TERMS & CONDITIONS
O.N.E. (Ocean of Naval Elites) 1996
Last Updated: August 2026
Effective Date: August 2026
1. Introduction
Welcome to the official website of O.N.E. (Ocean of Naval Elites) 1996 (“O.N.E. 1996“, “Association“, “we“, “us” or “our“).
O.N.E. 1996 is a Central/National-level welfare and social association established for eligible members of the 01/96 Batch of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, eligible family members and other approved categories in accordance with the Association’s Constitution and By-Laws.
The website is intended to facilitate information, communication, membership-related activities, welfare coordination, events, reunions, fellowship and other authorised Association activities.
By accessing, browsing, registering on or using this website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions, together with the Association’s Constitution and By-Laws and applicable law.
If you do not agree with these Terms & Conditions, you should discontinue use of the website.
2. Definitions
For the purpose of these Terms:
“Association”
Means O.N.E. (Ocean of Naval Elites) 1996 and, where the context requires, its authorised Central/National, Zonal and State/Unit structures.
“Website”
Means the official website operated for O.N.E. 1996 and associated authorised web pages, portals and online facilities.
“Member”
Means a person whose membership has been admitted or recognised by the Association in accordance with its Constitution and By-Laws.
“User”
Means any person accessing or using the website.
“By-Laws”
Means the Constitution and By-Laws governing O.N.E. 1996, as amended or adopted from time to time.
“Welfare Assistance”
Means assistance that may be considered by the Association for eligible members or eligible beneficiaries under the applicable By-Laws and welfare procedures.
3. Purpose of the Website
The website is intended to provide information and facilities relating to:
- O.N.E. 1996 and its objectives;
- Membership;
- Member communication;
- Welfare initiatives;
- Welfare assistance applications;
- Events and reunions;
- Fellowship activities;
- Social and charitable initiatives;
- Notices and announcements;
- Association governance;
- Zones and State/Unit coordination;
- Newsletters and communications;
- Voluntary contributions and donations, where authorised; and
- Other activities approved by the Association.
The website is an administrative and communication platform of the Association and does not replace the Constitution, By-Laws, resolutions or decisions of the competent Association authorities.
4. Relationship with the Constitution and By-Laws
The Constitution and By-Laws of O.N.E. 1996 constitute the principal framework governing membership, administration, welfare activities, governance, elections, financial management and other internal affairs of the Association.
Where any inconsistency exists between website content and the registered/adopted By-Laws, the applicable By-Laws shall prevail to the extent legally permissible.
Website information is intended to explain Association procedures and should not be interpreted as creating rights beyond those provided under the By-Laws.
5. Eligibility and Membership
Membership of O.N.E. 1996 is governed by the Association’s Constitution and By-Laws.
The Association primarily admits eligible retired sailors belonging to the 01/96 Batch of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, together with approved categories specified by the By-Laws.
Approved categories may include eligible spouses, widows and other categories recognised under the By-Laws.
Membership eligibility does not arise merely because a person submits an online application.
Membership becomes effective only after the application has been considered and approved through the prescribed Association process.
The Association may verify information and supporting documents submitted by an applicant before admission.
6. Accuracy of Information
Users and applicants must provide information that is:
- Accurate;
- Complete;
- Current;
- Genuine; and
- Capable of verification where required.
Users shall not:
- Submit false information;
- Impersonate another person;
- Submit forged or misleading documents;
- Misrepresent service or membership status;
- Provide another person’s information without appropriate authority; or
- Deliberately conceal information relevant to membership or welfare eligibility.
The Association may reject, suspend or review an application where information is found to be false, misleading, incomplete or unverifiable, subject to the By-Laws and applicable law.
7. Member Registration and Login
Where online registration or member-login facilities are provided:
- Users must provide accurate registration information.
- Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their login credentials.
- Users must not share their account credentials.
- Users must immediately notify the Association of suspected unauthorised account access.
- Users must not attempt to access another member’s account.
- Users must not circumvent website authentication or security mechanisms.
- The Association may suspend or restrict access where misuse, security risks or unauthorised activity is reasonably suspected.
The Association may undertake verification before activating or continuing an online membership account.
8. Membership Does Not Depend on Voluntary Contributions
The Association’s By-Laws provide that no compulsory monthly subscription shall be imposed.
Contributions to the Association or Welfare Fund are voluntary unless a particular payment has been separately authorised under the applicable rules.
Non-payment of a voluntary contribution shall not, by itself, constitute grounds for disqualification from membership where the By-Laws expressly provide otherwise.
9. Welfare Assistance
The Association may consider welfare assistance for eligible members or eligible beneficiaries in circumstances recognised by the By-Laws.
Such assistance may include consideration of:
- Death of a batchmate;
- Critical or life-threatening illness;
- Cancer or serious medical conditions;
- Higher education of eligible wards;
- Marriage assistance;
- Genuine hardship;
- Emergencies; and
- Other categories approved under Association rules.
Welfare assistance is not an automatic, guaranteed or vested entitlement.
All applications remain subject to:
- Eligibility;
- Submission of the prescribed application;
- Supporting documentation;
- Verification;
- Assessment;
- Availability of funds;
- Applicable limits and rules;
- Recommendation of the appropriate committee; and
- Approval by the competent authority.
10. Welfare Application Procedure
The Association’s welfare process may generally involve:
Step 1 – Application
The eligible member or authorised applicant submits the prescribed welfare application.
Step 2 – Documentation
Relevant supporting documents may be required.
Step 3 – Verification
The Welfare Screening Committee or authorised persons examine the genuineness and circumstances of the request.
Step 4 – Assessment
The urgency, circumstances and financial considerations may be assessed.
Step 5 – Recommendation
The appropriate committee may recommend whether assistance should be provided and, where applicable, its amount and manner.
Step 6 – Approval
The competent authority considers the recommendation.
Step 7 – Disbursement
Approved assistance may ordinarily be disbursed through the official Association banking arrangements.
Step 8 – Record Keeping
The approved assistance and payment shall be documented and recorded in the Association’s appropriate records.
The Association may modify administrative procedures from time to time, provided such changes remain consistent with the By-Laws and applicable law.
11. Welfare Documentation
Applicants may be required to provide documents necessary to establish the circumstances of a welfare request.
Such documents may include:
- Medical documents;
- Hospital records;
- Bills and invoices;
- Education documents;
- Marriage-related documents;
- Death certificates;
- Financial information;
- Identity documents; or
- Other supporting evidence reasonably required for verification.
Applicants should provide only genuine and relevant documents.
Submission of documents does not guarantee approval.
False, forged or misleading documents may result in rejection of the application and may lead to further action as permitted by the By-Laws and applicable law.
12. Conflict of Interest in Welfare Matters
A person having a direct personal interest in a welfare claim should not participate in consideration or decision-making concerning that claim.
The Association may take appropriate steps to manage conflicts of interest in accordance with its governance framework.
13. Donations and Voluntary Contributions
The Association may receive voluntary contributions, donations, approved crowdfunding, event proceeds, lawful fundraising and other lawful sources approved by the Association.
Where online contribution or donation facilities are provided:
- Payments must be made only through authorised channels.
- Users must provide accurate payment information.
- Users must not attempt fraudulent transactions.
- Users must not use payment facilities for unlawful purposes.
- The Association may use third-party payment processors.
- Transaction processing may be subject to the terms of the relevant payment provider.
The Association may maintain appropriate records of receipts and authorised utilisation of funds in accordance with its governance and accounting requirements.
14. No Guarantee of Welfare Benefit
Information published on the website regarding welfare assistance is informational and does not constitute a promise or guarantee that any particular applicant will receive assistance.
The Association’s ability to provide assistance may depend upon:
- Availability of funds;
- Eligibility;
- Verification;
- Applicable limits;
- Priority and urgency;
- Recommendations;
- Approval;
- Applicable By-Laws; and
- Other relevant circumstances.
15. Events, Reunions and Fellowship Activities
The Association may use the website to publish information about:
- Reunions;
- Meetings;
- Social gatherings;
- Seminars;
- Fellowship programmes;
- Welfare activities;
- Community-service programmes; and
- Other authorised events.
Participation may be subject to separate registration requirements, eligibility conditions, capacity limits, venue requirements or other event-specific rules.
The Association may modify, postpone or cancel an event where reasonably necessary.
16. Gallery, Photographs and Videos
The website may contain photographs, videos and other media relating to:
- Historical Association activities;
- Members and batchmates;
- Reunions;
- Welfare activities;
- Social events;
- Community-service activities;
- Association meetings; and
- Other authorised activities.
Such material is intended primarily for historical, fellowship, informational and Association purposes.
Individuals who have concerns regarding the publication of an identifiable photograph may contact the Association through its official Contact page.
The Association may consider such requests subject to applicable law, the circumstances of publication, historical or archival considerations and legitimate Association interests.
17. User-Submitted Content
Where the website permits users or members to submit content, including comments, photographs, messages, testimonials or other materials, users shall ensure that such material:
- Is truthful and lawful;
- Does not infringe another person’s rights;
- Does not contain defamatory or abusive material;
- Does not contain unlawful or offensive content;
- Does not violate privacy;
- Does not contain malicious code;
- Does not impersonate another person; and
- Does not falsely represent the Association.
The Association may remove or restrict content that violates these Terms or applicable law.
18. Prohibited Activities
Users shall not:
- Attempt unauthorised access to the website or its systems.
- Attempt to access another person’s account.
- Circumvent security controls.
- Introduce malware, viruses or malicious code.
- Conduct activities intended to disrupt the website.
- Scrape or systematically collect member information without authorisation.
- Use the website for fraudulent purposes.
- Submit false membership information.
- Submit fraudulent welfare claims.
- Upload forged or misleading documents.
- Misuse another person’s personal information.
- Publish defamatory, threatening or abusive content.
- Use the website for unlawful commercial solicitation.
- Misuse the Association’s name, logo, emblem or identity.
- Represent an unauthorised activity as an official Association activity.
- Attempt to conduct unauthorised fundraising in the Association’s name.
- Use the website to promote unlawful activities.
- Interfere with another user’s access to the website.
- Violate applicable Indian law.
- Conduct any activity contrary to the Association’s Constitution or By-Laws.
19. Use of Association Name and Identity
The name O.N.E. (Ocean of Naval Elites) 1996, its logos, branding, insignia, graphics, publications and other Association identifiers may not be used without appropriate authorisation where such use could imply official endorsement, representation or association.
No person or State/Unit structure may represent itself as an independent association of O.N.E. 1996 where such representation is inconsistent with the By-Laws.
20. State and Unit Structures
The Association operates through Zones and State/Unit structures for administrative convenience, communication, coordination, welfare activities and fellowship.
State/Unit structures remain under the Central Association.
They:
- Do not constitute independent associations merely by virtue of their designation;
- Must operate within the framework of the Association’s By-Laws;
- Must not create rules inconsistent with the By-Laws;
- Must not represent themselves as separate legal entities unless separately established and lawfully recognised;
- Must not undertake unauthorised financial activities in the Association’s name; and
- Must follow directions and resolutions of the competent Central Association authorities.
21. Four Zonal Structure
The Association’s administrative structure includes:
North Zone
Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, J&K, Chandigarh and Ladakh.
East Zone
Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, North East, Chhattisgarh and Telangana.
West Zone
Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
South Zone
Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andaman, Pondicherry and Lakshadweep.
The Zones are administrative structures under the Central Association.
22. Governance of the Association
The General Body is the principal deliberative and policy-making body of the Association.
The Executive Committee is responsible for day-to-day administration and functioning, subject to the Constitution and By-Laws.
The Central Executive Committee includes:
- President;
- General Secretary;
- Treasurer;
- Four Zonal Vice Presidents; and
- Four Zonal Joint Secretaries.
The website does not alter or replace the powers, duties or procedures prescribed by the By-Laws.
23. Official Communications
The Association may use the website and authorised communication channels to publish:
- Notices;
- Announcements;
- Meeting information;
- Welfare information;
- Event information;
- Membership information;
- Administrative communications;
- Circulars; and
- Other official information.
Users should verify important information through official Association channels before acting upon unofficial messages claiming to represent O.N.E. 1996.
24. Intellectual Property
Unless otherwise stated, the following are protected or reserved for Association use:
- Association name;
- Logo;
- Branding;
- Website design;
- Original text;
- Graphics;
- Photographs owned by the Association;
- Documents;
- Publications;
- Videos;
- Artwork; and
- Other original website materials.
Users may not reproduce, modify, commercially exploit, distribute or publish protected Association material without appropriate authorisation, except where permitted by applicable law.
25. Third-Party Content and Links
The website may contain links to third-party websites, services, applications or resources.
Such links are provided for convenience or information.
The Association does not necessarily endorse or control third-party services.
The Association is not responsible for:
- Third-party content;
- Availability;
- Security;
- Privacy practices;
- Accuracy;
- Terms of use; or
- Transactions conducted through third-party websites.
Users access third-party services at their own risk and should review the applicable third-party terms and privacy policies.
26. Website Availability
The Association will endeavour to keep the website available and functional.
However, the website may occasionally become unavailable because of:
- Maintenance;
- Software updates;
- Hosting issues;
- Security incidents;
- Technical failures;
- Internet connectivity;
- Force majeure events; or
- Other circumstances beyond the Association’s reasonable control.
The Association does not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free website availability.
27. Website Information and Accuracy
The Association endeavours to keep website information reasonably accurate and current.
However:
- Information may change;
- Administrative procedures may be updated;
- Event information may change;
- Welfare rules may be amended;
- Membership requirements may change; and
- Website content may occasionally contain inadvertent errors.
Where a formal decision, By-Law, resolution or official communication differs from general website information, the applicable official Association document or decision shall prevail.
28. No Professional Advice
Information published on the website is primarily intended for Association, welfare, administrative and informational purposes.
Unless expressly stated otherwise, website content does not constitute:
- Medical advice;
- Legal advice;
- Financial advice;
- Tax advice;
- Investment advice; or
- Professional advice.
Users should obtain appropriate professional advice where necessary.
29. Privacy
The Association’s collection and use of personal information is governed by its separate Privacy Policy.
Users should read the Privacy Policy before submitting personal information through the website.
The Association intends to maintain its digital-data practices in accordance with applicable Indian law, including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and applicable provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025.
30. Electronic Communications
By using the website or submitting an enquiry, application or registration, users may receive electronic communications relating to the relevant activity.
Electronic communications may include:
- Emails;
- SMS;
- Notifications;
- Membership communications;
- Welfare communications;
- Event communications; and
- Other authorised Association communications.
Users should keep their contact information current.
31. Fraud Prevention
The Association may take reasonable measures to detect and prevent:
- Fake membership applications;
- Impersonation;
- Fraudulent welfare applications;
- Forged documents;
- Unauthorised fundraising;
- Payment fraud;
- Account misuse;
- Cybersecurity attacks; and
- Other fraudulent or unlawful activity.
Where appropriate, suspected fraud may be referred to the competent authorities.
32. Suspension or Restriction of Website Access
The Association may restrict, suspend or terminate a user’s access to website facilities where reasonably necessary because of:
- Violation of these Terms;
- Security concerns;
- Fraudulent activity;
- Misuse of the website;
- Unauthorised access attempts;
- False information;
- Unlawful activity;
- Abuse of Association facilities; or
- Other circumstances permitted by applicable law.
Such action shall not necessarily determine a person’s membership status, which shall remain governed by the Association’s Constitution and By-Laws.
33. Disclaimer of Warranties
To the extent permitted by applicable law, the website and its content are provided on an “as available” basis.
The Association does not warrant that:
- The website will always be available;
- The website will be free from errors;
- Information will always be complete or current;
- Website functions will always operate without interruption; or
- The website will be completely free from security vulnerabilities.
Nothing in these Terms excludes any liability or statutory protection that cannot lawfully be excluded.
34. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the Association shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential or unforeseeable loss arising solely from use or inability to use the website.
This provision does not exclude liability where such exclusion is prohibited by applicable law.
Nothing in these Terms is intended to limit statutory rights that cannot legally be waived or excluded.
35. Indemnity
To the extent permitted by law, a user may be responsible for losses, claims, liabilities or expenses arising from the user’s:
- Violation of these Terms;
- Unlawful use of the website;
- Fraudulent activity;
- Misuse of Association facilities;
- Infringement of third-party rights; or
- Submission of false or misleading information.
Nothing in this clause creates liability beyond what is permitted under applicable law.
36. Force Majeure
The Association shall not be responsible for delay or inability to provide website services arising from circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including:
- Natural disasters;
- War;
- Civil disturbance;
- Government restrictions;
- Epidemics or public emergencies;
- Cyberattacks;
- Internet or telecommunications failures;
- Hosting failures;
- Power failures; or
- Other force majeure circumstances.
37. Amendments to These Terms
The Association may amend these Terms & Conditions from time to time to reflect:
- Changes in the Constitution or By-Laws;
- Changes in applicable law;
- Changes in website functionality;
- New services;
- Changes in Association procedures;
- Security requirements; or
- Administrative requirements.
The updated version will be published on the website with a revised “Last Updated” date.
Users are encouraged to review the Terms periodically.
38. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable by a competent authority, that provision shall be interpreted or modified to the minimum extent necessary where legally permissible.
The remaining provisions shall continue to operate to the extent permitted by law.
39. Waiver
Failure by the Association to enforce a provision of these Terms on any occasion shall not constitute a permanent waiver of that provision.
The Association may enforce its rights at a later time, subject to applicable law.
40. Entire Understanding
These Terms, together with:
- The Association’s Constitution and By-Laws;
- Privacy Policy;
- applicable welfare procedures;
- specific event rules;
- applicable notices; and
- other policies expressly incorporated by reference,
constitute the principal framework governing use of the website.
However, these website Terms do not replace the Constitution and By-Laws governing the internal affairs of the Association.
41. Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws applicable in India.
The Association shall function in accordance with its Constitution and By-Laws and applicable Indian law.
For Central-level Association matters, the By-Laws provide for jurisdiction at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, subject to applicable territorial and pecuniary jurisdiction.
42. Dispute Resolution
Where a dispute concerns internal Association affairs, membership, welfare, administration or governance, the matter should, where applicable, first be addressed through the procedures prescribed by the Association’s Constitution and By-Laws.
Nothing in these Terms prevents a person from exercising a statutory or legal remedy available under applicable law.
43. Contact and Official Address
O.N.E. (Ocean of Naval Elites) 1996
Registered Office:
1st Floor, D. No. 50-54-1,
TPT Colony, Seethammadhara,
Visakhapatnam – 530013,
Andhra Pradesh, India.
Contact Categories
Membership & Registration
For membership applications, eligibility and membership records.
Welfare Assistance
For medical emergencies, education assistance, marriage assistance and genuine hardship.
Events & Reunions
For reunion programmes, social gatherings and Association events.
Zonal / State Coordination
For connecting with the appropriate Zone or State/Unit.
General Enquiries
For general information about O.N.E. 1996.
Users should use the official Contact page for current communication details.
44. Important Notice Regarding Association Authority
No person, State/Unit, committee or representative may:
- Bind the Association contractually without proper authority;
- Raise funds in the Association’s name without authorisation;
- Issue official statements without appropriate authority;
- Modify Association rules independently;
- Represent a State/Unit as an independent Association contrary to the By-Laws; or
- Commit the Association to any financial or legal obligation without appropriate approval.
The authority of office-bearers and committees shall be determined by the Constitution and By-Laws.
45. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using the O.N.E. 1996 website, the user acknowledges that:
- They have read these Terms & Conditions;
- They agree to comply with them;
- They will comply with the Association’s Constitution and By-Laws where applicable;
- They will provide truthful information;
- They will not misuse Association facilities;
- They will respect the privacy and dignity of fellow members; and
- They will comply with applicable Indian law.
If a user does not agree to these Terms, they should discontinue use of the website.
46. Association’s Core Principles
The website and its users are expected to uphold the principles upon which O.N.E. 1996 is founded:
Unity • Brotherhood • Camaraderie • Integrity • Welfare • Service • Transparency • Accountability
The Association’s objective is not merely to maintain an online platform but to preserve the lifelong bond, mutual support and fellowship created through service.
The Uniform May Change. The Brotherhood Never Does.
© O.N.E. (Ocean of Naval Elites) 1996. All Rights Reserved.
Last Updated: August 2026