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

Question 1: When surveying a vessel for insurance purposes, which SAMS standard requires the surveyor to document the vessel's registered value versus fair market value?

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

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

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

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 3: 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 (Correct answer)
Surface oxidation of the transom fiberglass
Color match between transom gelcoat and hull sides
Wiring conduit routing through the transom cap

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

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

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

To check idle speed consistency; performed with an oscilloscope
To verify engine mounts are torqued; performed with a torque wrench
To measure engine RPM under load; performed with a tachometer
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)

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 6: A surveyor is asked to value a 1985 fiberglass sloop. Which depreciation method does SAMS recommend for determining fair market value on aging recreational vessels?

Straight-line depreciation from original purchase price
Comparable sales (market) approach with condition adjustments (Correct answer)
Income capitalization based on charter revenue
Replacement cost new minus observed depreciation

Correct answer: Comparable sales (market) approach with condition adjustments

SAMS recommends the market (comparable sales) approach as primary for recreational vessels, adjusting for condition, equipment, and regional market differences.

Question 7: Under 46 CFR Subchapter T, which vessel type is specifically regulated?

Towing vessels over 26 feet
Small passenger vessels carrying 150 or fewer passengers (Correct answer)
Offshore supply vessels
Tank vessels carrying liquid cargo in bulk

Correct answer: Small passenger vessels carrying 150 or fewer passengers

46 CFR Subchapter T governs small passenger vessels of less than 100 GT carrying 150 or fewer passengers on domestic routes.

Question 8: What is the primary role of a Commercial Vessel Surveyor?

To inspect large commercial vessels for structural integrity and regulatory compliance (Correct answer)
To evaluate the resale value of yachts and recreational boats
To perform crew safety drills
To assess cargo loading efficiency

Correct answer: To inspect large commercial vessels for structural integrity and regulatory compliance

The primary role of a Commercial Vessel Surveyor is to conduct thorough inspections of large commercial vessels. These inspections focus on assessing the vessel's structural integrity, ensuring it is seaworthy and safe for operation. Additionally, surveyors verify that the vessel complies with all national and international maritime regulations and standards, which is critical for its legal operation and insurance purposes.

Question 9: A vessel's flare kit contains hand-held red flares with a manufacture date of 42 months ago. Are they still USCG-acceptable?

No, flares must be replaced annually regardless of manufacture date
Yes, as long as they are stored in a watertight container
Yes, flares are accepted for up to 5 years from manufacture
No, USCG pyrotechnic signals expire 42 months from manufacture date (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No, USCG pyrotechnic signals expire 42 months from manufacture date

USCG-approved pyrotechnic visual distress signals expire 42 months from the date of manufacture stamped on the device.

Question 10: A commercial vessel is found to have an inoperative automatic bilge alarm during survey. Under 46 CFR, what is the appropriate finding for an unmanned machinery space vessel?

A serious deficiency requiring repair before the vessel can operate with an unmanned engine room (Correct answer)
Acceptable if a manual bilge sounding schedule is maintained
Only a concern if the bilge pump is also inoperative
A recommendation for correction within 90 days

Correct answer: A serious deficiency requiring repair before the vessel can operate with an unmanned engine room

Vessels with unmanned machinery spaces are required by 46 CFR to have functioning automatic bilge alarms to detect flooding without crew presence.

Question 11: A surveyor evaluating a water-jet propulsion system notes the impeller wear ring clearance is at the maximum allowable limit. What operational effect should the owner expect?

Increased cavitation risk in the impeller eye only
No performance impact until clearance doubles the maximum limit
Increased top speed due to reduced hydraulic friction
Reduced thrust efficiency and higher fuel consumption as water bypasses the impeller through excess clearance (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Reduced thrust efficiency and higher fuel consumption as water bypasses the impeller through excess clearance

Excessive wear ring clearance allows pressurized water to recirculate from the pump discharge back to the inlet, reducing thrust output and increasing fuel consumption.

Question 12: A vessel's engine room blower ventilation is found inadequate during survey. What is the primary operational consequence for a diesel engine?

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

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 13: When would a Cargo Surveyor typically be called upon to inspect cargo?

After the cargo has been unloaded at the destination port
During loading, unloading, or after an incident affecting the cargo (Correct answer)
During routine vessel maintenance
Only when a ship is at sea

Correct answer: During loading, unloading, or after an incident affecting the cargo

A Cargo Surveyor is typically called upon at critical junctures in the cargo's journey to assess its condition and handling. This includes during loading, to ensure proper stowage and securing; during unloading, to check for any damage incurred during transit; and crucially, after any incident such as heavy weather, collision, or fire, to determine the extent and cause of cargo damage. Their presence at these times helps document facts for liability and insurance purposes.

Question 14: A surveyor notes that a vessel's propeller shaft shows significant 'run-out' when rotated. What does this indicate?

The shaft is undersized for the engine's horsepower
The shaft seal is worn and needs replacement
The shaft is bent or the coupling is misaligned (Correct answer)
The shaft material is incompatible with the strut

Correct answer: The shaft is bent or the coupling is misaligned

Run-out (wobble) in a rotating shaft indicates that it is bent or that the coupling between shaft and engine is misaligned, both of which cause vibration and bearing wear.

Question 15: A surveyor conducting a bunker survey needs to determine the quantity of fuel oil on board. Which measurement approach is standard?

Measure only the main fuel oil service tank at the time of inspection
Measure ullage or sounding in each tank and apply trim/list corrections using calibration tables (Correct answer)
Estimate fuel based on the vessel's log records of engine room consumption
Use the shore delivery meter receipt as the sole quantity reference

Correct answer: Measure ullage or sounding in each tank and apply trim/list corrections using calibration tables

A proper bunker survey requires ullage or sounding measurements in all applicable tanks with corrections for trim, list, and temperature applied against certified calibration tables.

Question 16: Under 33 CFR 175.130, vessels between 26 and 40 feet operating on coastal waters must carry how many USCG-approved day/night visual distress signals?

Six pyrotechnic devices of any type
One day signal and one night signal
Three day signals and three night signals (or three combination) (Correct answer)
Two combination day/night signals minimum

Correct answer: Three day signals and three night signals (or three combination)

33 CFR 175.130 requires three day and three night signals, or three combination day/night signals, for vessels 16 feet and over on coastal waters.

Question 17: What action should a SAMS marine surveyor take if they lack the expertise to evaluate a specific vessel system encountered during a survey?

Make a best-guess assessment and note a disclaimer
Rate it satisfactory to avoid delaying the transaction
Skip the system without mention
Recommend that a qualified specialist evaluate the system (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Recommend that a qualified specialist evaluate the system

When a surveyor lacks expertise in a specific system, professional ethics require recommending evaluation by an appropriate specialist rather than opining beyond their competence.

Question 18: During inspection of a vessel's electrical panel, a surveyor notes that circuit breakers are used in both the ungrounded (positive) and grounded (negative) conductors. For DC systems, ABYC E-11 requires overcurrent protection in:

Only circuits exceeding 50 amps
Both conductors only when shore power is connected
Only the ungrounded (positive) conductor (Correct answer)
Both positive and negative conductors on all circuits

Correct answer: Only the ungrounded (positive) conductor

ABYC E-11 requires overcurrent protection only in the ungrounded (positive) conductor of DC circuits; protecting the grounded conductor is not required and can create unsafe conditions.

Question 19: During a pre-purchase survey of a commercial workboat, the surveyor discovers the vessel's official number is not permanently marked as required. Where must the official number be marked under US regulations?

On the transom in paint that contrasts with the hull color
On the vessel's Certificate of Documentation only
In the engine room on a placard near the main propulsion
On a main structural member of the vessel's hull in block-type Roman numerals at least three inches high (Correct answer)

Correct answer: On a main structural member of the vessel's hull in block-type Roman numerals at least three inches high

46 USC 12507 requires the official number to be permanently marked on a main structural member in block Roman numerals at least three inches high.

Question 20: 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 21: Which of the following advertising statements would be considered a violation of the SAMS Code of Ethics regarding professional conduct?

"Certified SAMS-AMS®, specializing in pre-purchase surveys for recreational powerboats."
"Voted #1 Marine Surveyor - Guaranteed to find every flaw or your money back!" (Correct answer)
"Over 20 years of experience in marine surveying, following ABYC and USCG standards."
"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 22: 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
Cross-flooding or loss of cooling water to both engines if the shared intake seacock fails (Correct answer)
Excessive vibration from synchronization issues

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 23: Which of the following best describes a SAMS member's obligation regarding continuing education?

Continuing education applies only to those seeking accreditation upgrades
Members must maintain and expand their knowledge to uphold competency standards (Correct answer)
Education is optional and left entirely to the member's discretion
Only new members are required to complete training courses

Correct answer: Members must maintain and expand their knowledge to uphold competency standards

SAMS requires members to pursue ongoing professional development to remain competent in the evolving field of marine surveying.

Question 24: A surveyor investigating a refrigerated meat cargo claim finds the vessel's temperature recorder shows a 14-hour gap in data during the voyage. What is the appropriate interpretation?

Temperature recorders are not required, so the gap has no legal significance
The gap is irrelevant if the cargo appears undamaged on arrival
The gap represents a period of unknown cargo temperature conditions and weakens the carrier's defense against the claim (Correct answer)
The gap proves the refrigeration system failed completely for 14 hours

Correct answer: The gap represents a period of unknown cargo temperature conditions and weakens the carrier's defense against the claim

A recording gap means there is no evidence of temperature maintenance during that period, undermining the carrier's ability to prove proper cargo care and strengthening the claimant's case.

Question 25: What characteristic of Corten steel makes it occasionally used in commercial vessel hull construction despite its higher initial cost?

It forms a stable rust patina that retards further corrosion (Correct answer)
It is immune to galvanic corrosion in seawater
It is non-magnetic, reducing compass deviation
It is lighter than standard mild steel at equivalent strength

Correct answer: It forms a stable rust patina that retards further corrosion

Corten (weathering steel) develops a tightly adherent oxide layer that slows further corrosion, potentially reducing long-term maintenance costs in controlled environments.

Question 26: During ultrasonic thickness testing of a steel hull, a surveyor obtains readings 20% below the original design scantlings. According to SAMS practice, how should this be reported?

As a significant deficiency requiring immediate structural evaluation (Correct answer)
As an informational note requiring monitoring
As acceptable wear within industry tolerance
Only if readings are confirmed by a second instrument

Correct answer: As a significant deficiency requiring immediate structural evaluation

A 20% reduction in plating thickness represents significant structural wastage that requires evaluation by a naval architect or structural engineer before the vessel can be considered seaworthy.

Question 27: 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?

Accept the repair work, as they are most familiar with the vessel's issues.
Disclose the conflict to the client and proceed with the repairs only with their written consent.
Accept the work but provide the client with a significant discount on the repairs.
Refuse to perform the repairs, as this would create a significant conflict of interest. (Correct answer)

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

Performing repairs on a vessel that one has surveyed is a classic and significant conflict of interest. It calls into question the objectivity of the initial survey findings, as a surveyor could potentially exaggerate defects to create more repair work. Major ethical codes for marine surveyors explicitly prohibit this practice to maintain the integrity and independence of the survey profession. The surveyor must decline the repair work.

Question 28: A SAMS accredited member is asked to review and endorse another surveyor's report without personally inspecting the vessel. This is:

Acceptable if the review is limited to methodology, not findings
Acceptable if the other surveyor is also SAMS accredited
Unethical because endorsement implies personal verification of findings (Correct answer)
Acceptable only for vessels under 26 feet

Correct answer: Unethical because endorsement implies personal verification of findings

SAMS standards prohibit endorsing reports based on another surveyor's work without personal inspection, as this misrepresents the basis of the professional opinion.

Question 29: 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 30: A marine surveyor is inspecting a diesel engine that is producing excessive black smoke. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

Water in the fuel
The engine is not reaching operating temperature
An improper air-to-fuel ratio (Correct answer)
Coolant leaking into the combustion chamber

Correct answer: An improper air-to-fuel ratio

Black smoke from a diesel engine is a classic sign of incomplete combustion, which is most often caused by an improper air-to-fuel ratio where there is too much fuel or not enough air. Common culprits include clogged air filters, faulty fuel injectors, or a malfunctioning turbocharger. White smoke often indicates water or coolant issues, while blue smoke points to burning oil.

Question 31: During outturn survey of steel coils, a surveyor notes rust that was not noted on the bill of lading. What should the surveyor determine first?

The current market price of the steel
Whether the coils were imported duty-free
The vessel's insurance policy limits
Whether the rust is superficial mill scale or active corrosion damage (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Whether the rust is superficial mill scale or active corrosion damage

Distinguishing mill scale (normal manufacturing residue) from active corrosion is critical because only genuine damage constitutes a valid cargo claim.

Question 32: Which of the following issues would a Commercial Vessel Surveyor likely highlight as critical in a report?

Minor rust on interior walls
Corrosion in load-bearing hull structures (Correct answer)
Cosmetic imperfections in the paint
Slightly worn carpets in common areas

Correct answer: Corrosion in load-bearing hull structures

A Commercial Vessel Surveyor would highlight corrosion in load-bearing hull structures as critical because it directly compromises the vessel's structural integrity and seaworthiness. Unlike cosmetic issues, severe corrosion can lead to catastrophic failure, posing significant risks to the vessel, crew, cargo, and the marine environment. Addressing such issues is paramount for safety and regulatory compliance.

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.

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40 min

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70%

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