Anchored in Excellence: The Journey of DMETian Sanjiv Mishra
- Team Dmet Club
- Apr 23
- 4 min read
From the Engine Room to Global Maritime Leadership
In the heart of Singapore’s bustling maritime ecosystem stands a leader whose journey began in the modest bylanes near Lucknow and now spans oceans, continents, and decades of dedication. Mr. Sanjiv Mishra, a proud alumnus of DMET Class of 1991 (Roll No. 3806), has worn many hats: a Chief Engineer at sea, a technical leader at DNV Maritime, and a unifier of alumni as President of DMET Alumni Association Singapore. In an exclusive MarineX Radio podcast hosted by Prateek Khanna, Sanjiv Sir reflects on a life deeply anchored in discipline, purpose, and maritime pride.
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🎓 Chapter 1: Humble Beginnings and a Defining Choice
Born into a humble family, Sanjiv Mishra grew up in a small town near Lucknow, where marine engineering was neither a familiar profession nor an obvious path. His father, a practicing doctor, was supportive of his dreams, even when they seemed distant. When Sanjiv discovered DMET (Marine Engineering & Research Institute), he saw a door opening to a future built on engineering, grit, and travel.
Although he was supposed to begin in 1987, a six-month mess strike delayed his batch’s start to February 1988. This twist of fate resulted in two batches starting that year, with Sanjiv’s batch becoming one of the smallest in DMET history—just 56 cadets. That small cohort created tight bonds, lifelong friendships, and an unshakable identity rooted in the shared hardships and triumphs of life at sea.
“DMET wasn’t just a college. It was a crucible. It taught us resilience, discipline, and how to lead with integrity.”
⚓ Chapter 2: The Sea Years – From Cadet to Chief Engineer
Sanjiv began his sea career in 1992 with The Great Eastern Shipping Company, sailing primarily on tankers and bulk carriers. By 1999, he had risen to the rank of Chief Engineer, leading ship operations in some of the world’s most challenging waters.
His sea stories are lined with moments of crisis and character. One such incident involved a complete failure of engine control while navigating a narrow channel. With manual systems failing and the vessel drifting, Sanjiv and his second engineer took over using sheer mechanical ingenuity, restoring power in minutes.
“That moment taught me that in engineering—and in life—you must always be prepared with contingencies. Calmness under pressure saves ships... and careers.”
🌍 Chapter 3: Ashore with Purpose – The DNV Journey
In 2004, Sanjiv transitioned ashore, joining DNV Mumbai as a Surveyor and Customer Service Manager. The decision was driven by his desire to be closer to family, despite a staggering 90% cut in salary. Yet, in his words, the opportunity to learn and grow at DNV far outweighed the financial trade-off.
His progression at DNV was meteoric—leading the Vizag District Office, overseeing operations across India’s east coast, and eventually relocating to Singapore in 2012. Today, Sanjiv serves as the Head of DATE Centre Asia, DNV’s direct-access technical support arm for clients in the region.
“Every role at DNV has been a classroom. From compliance audits to customer support, from inspections to crisis management, I’ve grown with the industry.”
🛠️ Chapter 4: The DATE Centre – Backbone of Classification Support
At the DATE Centre, Sanjiv and his team manage 24x7 support for ship owners and managers, addressing complex technical queries and compliance issues across time zones. Whether it’s a detained vessel, a structural survey dispute, or clarifications on digital survey protocols, his team is the first line of defense for maritime operations in Asia.
“Remote surveys, digitalization, and decarbonization—these are not trends, they are the future. Our role is to guide the industry through this transition with clarity and confidence.”
💍 Chapter 5: Love, Life, and Family at Sea
In 1996, while serving as a Second Engineer, Sanjiv married. His wife, often accompanying him on voyages, became an anchor during long contracts and transoceanic separations. Theirs was a love story that bloomed between ports and endured across oceans—grounded in mutual respect and support.
🇸🇬 Chapter 6: Building the DMET Singapore Legacy
What sets Sanjiv Mishra apart is not just his professional achievements, but his relentless commitment to community. As the President of DMET Alumni Association Singapore, he has transformed a humble group of 25 alumni (in 2004) into a thriving network of 500+ members and families.
Under his leadership, the association has pioneered events that blend professional networking with emotional connection:
Annual Reunion Galas
Technical Meets & Career Panels
Family Day & Diwali Celebrations
Monthly Walks (a wellness and bonding initiative)
DMET SG Adda (a Friday gathering spot at Anglo Indian Café with alumni discounts)
“We believe in celebrating our past, investing in our present, and shaping the future together—whether in Singapore, Mumbai, or anywhere in the world.”
🧭 Chapter 7: Wisdom for the Next Wave
Sanjiv’s message to aspiring marine engineers is simple yet profound:
“Be sincere. Be prepared. And never stop learning. This industry will demand everything from you—but it will also give back in equal measure. Let your ethics and excellence speak for you.”
He encourages juniors to embrace technology, build people skills, and uphold the values of DMET: discipline, humility, and service.
🕊️ Legacy and Looking Ahead
As he completes 33 years in maritime and 20 years with DNV, Sanjiv Mishra’s journey reflects the very best of what DMETians stand for—visionary leadership, grounded values, and a lifelong commitment to giving back.
“If I’m remembered for mentoring others, upholding safety, and strengthening our community—I’ll consider that a legacy worth leaving.”
🎙️ About the Podcast
MarineX Radio is a storytelling platform that captures the journeys of maritime professionals who are shaping the future of global shipping. Hosted by Prateek Khanna, powered by DMECA, Yugen Infra, and DMET Club, the show celebrates excellence from the engine room to the boardroom.
📌 Episode: Anchored in Excellence: The Journey of Sanjiv Mishra 🎧 Listen now: 🌐 Presented by: DMECA | Yugen Infra | DMET Club
