#territorial waters

[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…

[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.

[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.

[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

[firstoccupier]

Tensions Escalate in the West Philippine Sea Amid Chinese Intrusions

WPS.News Report Dateline: January 31, 2025, Manila, Philippines From 0600 on January 30 to 0600 on January 31, 2025, the West Philippine Sea has become the focal point of rising tensions as the Philippines steadfastly confronts renewed Chinese incursions into its territorial waters, particularly in the contested zones of Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal. On January 30, the government…

[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?

[eeveekitti]

a guy i love him

[abluescarfonwaston]

I am a simple (trans)man. I see the reboot of Ranma 1/2 and ask- but what if he HAD to stay a girl to stay safe. Because some big bad was actively on the hunt to kill Boy!Ranma or something.

What if Ranma hadn't been caught in the bath by Akane and had gone to school with her, (refusing to wear the school uniform like normal). Watching Akane defeat the army of boy's at the gate only to swoop in and kick Kuno's ass resulting in him falling for 'the pigtailed girl' right away.

What if he'd gotten there and been so excited to have all these guy friends again (its so hard on the road) only to realize they're just trying to date him, not talk to him guy to guy like he'd hoped. (He feels no remorse ordering that fifth Ultra Brownie delight special with their wallet)

Complaining to Akane in the dojo after school as Ranma's personality just starts to peak through and Akane agreeing 'That's why men are Awful'. Ranma withdrawing that little bit back in as he realizes that - no. Akane doesn't get what he's saying- and she would hate him if she really knew him.

Ranma bellowing out for them all to back off because Akane is MY FIANCE. The awe and silence and then 'but that's not even legal' murmurs. HUH?! SAYS WHO??? 'the government...' 'Oh... Huh.'

The divide between how big and powerful Ranma acts verses the moments when he notices how short his arms are. How small he is. Shrinks into an ill fitting body in a way Akane wishes she could stop from her friend.

The horror and Relief that comes with Ryoga's appearance. An old rival who Knows. Knows and is angry and furious but treats him just like he expects to be treated. And maybe his legs Are too short and he still misjudges the distance but there is something so freeing to knowing he is being seen as he really is.

Ranma slipping out of the house early, before sunrise, so he can escape. Pour hot water over his head and just be Himself for a few minutes that day. Even if it's risky. Even if it gets him killed. Because he was willing to die to become strong, but he didn't think that meant losing his manhood first.

Akane spotting a boy training in the park, pausing because for a moment she thought- but it was a trick of the light. They just share a braid, that isn't Ranma. Her friend and 'fiance' Ranma.

Being drawn in my something. By that pigtailed braid or the force of their blows and the smoothness of his movements.

Or maybe by how he keeps kicking the target with his calf instead of his foot. That's a big one.

And she hates men. Absolutely despises the whole lot. But she offers him a correction and he looks at her in such shock.

"Y-yeah. I know. I guess I'm just not used to being tall."

Her offering a suggestion. Him doing it right this time as she nods. Offering to spar.

Didn't you say you'd hate to lose to a man? "Nah I already have a fiance." "What does that have to do with anything?" "Isn't there a thing at your school that if someone beats you they get to take you on a date?" "Oh my god other schools know about that?" "Furinkan is pretty loud." "Yeah it is..."

"Do you like her?" "Who?" "Your fiance." "Oh... I guess. She's kinda cute. But she hates me." "What'd you do?" "Why do you assume I did anything huh?" "Cause youre a boy." "... What about yours then?"

"Mine?"

"You have a fiance don't you?"

"I guess. But she's a girl."

"How'd that happen?"

"My dad's an idiot."

"Yeah. Mine too."

[aychama]

Just had an awful idea for my royal au...

Should I turn up the angst like 1000° more or should I scrap the idea...

Hmmmm....