SAMS Cargo Surveyors 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When conducting a draft survey to determine cargo quantity, at which points on the vessel are drafts typically read?
- 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
- Midship port and starboard 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 2: A cargo surveyor discovers moisture damage to bagged grain in a vessel's lower hold. What is the FIRST step in documenting this finding?
- Photograph the damage in situ before any cargo is moved (Correct answer)
- Immediately notify the P&I Club
- Discharge the damaged cargo to assess total quantity
- Issue a clean bill of lading with a notation
Correct answer: Photograph the damage in situ before any cargo is moved
Photographing damage in situ preserves evidence of its condition and location before any disturbance that could alter the scene.
Question 3: Which document serves as the primary contract of carriage between a shipper and a carrier for bulk cargo?
- Charter party (Correct answer)
- Bill of lading
- Mate's receipt
- Commercial invoice
Correct answer: Charter party
The charter party is the primary contract defining terms and conditions between the shipowner/operator and the charterer for bulk cargo movements.
Question 4: 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?
- Whether the rust is superficial mill scale or active corrosion damage (Correct answer)
- The vessel's insurance policy limits
- The current market price of the steel
- Whether the coils were imported duty-free
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 5: What is the purpose of a 'letters of protest' issued by a cargo surveyor or ship's officer?
- 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
- To notify customs of undeclared cargo
- 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 6: 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 cargo was likely loaded at an insufficient temperature before stuffing (Correct answer)
- The reefer unit is functioning above its rated capacity
- The cargo is within acceptable temperature tolerance
- The thermometer is calibrated incorrectly and should be ignored
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 7: Under the Hague-Visby Rules, the carrier's standard of care for cargo can best be described as:
- Due diligence to make the ship seaworthy and properly care for cargo before and during the voyage (Correct answer)
- 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
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.
SAMS Cargo Surveyors 2
When conducting a draft survey to determine cargo quantity, at which points on the vessel are drafts typically read?