IAMI CMFI study guide
IAMI CMFI · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Marine Fraud Investigator (CMFI) is a professional credential offered by the International Association of Marine Investigators (IAMI) for people whose work involves detecting, investigating and deterring fraud in marine insurance and shipping. It is aimed at claims adjusters and handlers, marine surveyors, loss-prevention and special investigation unit staff, underwriters, ship and cargo security managers, and independent investigators who need a structured, defensible method for suspecting, evidencing and reporting marine fraud. The IAMI CMFI study guide has 9 sections and about 2,730 words.
01Marine Insurance Fundamentals and Fraud Context
Domain 1 examines the insurance principles that make marine fraud intelligible: indemnity, insurable interest, disclosure, warranties, causation, and claim remedies. The exam expects you to distinguish a coverage dispute from dishonest claiming, and to recognise when financial motive plus evidence crosses that line.
350 words, about 2 min02Fraud Indicators and Red Flags in Marine Claims
Domain 2 tests how to identify, weigh, and document red flags without treating them as verdicts. A red flag is a fact that is more common in fraudulent claims than in genuine ones; it is probabilistic, not proof.
317 words, about 2 min03Cargo and Goods in Transit Fraud
Domain 3 focuses on cargo claims where documents, physical evidence, and commercial incentives diverge. The exam tests bills of lading, Incoterms, valuation, survey evidence, container integrity, and the difference between genuine loss and fabricated or exaggerated claims.
334 words, about 2 min04Hull and Machinery (H&M) and Ship Damage Fraud
Domain 4 examines hull and machinery claims: grounding, collision, fire, engine damage, and constructive total loss. The exam tests seaworthiness, class and ISM records, repair economics, and the indicators of an engineered or exaggerated casualty.
322 words, about 2 min05Cargo Theft, Hijacking, and Piracy-Related Fraud
Domain 5 covers theft, hijacking, and piracy claims, where genuine criminal loss and fabricated loss can look similar. The exam tests policy wording, high-risk areas, security practices, ransom issues, and collusion indicators.
308 words, about 2 min06Marine Liability and Personal Injury Claim Fraud
Domain 6 examines protection and indemnity claims, crew injuries, passenger claims, and third-party liability. The exam tests causation, medical evidence, employment records, and the line between exaggeration and fabrication.
287 words, about 1 min07Investigation Planning, Evidence Collection, and Interviewing
Domain 7 tests structured investigation: planning, evidence mapping, lawful collection, chain of custody, and interviews that test hypotheses rather than confirm them. Start with a written plan: scope, fraud hypotheses, evidence needed, legal constraints, resources, and decision points.
255 words, about 1 min08Legal, Regulatory, and Ethical Frameworks
Domain 8 tests the legal and ethical boundaries of marine fraud investigation. The exam expects awareness of insurance law, fraud offences, bribery, data protection, sanctions, and professional ethics across jurisdictions.
292 words, about 1 min09Reporting, Recovery, and Fraud Prevention Controls
Domain 9 tests how findings become defensible reports, recoveries, and preventive controls. The exam expects clear separation between evidence, inference, and recommendation.
265 words, about 1 min