Report Writing & Case Documentation Flashcards
7 cards from real CMI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Report Writing & Case Documentation flashcards as text
In a marine investigation, the term 'spoliation of evidence' refers to:
Answer: Intentional or negligent destruction, alteration, or concealment of relevant evidence
Spoliation is the intentional or negligent destruction or alteration of evidence, which can result in adverse inference instructions in legal proceedings.
When drafting the 'findings of fact' section of a marine casualty report, the investigator should:
Answer: State only objective, evidence-supported facts without speculation
Findings of fact must be restricted to objective, evidence-supported statements to maintain the report's legal and professional credibility.
Which document would a CMI most likely use to establish a vessel's navigational track during an incident investigation?
Answer: AIS (Automatic Identification System) data records
AIS data provides a timestamped navigational track of a vessel's position, speed, and course, making it critical evidence in casualty investigations.
A 'privileged communication' in the context of marine casualty reporting most commonly refers to:
Answer: Statements made by crew members to company attorneys after a casualty
Attorney-client privilege protects communications between crew or company personnel and their legal counsel, potentially shielding them from compelled disclosure.
When a marine investigator references SOLAS Chapter V in a report, they are addressing requirements related to:
Answer: Safety of navigation, including bridge procedures and voyage planning
SOLAS Chapter V covers safety of navigation, including requirements for voyage planning, watchkeeping, and bridge resource management.
The purpose of a 'factual report' phase in a two-phase marine investigation is to:
Answer: Compile objective facts before any causal analysis or probable cause determination
The factual report phase objectively compiles all evidence and factual data before any analytical or causal determinations are made in the analysis phase.
Which of the following best describes the correct use of passive voice in formal marine investigation reports?
Answer: It should be used sparingly and only when the actor is unknown or irrelevant
While active voice is preferred for clarity, passive voice is acceptable when the acting party is unknown or when the action itself is more important than who performed it.