As part of our 30 Under 30 initiative, we’re celebrating the next generation of leaders shaping the future of the maritime industry. Next up is Dominic Spadafore, Senior Surveyor at ABS, and a standout emerging talent whose career has already taken him across the United States and placed him at the forefront of expanding ABS’ presence in Alaska.
Dominic’s journey with ABS has taken him from Houma, Louisiana, to Seattle, Washington, and Honolulu, Hawaii, with each move bringing new environments, challenges, and opportunities to develop his technical and operational expertise. His willingness to embrace change and take on new responsibilities has ultimately led to one of the most significant milestones of his career so far: being selected to establish a new ABS office in Anchorage, Alaska.
Previously supported from Seattle, the Anchorage region now benefits from a dedicated local ABS presence, giving clients greater access to responsive, on-the-ground support in a demanding maritime environment. Dominic has played a central role in establishing that operation, building relationships across the region and helping create a service that has already been recognised by clients for its responsiveness and availability. Under his leadership, ABS presence in Alaska continues to grow, including local support for the cruise sector in Ketchikan and the addition of surveyors in other major Alaska ports.
Taking responsibility for establishing a new office at an early stage in his career demonstrates the level of trust Dominic has earned within ABS. It requires more than deep technical surveying experience, combining leadership, adaptability, client relationship management, and an understanding of the unique operational demands of the Alaskan maritime sector.
Over the past 12 months, Dominic has also expanded his contribution beyond his core surveying responsibilities. Taking on a leadership role in Safety R&D, he has been involved in trialling hands-free field systems designed to allow surveyors to maintain three points of contact while carrying out complex inspections. The initiative aims to reduce slip, trip, and fall risks, demonstrating how practical innovation can make everyday surveying safer. In recognition of Dominic’s efforts toward safety excellence through such R&D projects, continual safety and quality improvement, assessment of field sites, and routine near miss, unsafe condition, and incident reporting, Dominic was awarded a Golden Eagle, ABS’ highest safety award.
Dominic’s academic development has continued alongside his professional progression. A graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, he has also recently completed his MBA, adding broader business and leadership knowledge to the technical foundation he has built throughout his career.
His journey has required considerable adaptability. Multiple relocations within a relatively short period have meant repeatedly adjusting to new teams, clients, regions, and operating environments. Rather than viewing those changes as obstacles, Dominic has embraced each assignment as an opportunity to develop his expertise and broaden his understanding of the maritime industry.
From establishing a new regional presence in Alaska to contributing to safer ways of working for surveyors across the West Coast, Dominic is already making an impact that extends beyond his individual role. His willingness to take on new challenges, combined with his technical depth and growing leadership experience, makes him a standout member of the next generation of maritime professionals.
Take a look at our full 30 here.