SAMS Survey Process and Reporting 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When surveying a vessel's hull below the waterline, which method provides the most reliable assessment of thickness without haul-out?
- Visual inspection with a dive light
- Ultrasonic thickness testing from underwater (Correct answer)
- Hammer sounding from the interior
- Paint chip analysis
Correct answer: Ultrasonic thickness testing from underwater
Ultrasonic thickness testing can be performed by a diver to measure hull plating thickness accurately without requiring the vessel to be hauled out.
Question 2: In a SAMS survey report, what does the term 'surveyed on afloat' indicate about the scope of the examination?
- The surveyor conducted an in-water inspection only, limiting hull bottom access (Correct answer)
- The vessel was surveyed at anchor rather than at a dock
- The survey was completed without the owner present
- The surveyor used remote sensing equipment
Correct answer: The surveyor conducted an in-water inspection only, limiting hull bottom access
An afloat survey means the hull bottom was not accessible for direct inspection, which must be clearly noted as a scope limitation in the report.
Question 3: A surveyor discovers evidence of a prior insurance claim repair that was not disclosed by the owner. What is the proper course of action?
- Ignore it if the repair appears satisfactory
- Note the undisclosed repair in the report and assess its quality (Correct answer)
- Refuse to complete the survey
- Contact the insurance company directly before finishing the report
Correct answer: Note the undisclosed repair in the report and assess its quality
The surveyor must document all findings including undisclosed prior repairs, assess the workmanship, and report the condition objectively without taking sides.
Question 4: Which section of a marine survey report typically describes the purpose and scope of the inspection?
- Executive Summary
- Basis of Survey / Scope of Inspection (Correct answer)
- Recommendations
- Vessel Description
Correct answer: Basis of Survey / Scope of Inspection
The Basis of Survey or Scope of Inspection section defines what was examined, what was excluded, and the purpose for which the survey was commissioned.
Question 5: When inspecting a vessel's standing rigging, a surveyor finds one wire shroud with a single broken strand. What is the correct classification of this finding?
- Informational note only
- Minor deficiency requiring monitoring
- Safety deficiency requiring immediate replacement (Correct answer)
- Cosmetic issue
Correct answer: Safety deficiency requiring immediate replacement
Any broken strand in standing rigging compromises the wire's integrity and load-bearing capacity, making it a safety deficiency requiring replacement before offshore use.
Question 6: A SAMS survey report must clearly state the surveyor's opinion of value. What is the accepted standard basis for this valuation?
- Replacement cost new
- Fair market value in as-found condition (Correct answer)
- Book value from NADA or BUC
- Owner's declared value
Correct answer: Fair market value in as-found condition
Marine survey valuations are expressed as fair market value reflecting the vessel's actual condition as found during inspection, not book values or owner estimates.
Question 7: During an insurance survey, the surveyor notes the bilge pump is inoperable. How should this be categorized in the report?
- Deferred maintenance
- Cosmetic deficiency
- Safety deficiency (Correct answer)
- Informational item
Correct answer: Safety deficiency
An inoperable bilge pump is a safety deficiency because it is a critical system for preventing flooding and must be operational before the vessel is used.
SAMS Survey Process and Reporting 2
When surveying a vessel's hull below the waterline, which method provides the most reliable assessment of thickness without haul-out?