Ethics and Professional Conduct Flashcards

A SAMS member discovers during a survey that the vessel owner is a close personal friend. What is the most appropriate action?

Answer: Disclose the relationship to the client and withdraw if objectivity cannot be maintained

SAMS ethics require disclosure of any relationship that could compromise objectivity, and withdrawal if impartiality cannot be guaranteed.

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

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.

A surveyor is asked to certify that a vessel meets standards for a specific use that falls outside the surveyor's expertise. The correct response is to:

Answer: Decline and refer the client to a qualified specialist

SAMS members must only perform surveys within their demonstrated competence and refer clients to appropriate experts otherwise.

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

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.

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:

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.

When a SAMS member's survey report is used as the basis for litigation, the member's primary obligation is to:

Answer: Provide objective, factual testimony consistent with the survey findings

SAMS members must provide honest, objective expert testimony that accurately reflects their professional findings, regardless of which party retained them.

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:

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.