Simon Bridgwood
Co-Founder
NAMS (CMS) - SAMS (SA) - ACMS
Simon was born and raised in Perth, Western Australia and grew up running and living on his family’s sportfish vessels from a very young age. Simon had an affinity for all things ocean related and pursued a degree in Marine Biology.
At 20, Simon joined his first super yacht where he quickly worked his way up the ranks and achieved his “Masters 3000 ton unlimited” license. From there Simon ran a 180’ motor yacht for five years navigating his way though a 20 year class renewal inspection with zero deficiencies/non-conformities. Simon cruised worldwide and came ashore in 2010 to raise a family and pursue his marine surveying career.
Email: Simon@EliteMarineSurveys.com
Duncan Fong
Co-Founder
SAMS (SA) - ACMS
Duncan comes from the City of Sails, Auckland, New Zealand. From an early age, traveling was in his blood and in his early twenties he entered the superyacht industry, where he worked his way up from a day worker, then a deckhand, eventually becoming a Chief Engineer on a variety of vessels.
Duncan’s yachting career took him cruising all over the world, where he gained experience in refits, yard periods, project management, Class and Flag State Special Surveys. In 2017, Duncan came ashore to spend more time with his family, and start his marine surveying career, which ultimately led him to open Elite Marine Surveyors with his business partner, Simon Bridgwood.
Shane wray
Surveyor
SAMS (SA) - ACMS
Originally from the midwest, Shane grew up around boats which prompted his move to South Florida in 2001 to join the yachting industry. He worked his way up to captain and engineer and cruised as the captain of 100’ yachts from North America all the way to the Mediterranean.
After a stint as a corporate captain for one of the largest US boating flagship dealerships, Shane served as a vessel operator for Charleston Harbor Pilots conducting vessel transfers at sea in excess of 900’. From there he transitioned to a marine surveyor which has been his career for the last seven years. He has conducted over 1000 surveys of vessels from 20’ to 200’.
Email: Shane@EliteMarineSurveys.com
Kevin Quinn
Surveyor
ACMS
Originally from New Jersey, Kevin moved to Florida in 2001 to pursue his career in the yachting industry. With over 25 years experience, he has been the captain and engineer on 200’ vessels. His extensive background in the industry included working closely with many of the top shipyards in South Florida.
Kevin is a licensed US coast guard captain, Dive Instructor and surveyor, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to Elite Marine Surveyors.
In his free time Kevin enjoys anything water related including free diving, kitesurfing and spear fishing.
Email: Kevin@EliteMarineSurveys.com
Zak Blake
Surveyor
SAMS (SA) - ACMS
Zak grew up in Fresno, California, graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Recreation Administration. In his early twenties, Zak joined the yachting industry, and worked his way from deckhand, to mate/engineer, and finally to the role of captain in a busy fleet of charter vessels.
After leaving his last yachting job, he started his marine surveying career and joined Elite Marine Surveyors with the intention of growing a West Coast satellite office. When Zak is not surveying, he can be found rebuilding his 1982 Volkswagen Westfalia Campervan.
Email: Zak@EliteMarineSurveys.com
Lucas Byrne
Surveyor
SAMS (SA) - ACMS
Born and raised here in Sunrise, FL, Lucas had a strong passion for boating sparked by his father. That lead him to pursue a degree in marine biology where he earned his diploma. After graduating he joined the United States Navy in 2012, serving for nine years. After three deployments serving as a Boat Captain for an 85’ MKVI Patrol Boat, he was honorably discharged in 2021.
Since then, Lucas has been working with the team at Elite Marine Surveyors providing extensive hull surveys ranging from tenders to super yachts. When he’s not surveying, you’ll see Lucas hanging with his beagle, Boone.
Email: Lucas@EliteMarineSurveys.com
James Rakoczy
Surveyor
ACMS
Originally from Media, PA, James found his passion for boats at the ripe age of 21 when visiting his father’s boathouse. This inspired him to move to Florida where he got his captains license aboard the 126’ paddle wheel called the Barbara Lee.
From there, James spent years working in the yachting industry traveling as far as the Mediterranean, Caribbean, California, Alaska, all the way to the East Coast of the United States. He now resides in South Florida inspecting yachts with Elite Marine Surveyors and likes to escape the sun every now and then for snowboarding with family and friends in the Midwest.
Email: James@EliteMarineSurveys.com
Kyle McDaniel
Surveyor
NAMS (CMS) - ACMS
Born in Westminster, MD, Kyle grew up fishing and boating which led him to a career in fishing. After working on a variety of vessels, Kyle got his captain license and diving certification which moved him to South Florida, where he pursued the a career in yachting and oversaw the operations of marina’s. He became a US Coast Guard, a 100 ton Captain with over 20 years experience cruising the East Coast of the U.S., and Caribbean. Prior to joining Elite Marine Surveyors, Kyle was the service manager at a well known and respected shipyard here in Florida and has been surveying independently for several years,
In his free time you can find him on his boat fishing, diving, spearfishing or sometimes cruising with his wife and herd of dogs.
Email: Kyle@EliteMarineSurveys.com
Kerry Nikula
Surveyor
SAMS (AMS)
Born and raised in Broward County, FL, Kerry began his career in the marine business during the late 80’s, starting as a lift operator and yard supervisor at a variety of marinas in Ft. Lauderdale. Where he worked his way up from mate, to boat washer to Corporate Captain.
In the late 90s, he embarked on a new journey, captaining private yachts while also apprenticing for yacht and small craft surveying. In 2016, I took the leap and founded his own surveying company. In 2023 he joined Elite Marine Surveyors, adding to his wealth of experience in the marine industry.
When he’s not navigating the seas or conducting surveys, Kerry enjoy fishing, playing baseball, and surfing and enjoying time with his wife, 2 kids, and 2 chocolate labs.
Email: Kerry@EliteMarineSurveys.com
Alejandro Faga
Surveyor
ACMS
Alejandro, originally from Argentina, moved to the United States in 2000 in pursuit of better job opportunities. That very year, he ventured into the yachting industry, starting as a deckhand. His passion for boating and dedication to self-improvement led him to obtain his captain's license, granting him invaluable experience in working on private yachts and with worldwide yacht brokerage firms as a corporate captain.
Driven by a wide array of possibilities in the marine industry, Alejandro set his sights on yacht design, and he achieved his goal by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Yacht and Marine Design. Proud of his journey and accomplishments, he recently joined Elite Marine Surveyors, where he eagerly shares his expertise and continues learning from an elite team of experts.
During his free time, Alejandro cherishes traveling with his family, cherishing moments of adventure and togetherness.
Marine Survey Company – Ensuring Maritime Excellence
About Elite Marine Surveyors - Marine Survey and Inspection Company in Fort Lauderdale and South Florida
Elite Marine Surveyors is proudly headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, often referred to as the yachting capital of the world. With additional satellite offices strategically located in Naples and Jupiter, Florida, as well as Los Angeles, California, our reach extends globally, allowing us to serve a diverse and dynamic clientele.
Founded by Simon Bridgwood and Duncan Fong, Elite Marine Surveyors has revolutionized the marine surveying industry by delivering an exceptional experience to every client. This commitment to excellence is mirrored in our company culture, which is deeply rooted in the belief that our team is our greatest asset. Simon and Duncan have fostered a workplace environment that values each member, understanding that it is their people who drive the company's success and innovation.
Our Company Values
At Elite Marine Surveyors, our values are more than just words—they are the cultural cornerstones that guide our operations and interactions. These values help us maintain a high standard of service and ensure that we act as a cohesive, efficient team. Our core values include:
Excellence
We strive for superior quality in every survey and service, ensuring that we meet our clients' needs with precision and expertise.
Team Player
Collaboration and mutual support are central to our operations. We believe that together, we can achieve more and deliver better solutions. Respect: Each team member and client is treated with the utmost respect, fostering an environment of trust and openness.
Loyalty
We are committed to building strong, lasting relationships with our clients and among our team, ensuring reliability and consistency in all our interactions.
Open Communication
Transparency and clear communication are key to our success. We ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed and engaged throughout the surveying process. Our Commitment to Excellence.
To ensure our customers continue to receive an elite experience and think highly of us, we promise:
Education
Understanding that purchasing a vessel can be overwhelming, we prioritize education. Our surveyors will review our findings and provide easy-to-understand information, so you know the condition of the vessel you’re potentially purchasing and how to take action on any immediate issues.
Quality
Having developed a systematic survey approach unparalleled in the industry, Elite Marine Surveyors guarantees a quality experience and report. From the moment we receive an inquiry, we assess how many surveyors are needed on the job and dedicate the time and resources necessary for you to get what you need.
Professionalism
First impressions are important, but your experience is what lasts. From how we present ourselves, down to your survey, we focus on the details and pride ourselves on being true professionals. Choose Elite Marine Surveyors, where integrity, speed, clarity, and expertise navigate together to serve you better, supported by a team-driven culture that aims to exceed expectations every step of the way.
To provide expert marine surveys and inspections that enhance safety and operational efficiency.
Simon Bridgwood and Duncan Fong
Simon Bridgwood and Duncan Fong, co-founders of Elite Marine Surveyors, bring over two decades of extensive experience in the marine surveying industry. Their journey as surveyors has been marked by a profound understanding of the field, coupled with a vision to drive transformative changes in the sector.
Simon, a native of Perth, Western Australia, has been intimately connected with the ocean from a young age, having grown up on his family’s sportfish vessels. His passion for marine life led him to pursue a degree in Marine Biology. At the age of 20, Simon embarked on a career in the superyacht industry, swiftly climbing the ranks to achieve his “Masters 3000 ton unlimited” license.
He captained a 180’ motor yacht for five years, skillfully navigating through a rigorous 20-year class renewal inspection with no deficiencies. After cruising globally, Simon settled ashore in 2010 to start a family and dedicate himself to a career in marine surveying. He holds certifications from NAMS (CMS), SAMS (SA), and ACMS.
Duncan Fong hails from Auckland, New Zealand, also known as the City of Sails. His early exposure to travel ignited a lifelong interest in the maritime world. Duncan entered the superyacht industry in his twenties, starting as a day worker and advancing to Chief Engineer on various vessels. His career at sea took him around the world, where he accumulated significant experience in refits, yard periods, and managing Class and Flag State Special Surveys. In 2017, Duncan transitioned ashore to focus on his family and his burgeoning career in marine surveying. This shift eventually led to the founding of Elite Marine Surveyors with Simon. Duncan is also certified by SAMS (SA) and ACMS.
Together, Simon and Duncan’s synergy and entrepreneurial spirit led them to challenge the conventional norms of the marine surveying business, culminating in the creation of Elite Marine Surveyors. Their dynamic approach and commitment to excellence have been pivotal in the company’s success, allowing them to expand their team of surveyors across the U.S. with no signs of slowing down. Their partnership leverages their combined strengths and shared ethos, making Elite Marine Surveyors a distinguished leader in the industry.
Meet the Elite Team of Marine Surveyors
At Elite Marine Surveyors we pride ourselves on hiring the best and the brightest in the industry to inspect your boats. Because we prioritize educating our clients and team, all of our surveyors are certified above and beyond industry standards to meet your needs and deliver the quality you deserve.
Read Our Comprehensive Guide
Unlock the secrets to efficient marine operations with our detailed guide. Dive into our expert insights and elevate your maritime knowledge today!
Why Choose Elite Marine Surveyors?
Elite Marine Surveyors stands as a beacon of excellence in the marine surveyor industry in the USA, offering bespoke solutions tailored to the unique needs of yacht owners, operators, and insurers.
"Elite Marine Surveyors transformed our approach to maritime safety, significantly reducing our operational risks."
- John Doe, CEO of SafeWaters
"Thanks to Elite Marine Surveyors, our fleet is in top condition, meeting all regulatory standards."
- Emily Smith, Fleet Manager
"Elite Marine Surveyors provided us with customized insights that greatly improved our operational efficiency."
- Mark Lee, Operations Director
Elite Marine Surveyors is a Marine Surveyor Company that provides expert marine surveys and inspections, based in the USA, serves clients across Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Palm Beach, Tampa, Sarasota, Florida Keys