Drew B. Hains, P.E.
Marine Technical Practice Director and District Manager
Background
Mr. Drew Hains is a graduate of the Webb Institute of Naval Architecture with a B.S. degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. In addition to having obtained a professional engineer’s license in several states, he is also Board-certified as a forensic engineer with the National Academy of Forensic Engineers.
Before joining Rimkus, as the Vice President at Murray & Associates, LLC, Mr. Hains managed a staff consisting of naval architects, marine engineers, and draftsmen. He oversaw engineering activities as the qualifying engineer for the firm’s Certificate of Authorization from the Florida Board of Professional Engineers. In addition, he was instrumental in completing the construction and classification of several large yachts.
In his previous position, Mr. Hains also provided specialized marine forensic engineering services including ship design, ship and equipment defects, ship classification, maritime accidents and sinkings, and ship valuation. He has testified on maritime matters in both state and federal courts.
In his managerial role at Rimkus, Mr. Hains is in charge of business operations and staff for the Ft. Lauderdale district office. He also provides marine forensic engineering services to a broad customer base including vessel owners, attorneys, and insurance professionals. His primary forensic engagements range from manufacturing defect claims to accident cause and origin investigations, to new construction and repair disputes, to salvage claims, and more.
He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME), the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), and the National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE), and serves as an exam development volunteer with the National Council for Examinations in Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). He also served as the public advisory member of the Marine Engineering Committee for the Florida Board of Professional Engineers between 2015 and 2016.
Education and Certifications
- Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, B.S.: Webb Institute (1997)
- Licensed Professional Engineer: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington
- Board-Certified Forensic Engineer: National Academy of Forensic Engineers
Publications
- “Boat and Ship Systems, Construction and Structures for the Fire Investigator.” (with James Coté and Doug Alling) IAAI 73rd International Training Conference and Expo, April 11, 2022, Jacksonville, Florida
- “Marine Vessels: Premises Liability and Human Factors Analysis.” (with Brian C. Grieser, P.E.) Rimkus SE Webinar Series, August 12, 2021
- “Write to be Heard: A Different Perspective on Inclination Test.” The Triton, June 2014
- “The Sinking of the Ethan Allen: A Fresh Look at the Investigation and Cause.” Marine Technology Society Journal, Dec. 2012
- “The Sinking of the Ethan Allen: A Fresh Look at the Investigation and Cause.” International Marine Forensic Symposium (Paper and Presentation), 2012
- “Unmasking the P.E. Dilemma, Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers.” Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Jan. 2004
- “Retrofit Design Details, the International Boat Builder Exposition.” Miami Beach Convention Center, Oct. 2003
- “Meeting Stability Test Requirements.” The International Marine Repair & Refit Exhibition & Conference, Feb. 2002
- “A Model Test Investigation of Step Planning Hull Configurations Including the Effects of Step Submergence on Step Ventilation.” Webb Institute, 1997