SAMS Commercial Vessel Surveyors 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which classification society rule governs the structural scantlings for a US-flagged commercial fishing vessel seeking class notation?
- SOLAS Chapter XII
- ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels for Service on Rivers and Intracoastal Waterways
- The applicable ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels or Fishing Vessels (Correct answer)
- IMO Resolution A.469(XII)
Correct answer: The applicable ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels or Fishing Vessels
ABS publishes specific rules for building and classing fishing vessels that govern structural scantlings, materials, and equipment for class notation.
Question 2: A surveyor is assessing a commercial charter vessel's EPIRB. The unit's hydrostatic release mechanism shows visible corrosion. What action is required?
- Document and monitor at the next annual survey
- Replace the hydrostatic release unit immediately as corrosion can prevent automatic deployment (Correct answer)
- Polish the mechanism and coat with anti-corrosion spray
- Only replace if the corrosion penetrates the outer casing
Correct answer: Replace the hydrostatic release unit immediately as corrosion can prevent automatic deployment
A corroded hydrostatic release can fail to deploy the EPIRB automatically when submerged, making immediate replacement mandatory for safety compliance.
Question 3: Under 46 CFR Subchapter T, which vessel type is specifically regulated?
- Tank vessels carrying liquid cargo in bulk
- Small passenger vessels carrying 150 or fewer passengers (Correct answer)
- Offshore supply vessels
- Towing vessels over 26 feet
Correct answer: Small passenger vessels carrying 150 or fewer passengers
46 CFR Subchapter T governs small passenger vessels of less than 100 GT carrying 150 or fewer passengers on domestic routes.
Question 4: What is a 'deadweight certificate' and when would a commercial vessel surveyor be asked to provide one?
- A certificate confirming hull structural integrity for heavy lift operations
- A document stating the vessel's maximum deadweight tonnage as calculated from survey measurements (Correct answer)
- A USCG form required for all inspected vessels over 100 GT
- A classification society certificate for tanker loading operations
Correct answer: A document stating the vessel's maximum deadweight tonnage as calculated from survey measurements
A deadweight certificate documents the calculated maximum cargo-carrying capacity and is typically requested for vessel sale, financing, or chartering purposes.
Question 5: A commercial vessel's watertight subdivision bulkhead has a non-tight cable penetration. Under applicable regulations, what is the correct assessment?
- Acceptable if the cable is less than 1 inch in diameter
- A deficiency requiring fire-rated and watertight sealing to restore subdivision integrity (Correct answer)
- Only required to be watertight on vessels with a flooding factor greater than 0.5
- Acceptable if the bulkhead is aft of the collision bulkhead
Correct answer: A deficiency requiring fire-rated and watertight sealing to restore subdivision integrity
All penetrations through watertight bulkheads must be properly sealed with approved fittings to maintain the vessel's subdivision integrity.
Question 6: When surveying a vessel for Subchapter M compliance (towing vessels), what is the primary purpose of the Towing Vessel Record (TVR)?
- To record crew overtime and rest hours
- To document the vessel's ongoing maintenance, inspections, and safety system testing (Correct answer)
- To log all cargo towed and client contacts
- To replace the USCG Certificate of Inspection
Correct answer: To document the vessel's ongoing maintenance, inspections, and safety system testing
The TVR is a mandatory recordkeeping system under Subchapter M that documents maintenance tasks, safety equipment checks, and inspections to demonstrate continuous compliance.
Question 7: A commercial vessel surveyor finds sea chest strainers heavily fouled with marine growth during a drydock survey. What is the primary safety concern?
- Increased underwater hull drag reducing fuel efficiency
- Restricted cooling water flow that can lead to engine overheating and failure (Correct answer)
- Violation of ballast water treatment regulations
- Accelerated galvanic corrosion of adjacent hull plating
Correct answer: Restricted cooling water flow that can lead to engine overheating and failure
Fouled sea chest strainers restrict cooling water flow to the engine, risking overheating and potential engine failure at sea.
SAMS Commercial Vessel Surveyors 3
Which classification society rule governs the structural scantlings for a US-flagged commercial fishing vessel seeking class notation?