The Maritime Journey of Chief Mate Shailendra Mishra
For Shailendra Mishra, the water has been not just a workplace, but a lifelong passion shaped by family stories, early memories of Mumbai’s coast, and the thrill of guiding a ship through open waters. Now a Chief Mate sailing in Quebec for Desgagnés, he reflects with us in this Q&A on the contrasts between international and domestic voyages, the importance of crew camaraderie, and the advice he would give to aspiring mariners.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Chief Mate Shailendra Mishra on board the Laurentia Desgagnes
I grew up in Mumbai, India, a city which quite literally lives by the sea. Some of my earliest memories are of visiting the seafront with my mother, watching ships pass by and imagining where they were headed.
My father, a marine engineer, spent nearly three decades in commercial shipping after a brief stint in the Navy. His stories of rough weather, distant ports, and life onboard always fascinated me and ultimately sparked my own curiosity about the maritime world.
That led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science, and after graduating, I began my career on oil/chemical tankers. I enjoyed working on tankers as I find them versatile, reliable and always challenging.
My father, a marine engineer, spent nearly three decades in commercial shipping after a brief stint in the Navy. His stories of rough weather, distant ports, and life onboard always fascinated me and ultimately sparked my own curiosity about the maritime world.
That led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science, and after graduating, I began my career on oil/chemical tankers. I enjoyed working on tankers as I find them versatile, reliable and always challenging.
Sailing feels like a dream come true, bringing me full circle to those childhood days by the sea.
Q: Your father worked in the engine room, but you chose the deck side. What drew you to that path, and how has it shaped your experience on the water?
As far as I know, every father who works in the engine room envisions their son on the deck and eventually sees them as a Captain!
What drew me to the deck side was the responsibility and challenge of navigation. The opportunity to stand on the bridge, interpret open waters, and guide a vessel safely through changing conditions gave me a unique sense of purpose and fulfillment. I value making real-time decisions that influence not only the ship’s course but also the safety and well-being of everyone onboard.
This path has offered me a front-row seat to the dynamic nature of life at sea. Whether overseeing cargo operations, conducting safety drills, or leading a team through demanding weather conditions, the role has instilled in me a strong balance of discipline and adaptability.
What drew me to the deck side was the responsibility and challenge of navigation. The opportunity to stand on the bridge, interpret open waters, and guide a vessel safely through changing conditions gave me a unique sense of purpose and fulfillment. I value making real-time decisions that influence not only the ship’s course but also the safety and well-being of everyone onboard.
This path has offered me a front-row seat to the dynamic nature of life at sea. Whether overseeing cargo operations, conducting safety drills, or leading a team through demanding weather conditions, the role has instilled in me a strong balance of discipline and adaptability.
Q: What does your day-to-day look like as Chief Mate? Can you walk us through some of the key tasks and responsibilities you manage onboard?
As Chief Mate, no two days are ever truly the same, and that’s what I enjoy most about this role. Each day brings its own set of challenges and learning opportunities, all while working in close coordination with a team you come to trust deeply.
My mornings usually begin early with a walkthrough of the deck to ensure everything is running smoothly and safely. As a Chief on board, my major responsibility is focused on cargo operations, safety, stability, and the management of deck crew and machinery. I also conduct regular safety drills and briefings with the crew, ensuring we are always prepared for emergencies, even the ones we hope never happen.
There is a lot of coordination involved between the bridge, engine room, and crew on deck to keep everything running like a well-oiled machine.
My mornings usually begin early with a walkthrough of the deck to ensure everything is running smoothly and safely. As a Chief on board, my major responsibility is focused on cargo operations, safety, stability, and the management of deck crew and machinery. I also conduct regular safety drills and briefings with the crew, ensuring we are always prepared for emergencies, even the ones we hope never happen.
There is a lot of coordination involved between the bridge, engine room, and crew on deck to keep everything running like a well-oiled machine.
Beyond operations, I see myself as a point of support for the crew. Whether it is helping someone new adjust to life at sea or simply being there to talk after a long day, I take that part of my role seriously. Being Chief Mate is definitely about responsibility, but it is also about leadership, communication, and heart. I feel proud to carry that forward every day I am on board.
Q: You have worked internationally and now sail closer to home in Quebec. What are some of the biggest changes you have noticed in the way you work or live as a mariner?
Sailing internationally was an incredible chapter of my journey. Every sailing opportunity meant meeting new people, working in different environments, and constantly adapting. But shifting to domestic waters here in Quebec has brought an entirely different rhythm to both my work and personal life.
One of the biggest changes I have noticed is in work-life balance. Unlike international contracts that could stretch for months, our sail cycles here are structured, typically a month at sea followed by a month at home. That balance has been a game changer. It allows you to fully immerse yourself in the job while onboard, knowing that dedicated time with family and rest is waiting for you on the other end. It has helped me recharge more deeply and be more present, both as a mariner and at home.
Another significant difference is the consistency of working with the same crew and sailing the same waters. In my earlier international roles, every contract often came with a new ship and a new team, which meant constantly recalibrating, learning how others work, adjusting to new dynamics, and navigating unfamiliar ports. Over time, you develop a deep understanding of the local waters: the way the currents behave at certain times of the year, how different ports operate, and even the small nuances of docking or maneuvering through tight channels. That familiarity not only sharpens your navigational skills but also allows you to plan and execute with greater efficiency. It takes much of the unpredictability out of the job and allows for smoother coordination across departments.
Unlike international sailing, where voyages are longer and spaced out, sailing here means operating at nearly five times the frequency. That intensity also creates something special. You sail with the same crew regularly and, over time, grow together as a cohesive unit. You learn each other's strengths, communication styles, and working habits. An unspoken trust builds over time, which is especially helpful when the weather turns, or a challenge arises. It transforms the ship into more than just a workplace; it becomes a space where you feel grounded and supported.
All of this has changed the way I approach life at sea. I am more intentional in how I work, how I listen, and how I support the people around me. It is a reminder that growth as a mariner is not just about technical skills, it is about evolving as a person too.
One of the biggest changes I have noticed is in work-life balance. Unlike international contracts that could stretch for months, our sail cycles here are structured, typically a month at sea followed by a month at home. That balance has been a game changer. It allows you to fully immerse yourself in the job while onboard, knowing that dedicated time with family and rest is waiting for you on the other end. It has helped me recharge more deeply and be more present, both as a mariner and at home.
Another significant difference is the consistency of working with the same crew and sailing the same waters. In my earlier international roles, every contract often came with a new ship and a new team, which meant constantly recalibrating, learning how others work, adjusting to new dynamics, and navigating unfamiliar ports. Over time, you develop a deep understanding of the local waters: the way the currents behave at certain times of the year, how different ports operate, and even the small nuances of docking or maneuvering through tight channels. That familiarity not only sharpens your navigational skills but also allows you to plan and execute with greater efficiency. It takes much of the unpredictability out of the job and allows for smoother coordination across departments.
Unlike international sailing, where voyages are longer and spaced out, sailing here means operating at nearly five times the frequency. That intensity also creates something special. You sail with the same crew regularly and, over time, grow together as a cohesive unit. You learn each other's strengths, communication styles, and working habits. An unspoken trust builds over time, which is especially helpful when the weather turns, or a challenge arises. It transforms the ship into more than just a workplace; it becomes a space where you feel grounded and supported.
All of this has changed the way I approach life at sea. I am more intentional in how I work, how I listen, and how I support the people around me. It is a reminder that growth as a mariner is not just about technical skills, it is about evolving as a person too.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering a career in marine navigation? Is there anything you’ve learned that you wish you knew earlier in your career?
If you are considering a career in marine navigation, it is important to understand that this is not your typical 9-to-5 job. Life on the water comes with long periods away from home, shifting time zones, and unpredictable weather. It is physically and emotionally demanding. While the experience can be deeply fulfilling, it requires a level of resilience and commitment that not everyone is prepared for.
One key lesson I have learned is that while technical knowledge is essential, your ability to live and work harmoniously with others in close quarters is just as important. Emotional intelligence, communication, and teamwork play a critical role in maintaining a safe and supportive environment on board.
Another piece of advice: never stop learning. The marine industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies, regulations, and environmental standards emerging regularly. I wish I had realized earlier just how crucial continuous learning would be, whether through formal courses or hands-on experiences at sea. Staying curious and adaptable is essential for long-term success in this field.
One key lesson I have learned is that while technical knowledge is essential, your ability to live and work harmoniously with others in close quarters is just as important. Emotional intelligence, communication, and teamwork play a critical role in maintaining a safe and supportive environment on board.
Another piece of advice: never stop learning. The marine industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies, regulations, and environmental standards emerging regularly. I wish I had realized earlier just how crucial continuous learning would be, whether through formal courses or hands-on experiences at sea. Staying curious and adaptable is essential for long-term success in this field.
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