A DMETian Never Sails Alone: Building a Sustainable Support System for Our Families

A Call to Build Something That Lasts Beyond a Fundraiser

The recent loss of our fellow DMETian, Engineering Officer Rohan Kumar (DMET Class of 2016–2020), brought immense grief to the entire fraternity. DMET Club had initially reached out to members of the maritime community to understand the level of support that could be mobilised for his family.

It is important to clarify that DMET Club had not officially launched the fundraiser as a structured fundraising campaign, as we were simultaneously working on and planning a more sustainable and organised support mechanism for the families of DMETians.

During this initial phase, some batchmates and members of the fraternity also took the initiative to circulate appeals and personally reach out to their networks for contributions. However, the response remained limited, and even these efforts did not generate the level of financial support that was required. The total amount mobilised during this initial effort remained below ₹2 lakh.

While we deeply value every individual who contributed, shared the appeal or tried to support the family, we also have to acknowledge that an amount below ₹2 lakh is very limited when considered against the long-term financial needs of a family that has lost its primary earning member.

We had hoped that the batch itself would come forward in a significant way to support the family of their fellow batchmate, as the bond between batchmates is one of the strongest foundations of the DMET fraternity. However, the response did not reach the level we had expected, and the overall contribution remained limited.

This made us realise that we need a more structured and collective system, rather than relying solely on individual appeals or voluntary fundraising after an unfortunate event.

This experience has therefore made us reflect, not with disappointment, but with a sense of responsibility.

It raises a more important question:

Can we build a system where a DMETian's family does not have to depend on an emergency fundraiser, individual appeals or the willingness of a few people after a tragedy, but instead has access to structured, sustainable and long-term support from the entire DMET fraternity?

We believe the answer is yes.

From Fundraising to a Future Support System

A sudden loss of a seafarer can leave a family facing not only emotional devastation but also long-term financial uncertainty.

Parents or spouses may lose their primary source of financial security overnight.

Instead of organising a fundraiser only after a tragedy occurs, DMET Club proposes creating a structured DMETian Family Support Fund, a system through which the fraternity can collectively provide meaningful financial assistance to the parents or spouse of a DMETian whenever an unfortunate demise occurs.

This is not a one-time initiative or a fund meant for a specific individual. The aim is to establish a permanent support system that can be activated whenever a DMETian passes away, ensuring that their family receives timely assistance from the entire fraternity.

The objective is simple:

Whenever a DMETian falls, the entire DMET family stands up.

Proposed Contribution Model

The proposed contribution will be based on the age of the DMETian at the time of an unfortunate demise.

Age of DMETian at Time of Demise	Batchmates	1–2 Year Pass-outs	Senior DMETians	Chief Engineers, Company Owners, Directors & Shore-Based  Senior Professionals
Below 40 Years	₹25,000	₹1,000 minimum	₹5,000	₹10,000
40–50 Years	₹15,000	₹1,000 minimum	₹5,000	₹10,000
50–60 Years	₹5,000	₹5,000	₹5,000	₹5,000

The purpose of this contribution model is not simply to raise money after a tragedy. It is to create a structured and predictable mechanism of collective support that can provide meaningful assistance to the family when it is needed most.

Why This Is Different

This is not intended to be another one-time fundraiser.

The idea is to create a culture of preparedness, solidarity and collective responsibility across the DMET fraternity.

One of the first things we learn in college is to stand by our batchmates. We trained together, face challenges together, grow together and, most importantly, support one another when it matters most.

That is why we believe the batchmates should have a special responsibility towards their own batchmate and their family in the event of an unfortunate demise. The contribution is not simply a financial obligation; it is a reflection of the bond and responsibility we build during our years at DMET.

At the same time, the support should extend beyond individual batches. Seniors, juniors, Chief Engineers, Company Owners, Directors and Shore-Based Professionals are all part of the same fraternity, and everyone has a role to play.

What We Want to Build

We envision a system where:

Such a mechanism can gradually become one of the strongest examples of the DMET spirit.

It can provide:

• Immediate financial assistance after an untimely demise

• Long-term support for dependent parents

• A structured rather than emergency-based response

• Transparency and accountability through proper records and reporting

• A greater sense of security for DMETians and their families

• A permanent legacy of the DMET fraternity

E/O Rohan Kumar Should Not Be Remembered Only Through a Fundraiser

The tragedy of Engineering Officer Rohan Kumar should not end with an appeal for donations.

It should become the beginning of something bigger.

If we can learn one lesson from this difficult experience, it is that good intentions alone are not enough. We need a system.

A system that works when emotions are high.

A system that works when a family needs immediate help.

A system that does not depend entirely on social-media appeals.

And most importantly, a system that tells every DMETian:

Your family is not alone. Your DMET family stands with you.

A DMETian Never Sails Alone

Across generations, DMETians have sailed, worked, and stood by one another. Now, it is time to take that bond beyond the campus and the sea.

Let us build a support system that is prepared before tragedy, not after it something our seniors can be proud of and our juniors can carry forward. Because being a DMETian means standing together when one of us needs us the most.

One fraternity. One responsibility. One family.

A DMETian Never Sails Alone.

Om Shanti. 🙏