Ethics and Professional Conduct Flashcards

SAMS ethical guidelines require that a marine surveyor's report be issued to:

Answer: Only the client who retained the surveyor, unless otherwise authorized

Survey reports are the property of the retaining client, and SAMS ethics prohibit distribution to third parties without client authorization.

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

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.

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

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.

Which of the following represents the highest level of accreditation within SAMS?

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.

A SAMS member who serves on the organization's ethics committee receives a complaint against a colleague who is also a business partner. The member should:

Answer: Recuse themselves from the case due to the conflict of interest

SAMS ethics require committee members to recuse themselves whenever a personal or financial relationship creates a conflict of interest in adjudicating a complaint.

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

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.

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

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.