#territorial waters

[firstoccupier]

Philippines vs China: Maritime Conflict Escalation Insights

Tensions Rise in the West Philippine Sea and Palawan Waters Date: March 14, 2025 Recent events in the West Philippine Sea are raising serious concerns for the Philippines as confrontations with Chinese vessels continue. From March 1, 2024, to March 8, 2025, numerous incidents have occurred, affecting the relationship between the Philippines and China. Incursions and Aggressive Actions March…

[poojascmi]

Global Offshore Patrol Vessels Market Is Estimated To Witness High Growth Owing To Increasing Defense Expenditure

The global Offshore Patrol Vessels Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 15.53 billion in 2022 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.1% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights. Market Overview: Offshore patrol vessels are naval ships primarily used for patrolling and policing coastal boundaries. These vessels play a crucial role in safeguarding a country's maritime environment, protecting its offshore assets, and ensuring the safety of its waters. Offshore patrol vessels offer several advantages such as enhanced surveillance capabilities, versatility in missions, and cost-effectiveness compared to larger naval vessels. The need for these vessels is driven by the increasing defense expenditure of countries, rising maritime threats, and the need for effective border control. Market Key Trends: One key trend in the offshore patrol vessels market is the integration of advanced technologies for enhanced surveillance and defense capabilities. This includes the adoption of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for aerial surveillance, advanced radar systems for target detection, and improved communication systems for real-time data sharing. For example, Damen Shipyards Group N.V. has introduced the Damen SWORD-17, an offshore patrol vessel equipped with advanced technology for increased situational awareness and operational efficiency. PEST Analysis: Political: The political environment plays a crucial role in the offshore patrol vessels market. Government policies and regulations related to maritime security, defense spending, and international collaborations impact the demand for these vessels. Economic: Economic factors such as GDP growth, disposable income, and trade activities influence the defense budget allocated for offshore patrol vessels. Economic stability and growth drive investments in naval capabilities. Social: Social factors such as increasing concerns over maritime terrorism, drug smuggling, illegal fishing, and piracy drive the demand for offshore patrol vessels. These vessels help in maintaining the safety and security of coastlines, protecting natural resources, and safeguarding international waters. Technological: Technological advancements in the field of maritime surveillance, communication systems, and propulsion technologies are driving the growth of the offshore patrol vessels market. The integration of advanced technology enhances the operational capabilities of these vessels. Key Takeaways: 1: The Global Offshore Patrol Vessels Market Size is expected to witness high growth, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.1% over the forecast period, due to increasing defense expenditure. Countries are investing in modernizing their naval fleets and strengthening their maritime defense capabilities. 2: In terms of regional analysis, Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing and dominating region in the offshore patrol vessels market. This can be attributed to the rising maritime disputes, territorial conflicts, and the need for maritime security in countries such as China, India, and Japan. 3: Key players operating in the global offshore patrol vessels market are Austal Ltd., BAE Systems plc, Damen Shipyards Group N.V., Dearsan, Fincantieri S.p.A., Fr. Fassmer GmbH & Co. KG, Fr. Lürssen Werft GmbH & Co.KG, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited, Israel Shipyards Ltd., and Naval Group. These companies are focusing on product innovation, strategic collaborations, and mergers to strengthen their market presence. In conclusion, the global offshore patrol vessels market is poised for significant growth due to increasing defense expenditure and the need for maritime security. The integration of advanced technologies and regional dominance of the Asia Pacific region further contribute to market expansion. Key players in the market are constantly striving to stay competitive by investing in research and development initiatives.

[torillatavataan]

28 September 2024 marks 30 years since the sinking of the MS Estonia

MS Estonia sank on Wednesday, 28 September 1994 as the ship was crossing the Baltic Sea, en route from Tallinn, Estonia, to Stockholm, Sweden.

The sinking was one of the worst maritime disasters of the 20th century. It is one of the deadliest peacetime sinkings of a European ship, after the Titanic in 1912 and the Empress of Ireland in 1914. It is the deadliest peacetime shipwreck to have occurred in European waters, with 852 (out of 989) lives lost.

Image source

[puppetmaster13u]

Prompt 240

You know what I think could be a really interesting premise?

Liminal-as-fuck Batfamily (and maybe all of Gotham itself) who aren't part of the Justice League. Like I am saying full on cryptid batfam who terrorize the criminals of Gotham and aren't well known outside of the city besides rumours.

And now throw in the Phantom team, either via Sam or Ellie or otherwise bringing the anti-ecto acts to their attention. I'm saying feral ghostly children barely being held back by Alfred from destroying the GIW buildings with their bare hands. Yes, that includes Bruce and Kate.

[wackamolei]

A lil MSM video I made:))

I LOVE AIR WUBBOX ITS SO GOOFY!!!! ^^

[sage-nebula]

I've felt myself driving slowly to insanity ever since I realized that all three of Cap's offensive moves are electric type. I get that this is an anime and so it doesn't play by the game rules exactly, but the fact that Cap has NO way to deal with types that have resistance or immunity to electricity is insane to me. Friede is supposed to be a genius professor, so how and why did he drop the ball THIS badly? (Especially since he didn't drop so badly with Char, albeit Steel Wing or Thunder Punch would be better fits than Dragon Claw given that Char doesn't get STAB with Dragon Claw either, and Steel Wing or Thunder Punch would both cover weaknesses.)

Having said that, I've tried to put together a better moveset for Cap. It is a bit challenging, considering his ability boosts his Special Attack, despite his signature move (Volt Tackle -> Rising Volt Tackle) requiring him to have a high Attack stat. Considering that the increase to his SpA would only matter when he tanks electric hits, I'm going to focus on a more physical build for him giving the necessity of keeping Volt Tackle, while also trying to give him better type coverage.

With that, my idea for a better Cap moveset is:

Volt Tackle — As mentioned, it's his signature move and he's required to keep it, because without it he can't use Rising Volt Tackle, and then what are we even doing here. So this one is a mandatory keep from his canon moveset.

Double Team — I'm also keeping Double Team, because he has used it to great effect in canon. Not to mention that increasing his evasion is also very helpful considering that I also want to give him . . .

Focus Punch — Focus Punch has a very high damage output (150) with the caveat that it will not work at all if the user is hit beforehand. But this works well for Cap, who has naturally high speed and knows Double Team to increase evasion. Using Double Team to throw off opponents before unleashing Focus Punch would work spectacularly. Additionally, Focus Punch would allow him to deal SE damage to Normal, Dark, Rock, Ice, and Steel, greatly increasing the number of opponents he's able to deal SE damage against. And while it doesn't do SE damage, it DOES hit Ground, which would give him a way to attack against a type he currently can't do any damage to at all.

Quick Attack — I know, I know, it's a basic choice. And to be honest, I'm torn between this and Feint, which is a little weaker but can get through Protect / Detect. Feint is a very special situation type of attack, however, while Quick Attack is more reliable, being both a little stronger and a priority move. Normal type moves are good for coverage as well (and this gives Cap something to use before the big finishers of Focus Punch or Volt Tackle), so I still think that it fits well here.

Obviously, Lightning Rod won't boost any of these attacks. If we wanted at least one attack that would be boosted, we could keep Thunderbolt instead of adding Quick Attack. But I really think that since Cap's signature move, the one we absolutely cannot get rid of, is a physical move, then we should focus on building his stats around that. In which case, Lightning Rod's utility is mainly going to be in doubles to draw electricity away from its partner (as seen when Friede and Spinel double battled).

We don't know Cap's nature for sure (do we ever learn the canonical natures of pokémon in the animated shows?), but if we look at his personality and try to decide on a nature from there, I would say that he does seem to have an Adamant nature, with the way he never gives up on things. This, too, would boost his Attack while actually lowering his Special Attack, which means that a physical build really is a better fit for him.

Lastly, I think it would behoove Cap to keep a Light Ball under his hat. Although the hat does get knocked off / thrown off a lot, so maybe he could wear it as a necklace instead. (Who am I kidding though, they don't even do mega stone accessories anymore . . . 😒 no way is Cap getting a necklace.) The Light Ball would increase his Attack further, truly making Cap into the sweeper that I feel he's destined to be.

Now, let me into the writers room so I can fix him, Horizons staff. I will do it for free, just please let me fix him.

[dykedvonte]

Ulysses obsession with the Courier is a special type of sad to me cause the Courier’s part was so important but so unwitting. They had no idea what was in the package they delivered and neither did he. Neither had an idea of what it could’ve done and the Courier was only caring out their job (mind you the Courier could be killed via notes in the express contract if they don’t). To them it was just another regular delivery to the divide and one that they likely thought would help, just like all the ones before.

It’s so tragic for Ulysses to hold so much ire to the Courier when it really was the case of it could’ve been anyone. Anyone could have delivered that package but they did and so he focused the blame on them and it destroys what he is trying to instill in the courier on a fundamental level.

[kristiliqua]

sneeg calling pangi a coward which is like sure but also he’s fighting a demigod he has to run in order to Live LOL

[firstoccupier]

Philippines Defends Sovereignty Amid South China Sea Crisis

WPS.News Report: Tensions Escalate in the West Philippine Sea Dateline: Baybay City | February 4, 2025 In a series of escalating events from 2301 Philippine Time on February 2 to 2300 on February 3, 2025, tensions in the West Philippine Sea, particularly around Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal, have intensified as the Philippine government continues to confront Chinese incursions into…

[siliconpoems]

At Star Carr Mesolithic site, several lakeside wooden platforms were constructed for an unknown purpose; potentially for the launching of boats or to gain access to the water as the site changed and silted up slowly with mud over time. The platforms required the felling of a large number of trees and extensive construction.

'Water's Edge' Poem by The Silicon Tribesman. All Rights Reserved, 2025. Repost only with credits.

Part of the forthcoming 'Star Carr: Selected Poems' chapbook release in April 2025.

[rabbitcruiser]

Alexandra Falls, NWT (No. 5)

The Hay River (South Slavey: Kátå’odehche) is a large river in northern Alberta and southern Northwest Territories, Canada.

It originates in the muskeg of north western Alberta, flows west to British Columbia, then curves northward and returns to Alberta, where it follows a north-northeast course towards the Northwest Territories. After passing over two main waterfalls, the Alexandra Falls and Louise Falls, it flows through the town of Hay River and discharges into the Great Slave Lake. From there, its waters are carried to the Arctic Ocean by the Mackenzie River.

Hay River has a total length of 702 kilometres (436 mi) and a drainage area of 48,200 square kilometres (18,600 sq mi).

Source: Wikipedia

[waywardstation]

Happy WIP Wednesday Friday! Here is a WIP from my Valentine’s/Palentine’s Day themed fic, Rain Check.

Enjoy! Wording is subject to change.

—————

“Whhhish!”

“Whiskers, please cooperate here!”

Rain hurried down to hide and collect within the fabric of Ingo’s clothes, sending a shiver through him as he stood at the pond’s edge, pressing against the blue, slippery forehead of an angry whiscash. With his shoes sinking deeper into the accumulating layers of mud, Akari could only watch helplessly from the pasture’s fencepost as he did what he could to keep the overgrown alpha away from the water.

“Whhish!” She heaved forward again regardless of Ingo’s insistence, eager to push past him and reclaim her territory that Maria was currently cleaning up. While Whiskers’ mobility was practically laughable on land, she was still formidable enough to probably push right past Ingo if it wasn’t for the slippery mud.

“You sure I can’t help?” Akari squinted through the rain, leaning forward on the fence post with a certain wishfulness — the scene was certainly amusing enough to just watch, but she still wanted to help.

“I am sURE!” Another thrash pushed Ingo back a step, spattering him with mud in the process.

“You don’t sound sure,”

“I assure you, I am!”

“Whhish!”

“Almost done, Ingo!” Maria called over from the other side of the pond — the trench she had been digging with one of Akari’s gastrodon had almost reached over to the stream downhill. Once they connected, they wouldn’t have to worry about the pond overflowing into the streets.

Ingo made an odd sound, and Akari looked back to see Whiskers had somehow maneuvered one of Ingo’s arms into her mouth. Now gumming on it, she was gaining some leeway by yanking him to the side with her massive head, her thin yellow whiskers already latching onto his closest leg.

“Alright! Done!”

Maria called out just in time; Ingo let himself fall to the side and Whiskers barreled forward unobstructed, throwing herself back into the pond with an unabashed splash.

[birb--birb]

Anyways here's Osirus

[haydensangel]

i’m such a slut for this man

[akajustmerry]

if white people/non-Indigenous ppl get eaten by wongari (dingos) or any other native animal, i feel very little sympathy as an Aboriginal person tbh because most of the time the people involved in these accidents are not respectful or even pragmatic about Country. like, if you respected this land and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges and weren't stupid then you wouldn't fuck around and yet here you are. finding out !!!

[chirpsythismorning]

Lover’s lake byler this. Eyewitness byler that. Aren’t y’all scared?