Hull and Machinery Surveyors Flashcards
7 cards from real SAMS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Hull and Machinery Surveyors flashcards as text
A surveyor finds that a vessel's propeller shaft has a measured runout of 0.018 inches at mid-span. What is the most likely consequence if the vessel operates without correction?
Answer: Accelerated cutlass bearing wear and vibration
Shaft runout exceeding acceptable limits causes cyclic loading on the cutlass bearing and generates vibration that accelerates wear throughout the stern gear assembly.
When surveying a steel vessel, which corrosion pattern in the bilge area most strongly suggests accelerated galvanic activity rather than general atmospheric corrosion?
Answer: Pitting concentrated around bronze through-hull fittings
Galvanic cells form preferentially between dissimilar metals in the presence of an electrolyte; pitting near bronze fittings in the bilge indicates the steel hull is acting as the anode.
Under NFPA 303, what is the minimum required separation between fuel fill deck plates and any opening into the vessel's interior?
Answer: 18 inches
NFPA 303 requires fuel fill openings to be located at least 18 inches from any opening into the vessel interior to prevent ignitable vapors from entering enclosed spaces.
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?
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.
During a sea trial, a surveyor notes the vessel pulls hard to starboard under power with the helm centered. What is the first mechanical cause to investigate?
Answer: Propeller pitch asymmetry or blade damage
Blade damage or asymmetric pitch on one propeller blade creates unequal thrust, causing directional pull; this is the most common mechanical explanation for straight-ahead deviation.
Which aluminum alloy series is most commonly used for marine hull plating due to its superior saltwater corrosion resistance?
Answer: 5000 series (magnesium alloy)
The 5000-series aluminum alloys (e.g., 5083, 5086) are industry standard for marine hull plating because their magnesium content provides excellent seawater corrosion resistance.
When documenting a survey finding of structural significance, SAMS standards require the report to include which of the following at minimum?
Answer: Location, description, severity rating, and recommended corrective action
SAMS report standards mandate that each significant finding include its location, a clear description, an assessment of severity, and the surveyor's recommended corrective action.