IAMI CMI Exam Study Guide (2026)
Everything the Certified Marine Investigator (CMI) tests, topic by topic: what each section covers, the facts that come up most, and how to study it. Pair it with the free 15-question practice test.
The exam at a glance
| Questions | No more than 150 true/false and multiple-choice questions |
|---|---|
| Time | No longer than 3 hours |
| Passing score | 80%; results are reported only as pass or fail, and individual scores are not released |
| Format | Closed book, proctored. The real exam mixes true/false and multiple-choice items; practice here uses 4-option single-best-answer questions. IAMI states the CMI exam is graded through testing software |
| Certifying body | International Association of Marine Investigators (IAMI), CMI Committee |
| Test provider | Proctored by the CMI Committee at IAMI Annual Training Seminars and other locations set by the IAMI Board; photo ID required |
Mind map: the whole exam on one screen
Read the complete IAMI CMI study notes for “Vessel Identification, Registration and Documentation”
Our first full set of comprehensive notes, about 14 minutes of reading: HIN format (33 CFR 181.25) · HIN location and marking (33 CFR 181.27 and 181.29) · State numbering and titling · Coast Guard documentation, a worked exam example, the traps examiners use and a one-minute recap. Create a free account to read it and see how premium notes work before you decide.
1. Vessel Identification, Registration and Documentation
Hull Identification Numbers, state numbering and titling, and Coast Guard documentation. IAMI does not publish topic weights, but vessel identification underpins every theft and fraud case and is a core CMI course (HIN 101).
Key facts
- The HIN has 12 characters (33 CFR 181.25): a 3-character Manufacturer Identification Code (MIC) assigned by the Coast Guard, a 5-character serial number, the month and year of certification, and the model year.
- Serial characters may be letters or numbers except I, O and Q; the month of certification uses A (January) to L (December).
- A model year runs from August 1 to July 31 and is named for the year in which it ends.
- The primary HIN goes on the starboard outboard side of the transom within 2 inches of the top of the transom, gunwale or hull/deck joint, whichever is lowest; a duplicate HIN must be in an unexposed location (33 CFR 181.29).
- HIN characters must be at least 1/4 inch high and fixed so that alteration, removal or replacement would be obvious.
- State registration numbers are displayed on both sides of the forward half of the boat in plain vertical block characters at least 3 inches high, in a contrasting colour (33 CFR 173.27).
- Coast Guard documentation is available for vessels of at least 5 net tons; the official number is marked inside the hull in characters at least 3 inches high preceded by NO., and the name and hailing port appear on the exterior.
Flashcards
Exam tip: When a HIN looks wrong, decode it: an impossible month letter, a model year that doesn't match the build date or a MIC that belongs to another builder all point to alteration.
2. Marine Theft, Fraud and Arson Indicators
Stolen boats, motors and trailers, insurance fraud schemes and red flags for set fires. Drawn from the theft and fraud areas named on IAMI's CMI page and its Marine Theft In-Service Program.
Key facts
- Common schemes include owner give-ups (the owner disposes of the boat and reports it stolen), staged sinkings, inflated or phantom equipment claims and set fires.
- Motive indicators include insurance above market value, recent increases in cover, financial distress, loan arrears and a boat that has been for sale without buyers.
- Stolen boats are entered in NCIC through law enforcement; NICB supports insurers with databases and investigative help.
- Identity is confirmed from hidden duplicate HINs and traceable engine, outdrive and trailer serial numbers, not from decals or paperwork.
- Outboards and trailers are frequent theft targets because they are easy to move and often poorly marked.
- Arson indicators in boat fires include multiple separate origins, removal of valuables or electronics before the fire and fuel containers where they don't belong.
- Red flags justify further inquiry; they are never proof of fraud on their own.
Flashcards
Exam tip: Exam scenarios often stack one strong motive indicator among weak circumstantial ones. Pick the option that combines motive and opportunity.
3. Marine Insurance and Claims
Yacht and boat policy structure, valuation, insured duties after loss and claim adjusting. IAMI lists adjusting marine claims and marine insurance policy interpretation among CMI subject areas.
Key facts
- Agreed value policies pay a pre-agreed sum for a covered total loss; actual cash value policies pay replacement cost less depreciation.
- Hull cover protects the vessel itself; protection and indemnity (P&I) covers the owner's liability to others.
- After a loss the insured must take reasonable steps to prevent further damage (sue and labor or mitigation duty), and reasonable costs are usually reimbursed.
- Policies commonly exclude wear and tear, gradual deterioration, marine growth, manufacturing defects and lack of maintenance.
- Marine insurance has traditionally been governed by utmost good faith (uberrimae fidei); how strictly it applies varies by US circuit and state law since Wilburn Boat (1955).
- Insurers can require proof of loss, inspection of the vessel and examination under oath under the policy's conditions.
- After paying, the insurer is subrogated to the insured's rights against a responsible third party.
Flashcards
Exam tip: Read every claims question for the cause of loss first. Sudden and accidental losses are usually covered; gradual and maintenance losses are usually excluded.
Test yourself on these topics
Take the free 15-question IAMI CMI test, then save your results to unlock your Readiness Score and the mistakes bank.
4. Admiralty and Maritime Law
Admiralty jurisdiction, limitation of liability, salvage, liens and related doctrines as they apply to recreational boating, an area IAMI names on its CMI page.
Key facts
- Admiralty tort jurisdiction needs a location on navigable waters and a connection to maritime activity; pleasure boat collisions on navigable waters qualify (Foremost Insurance v. Richardson, 1982).
- The Limitation of Liability Act (46 U.S.C. chapter 305) lets an owner without privity or knowledge limit liability to the post-casualty value of the vessel and pending freight.
Flashcards
Exam tip: Salvage and limitation questions are almost always about their elements and time limits. Memorize the lists and the 6-month rule.
5. Boating Accident Investigation
Accident reporting, scene work and reconstruction of collisions, groundings, falls overboard, propeller strikes and carbon monoxide events. IAMI lists accident reconstruction among CMI subject areas.
Key facts
- 33 CFR 173.55 requires a report for a death, a disappearance, an injury needing treatment beyond first aid, damage totalling $2,000 or more, or the complete loss of a vessel.
- Reports are due within 48 hours for a death within 24 hours, an injury beyond first aid or a disappearance, and within 10 days otherwise; they go to the state reporting authority.
Flashcards
Exam tip: Reporting questions turn on two numbers: $2,000 and 48 hours versus 10 days. Decide first whether anyone died, disappeared or needed more than first aid.
6. Hull Construction, Engines and Marine Surveying
Hull materials and their failures, engine and drive basics, and survey techniques that investigators rely on. IAMI names marine surveying, hull construction and the operation and repair of motors among CMI areas.
Key facts
- Most recreational hulls are fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP), often with balsa or foam cores; aluminum and wood are also common.
- Percussion sounding gives a solid ring over sound laminate and a dull thud over delamination or wet, disbonded core.
Flashcards
Exam tip: Ask whether a failure was sudden or gradual. Physical signs such as corrosion, staining and wear patterns tell you which, and the claim outcome often depends on it.
7. Evidence, Interviews, Reports and Testimony
Collecting and preserving evidence, taking statements, writing reports and giving testimony. IAMI describes the CMI as able to gather evidence, take statements, write reports and testify.
Key facts
- Document evidence in place with overall, mid-range and close-up photographs, using scale and fixed reference points, before collecting it.
- Chain of custody records every person who held an item, when and why, from collection to court.
Flashcards
Exam tip: If a question asks what to do first, the answer is nearly always to document or preserve, not to move, test or confront.
How to pass
- IAMI does not publish topic weights. Its CMI page lists theft, insurance claims, surveying, admiralty law, fire origin and cause, policy interpretation, accident reconstruction, hull construction and engines, so spread your study across all of them.
- HIN questions are easy marks if you know 33 CFR 181: 12 characters, the MIC first, the month letter A to L in position 9, and the model year running August 1 to July 31.
- Approved applications are valid for one year, so plan to sit at the next Annual Training Seminar. IAMI's events page lists the 37th ATS for 20 to 24 February 2027 in New Orleans; confirm exam scheduling with IAMI HQ.
- With up to 150 questions in 3 hours you have more than a minute each. True/false items punish absolute words such as always and never, so read every qualifier.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I study for the IAMI CMI exam?
Most working candidates need 4 to 8 weeks at 45 to 60 minutes a day. Book your exam once your Readiness Score has stayed at 80 or higher for about a week.
Can I take the IAMI CMI exam online?
Yes. ABYC certification exams are taken with a proctor: online through a remote proctoring service, or for some certifications at the end of an ABYC class. Format: closed book, proctored. the real exam mixes true/false and multiple-choice items; practice here uses 4-option single-best-answer questions. iami states the cmi exam is graded through testing software. Ask the ABYC Education Department which reference materials are allowed.
What score do I need to pass the IAMI CMI exam?
80%; results are reported only as pass or fail, and individual scores are not released. The exam has no more than 150 true/false and multiple-choice questions and a time limit of no longer than 3 hours.
What are the most tested topics?
The outline covers vessel identification, registration and documentation, marine theft, fraud and arson indicators, marine insurance and claims, admiralty and maritime law, boating accident investigation, hull construction, engines and marine surveying, evidence, interviews, reports and testimony. Use the free practice test to see which ones you need most.
The premium IAMI CMI study path
Premium IAMI CMI prep is studied one topic at a time. Each step starts with that topic's key notes and flashcard deck, then its own question sets of 25, so you master one topic before you move to the next. When every topic is strong, the 6 full mock exams show you're ready.
Your step-by-step study path
- 1Vessel Identification, Registration and Documentation9 key notes, 115 flashcards, then 450 practice questions in 18 sets of 25Notes free with an account
- 2Marine Theft, Fraud and Arson Indicators9 key notes, 115 flashcards, then 425 practice questions in 17 sets of 25Premium
- 3Marine Insurance and Claims9 key notes, 115 flashcards, then 425 practice questions in 17 sets of 25Premium
- 4Admiralty and Maritime Law9 key notes, 115 flashcards, then 425 practice questions in 17 sets of 25Premium
- 5Boating Accident Investigation8 key notes, 115 flashcards, then 425 practice questions in 17 sets of 25Premium
- 6Hull Construction, Engines and Marine Surveying8 key notes, 115 flashcards, then 425 practice questions in 17 sets of 25Premium
- 7Evidence, Interviews, Reports and Testimony8 key notes, 110 flashcards, then 425 practice questions in 17 sets of 25Premium
- Final step: 6 full mock exams150 questions each, timed like test day. Pass them, then book your exam.Premium
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- One ABYC exam of your choice: any of the 10 certifications, from Marine Electrical to USCG Regulations
- 3,000 practice questions + 6 full mock exams per exam
- 800 flashcards + 60 key notes per exam, by topic, plus mind maps
- Spaced repetition + mistakes bank
- Readiness Score & detailed reports
- Video lessons as they release
- Content updates during your access
- 5 bonuses: numbers and formulas sheet, standards map, study planner and more
- Pass Guarantee: complete the prep, pass or 100% back
Renews once a year until you cancel. We email you before each renewal. Cancel any time from your account; you keep access until the end of the year you've paid for.
Summarized from ABYC's official candidate information and the rules cited, checked November 2026. Confirm current requirements with International Association of Marine Investigators (IAMI), CMI Committee.