Question 97: Under SAMS guidelines, what is the proper handling of a situation where a surveyor discovers suspected illegal modifications to a vessel during a survey?

Remove the modifications from the vessel before completing the survey
Immediately report the modifications to law enforcement without notifying the client
Note the modifications in the report and advise the client to seek legal guidance (Correct answer)
Ignore the modifications unless they affect structural integrity

Correct answer: Note the modifications in the report and advise the client to seek legal guidance

SAMS surveyors should document observations accurately in the report and advise the client on appropriate next steps, including consulting legal counsel.

Question 98: After a pre-purchase survey report has been delivered to the client, the seller provides the surveyor with an invoice showing a required repair has been completed by a reputable yard. What is the surveyor's most appropriate action?

Immediately amend the original report to show the deficiency as corrected.
Offer to perform a limited re-inspection of the specific repair for a fee and, if satisfactory, issue a signed addendum to the original report. (Correct answer)
Advise the seller to forward the invoice to the buyer and consider the matter closed.
Verbally inform the client that the repair has been completed per the invoice.

Correct answer: Offer to perform a limited re-inspection of the specific repair for a fee and, if satisfactory, issue a signed addendum to the original report.

The original survey report is a factual document reflecting the vessel's condition on a specific date and cannot be altered. A surveyor cannot verify a repair based solely on an invoice. The professional standard is to physically re-inspect the completed work. If the repair is found to be satisfactory, the surveyor should issue a formal addendum to the original report, which documents the re-inspection date, the work verified, and the new condition of that specific item.

Question 99: When reviewing a commercial vessel's stability booklet, the surveyor notes the vessel lacks a cross-curves of stability (KN curves) section. For what vessel types are KN curves typically required?

All vessels regardless of size or type
Only tankers and bulk carriers under MARPOL Annex I
Only sailing vessels and motorsailers
Vessels where the metacentric height method alone is insufficient to evaluate stability across the full range of heel angles (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Vessels where the metacentric height method alone is insufficient to evaluate stability across the full range of heel angles

KN curves are required for vessels where stability must be evaluated beyond small angle assumptions, particularly for larger or complex hull forms where GM alone is inadequate.

Question 100: Which approach is most appropriate when a vessel's value is contested between an insurer and the vessel owner during a total loss claim?

An independent appraisal or binding arbitration using qualified marine surveyors (Correct answer)
The insurer's internal valuation department has final authority
The owner's sworn statement of value controls the outcome
The vessel's original MSRP determines the settled value

Correct answer: An independent appraisal or binding arbitration using qualified marine surveyors

Independent appraisal or arbitration by qualified marine surveyors provides an impartial resolution mechanism when parties dispute total loss valuation.

SAMS Accredited Marine Surveyor (AMS) Certification Exam

The SAMS AMS written examination tests candidates on marine vessel construction, hull inspection, propulsion and machinery systems, cargo operations, commercial vessel standards, and professional ethics required for accreditation by the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors.

100

Questions

180 min

Time Limit

70%

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