SAMS Cargo Surveyors 3

Question 1

When assessing damage to a cargo of cocoa beans that arrived wet, which test is most useful to determine the extent of internal moisture penetration?

Accepted Answer

Cut test (cross-section examination of individual beans)

Answer

The cut test involves slicing beans to reveal internal color and texture changes, indicating whether moisture damage has penetrated beyond the surface.

Question 2

What is 'inherent vice' in the context of cargo surveying?

Accepted Answer

A natural characteristic of cargo that makes it prone to deterioration independent of external causes

Answer

Inherent vice refers to cargo's own natural tendency to deteriorate, such as fruit ripening or iron oxidizing, which can relieve the carrier of liability.

Question 3

A cargo of soybeans is found to be heating in a ship's hold during transit. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Excessive moisture content allowing biological activity and fermentation

Answer

Soybeans with moisture content above safe limits undergo biological activity and fermentation, generating heat and causing cargo deterioration.

Question 4

Which international convention specifically addresses the carriage of dangerous goods by sea?

Accepted Answer

IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code)

Answer

The IMDG Code provides comprehensive international regulations for packaging, labeling, documentation, and stowage of dangerous goods transported by sea.

Question 5

During a pre-loading survey of a general cargo vessel, a surveyor finds previous cargo residue (animal feed) in a hold scheduled to load coffee. What action is required?

Accepted Answer

Require the hold to be thoroughly cleaned and inspected before loading commences

Answer

Coffee is highly susceptible to odor and flavor contamination; the hold must be thoroughly cleaned and re-inspected to prevent taint damage to the cargo.

(SAMS) Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors Certified Practice Test

(SAMS) Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors Certified Practice Test

SAMS Cargo Surveyors 3