Category Archives: High Seas

For several years, a mysterious and relatively unassuming ship called the Carolyn Chouest has plied the waters of the Pacific, executing an unknown number of secret special operations missions whose details may never be known.

But the ghost-like vessel with a fascinating history, known now as an afloat staging base, may have finally encountered an unbeatable adversary.

The Pentagon's budget axe.

At a time when U.S. military leaders continuously refer to China as a pacing threat of great concern, the Pentagon wants to save money by ending its lease of the Carolyn Chouest. It's a unique, multi-purpose converted submarine support vessel now used by special operations forces in the Pacific. Unless Congress insists otherwise, that mission will end Thanksgiving week.

In a document released late last month, the Pentagon said it wants to discontinue the Special Operations Command Pacific Afloat Staging Base under a plan to trim $2.7 billion by retiring vulnerable systems and programs that no longer meet mission and/or security needs to support more relevant modernization efforts.

That decision has raised questions on both the Senate and House Armed Services committees. Each tell The War Zone that they want an explanation about the impact of no longer having the Carolyn Chouest's capabilities.

While the Pentagon document does not mention the ship by name, the Carolyn Chouest directly supports 335 days of uninterrupted availability for Special Operations Command Pacific and Naval Special Warfare Command operational requirements and mission planning, according to U.S. Special Operations Commands FY 22 Operation and Maintenance budget.

But beyond that, little is known about the current capabilities of this mysterious ship, which does not appear in the Navys Military Sealift Command inventory list even though MSC manages the ships operational budget as part of the Navys Working Capital Fund.Another special operations boat - the highly modified MV Ocean Trader - is also leased by MSC but does not appear on its inventory list. You can read more about that elusive mothership here.

The Carolyn Chouest was most recently spotted by ship trackers near Marine Air Corps Station Iwakuni, Japan on March 2.

The elusive ship actually has a remarkable past, with its mission changing dramatically over time. As a result, it appears radically different from the vessel that was launched in 1994.

The Carolyn Chouest was originally built as a 238-foot offshore support vessel with a displacement of just under 1,600 tons. It was constructed at North American Shipbuilding's yard in Larose, Louisiana, which is associated with the Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) company, at a cost of between $15 million to $20 million, according to a story published in 2000 in the Cape Cod Times. The Carolyn Chouest is one of at least four ECO vessels currently operating under contract to the Navy.

At least as originally built, Carolyn Chouest's main power came from two 12-cylinder Caterpillar diesel engines that pushed out a combined 10,800 horsepower to two Kort Nozzle variable pitch propellers. A state-of-the-art, computer-controlled 1,000 horsepower, drop-down, variable speed, omnidirectional thruster gave her enhanced maneuvering capabilities and the ability to stay on station without an anchor. The ship could turn in her own length, and accurately maintain position, even in high seas, as well use its bow thruster to work in shallow waters and for docking.

The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command first chartered Carolyn Chouest in the mid-1990s to support the activities of the NR-1, a highly specialized nuclear-powered mini-submarine capable of diving to extreme depths. The 146-foot long, 12-foot wide boat mini-sub entered service in 1969 and was the Navys smallest nuclear submarine, being capable of "underwater search and recovery, oceanographic research missions, installation and maintenance of underwater equipment to a depth of almost a half a mile."

NR-1 was used for a variety of classified missions, as well as research and development and test and evaluation tasks. In 1976, the Navy disclosed that NR-1 had been used to help recover sensitive portions of an F-14 Tomcat, including at least one AIM-54 Phoenix air-to-air missile, after the jet fell off the deck of the aircraft carrier USSJohn F. Kennedy and into the Atlantic Ocean during an exercise. It also supported non-military missions, including helping to recover components of the Space Shuttle Challenger after it was destroyed in an explosion shortly after its launch in 1986.

In 1995, with the help of Carolyn Chouest, NR-1 was used to survey the wreck of the HMHS Britannic, the sister ship of the RMS Titantic, which was used as a hospital ship during World War I and had sunk off the coast of Greece after hitting a naval mine in 1916. In 2002, the pair helped chart the location of the Civil War-era USS Monitor, the Navy's first ironclad ship, which sank during a storm off the coast of North Carolina in 1862.

Carolyn Chouest carried out various other missions that did not involve NR-1. In 1999, it helped with the recovery of the wreck of EgyptAir Flight 990 off the coast of Massachusetts. The ship deployed a remotely operated underwater vehicle, or ROV, named Magnum to help with those efforts. The ship also towed the Canadian Navy'sVictoria classsubmarine HMCSChicoutimi back to port after it suffered a major fire, which killed one sailor and injured two more, off the coast of Ireland in 2004.

During its time as a submarine support vessel, the Carolyn Chouest was considered a flat-bottomed ocean-going tug that didn't cut the waves very well, according to a 2018 Kitsap Sun article about the NR-1, which didnt have the power to travel to sea on its own and needed the help of the Carolyn Chouest. The ship also featured its own onboard laboratory facilities and could accommodate up to 40 people at a time, including its crew and supporting personnel, such as the crew of the NR-1.

In 2008, the Navy decommissioned NR-1. Carolyn Chouest continued to operate under contract to the Navy, but the details about its subsequent service are murky.

Pictures of the ship show that, at least by 2011, it had been reconfigured to some degree with an additional superstructure installed over its previously open rear deck. The addition featured multiple cranes and the ship was seen carrying various cargo containers on top, which might have been configured for use as various kinds of workspaces.

Sometime between the 2011-2012 and 2017-2018 timeframes, Carolyn Chouest underwent a much more significant conversion into a sea base platform specially configured to support U.S. special operations forces in the Pacific region. The cost of the modifications is unclear. They are not spelled out in budget documents and officials from SOCOM, the Navy and the Edison Chouest Offshore shipyard did not provide answers. INDOPACOM declined to comment. It was also repainted in the process, trading its orange hull and yellow superstructure for a much more discreet blue-and-white motif.

In its current configuration, Carolyn Chouest still features the raised superstructure at the rear, with pictures showing containers, again possibly being used as workspaces or for storage, as well as a catapult for launching small drones, on top of it. The ship's central superstructure has also been enlarged, which would provide additional spaces for personnel accommodation, mission planning, and more. Overall, it is now also absolutely festooned with antenna domes typically associated with satellite communications systems, as well as other kinds of extremely-high-frequency (EHF) and ultra-high-frequency (UHF) communications arrays.

Pictures and videos of Carolyn Chouest from ship spotters in Japan show it can also carry a variety of jet skis, rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIB), and other watercraft commonly employed by U.S. special operations forces. The imagery on multiple occasions shows it loaded with at least two Naval Special Warfare Combatant Craft Assault special operations speedboats, which you can read more about here.

Carolyn Chouest, which has been spotted operating around Japan, Singapore, and Guam since 2017, according to online ship tracking software, has been serving a role very similar to that of the MV Ocean Trader, the other far more elaborate shadowy special operations sea base operating under contract to the Navy. It has also been spotted equipped with a drone-launching catapult and carrying CCA boats.

However, unlike Carolyn Chouest, Ocean Trader, which was most recently spotted off the coast of southern France, features hangars to go along with a large flight deck on top that can support various kinds of special operations helicopters. The ship also has a large garage-like bay that can carry all types of vehicles, in addition to its Combat Craft Assault boats that sit behind apertures on the sides of its upper hull.

Questions about when, why and how it was modified were also unanswered Wednesday afternoon by SOCOM, the Navy and the shipbuilder, Edison Chouest Offshore.

We will provide those answers as soon as they are available.

But there's more to the decision to end the Carolyn Chouest's lease than just wanting to stop paying for a vessel that cost U.S. Special Operations Command upwards of at least $40 million since 2008.

The issue, a defense official told The War Zone, is that the Carolyn Chouest had been chartered using what was known as overseas contingency funds. That was money designed to fight the so-called global war on terrorism. However, with the end of the war in Afghanistan looming and fewer troops deployed to Iraq, the Biden administration emptied that pot of money in April, 2021.

So with that money no longer available, the current lease will not be renewed.

The ship is in SOCOM's budget out of expediency, according to the defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to explain the process.

Sometime around 2008, the geographic combatant command then known as U.S. Pacific Command had a need for this type of vessel. It just so happened that the Carolyn Chouest's main mission, as a support vessel for NR1, was ending. So it was the right-sized ship at the right time to meet PACOM's needs.

And because SOCOM already had a contract with the Edison Chouest Offshore shipyard, the lease for the Carolyn Chouest was put under its purview, but paid for by OCO funds.

At the time, PACOM was assisting the Philippines in its ongoing fight against Islamic insurgents, so that was how the funding was justified.

In December 2018, the Navy signed off on the first of three contract extensions for the Carolyn Chouest.

ECO was awarded a $7.4 million contract to exercise an option under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract with reimbursable elements for one maritime support vessel, according to the Defense Department.

This vessel will be utilized to launch, recover, refuel, and resupply of small crafts in the then-U.S. Pacific Command (now INDOPACOM) region.

The contract included a 12-month base period, three 12-month option periods, and one 11-month option period.

If all options were exercised, it would have brought the total value of the contract to a little more than $41 million.

Two subsequent contracts were set by the Navy, one in December 2019 for $7.6 million, and one in December 2020 for $7.7 million.

Work on the third contract was to be performed in the INDOPACOM region. It was expected to be completed, if all options are exercised by Nov. 21, 2022, according to the Defense Department. The option will be funded by fiscal 2021 (Navy) working capital funds in the amount of $6,001,581 that will expire at the end of the fiscal year; and fiscal 2022 (Navy) working capital funds in the amount of $1,738,974 that will expire at the end of fiscal 2022.

The U.S. Navys Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting authority.

Though the Pentagon now wants to discontinue leasing the Carolyn Chouest, a former commander of Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines told The War Zone that afloat staging bases like it are important assets for special operations forces in the Pacific.

It is my opinion that US SOF would greatly benefit from an afloat staging base through INDOPACOM, said David Maxwell, a retired Army Special Forces colonel who worked with the USNS GySgt. Fred W. Stockham afloat staging base when he served as the commander of JSOTF-P in 2006 and 2007.

Afloat staging bases provide support, staging, and command and control capabilities when land bases are not available due to operations in the vicinity of denied areas or due lack of host nation access in the region which might be due to political considerations, said Maxwell. It will provide SOCPAC and assigned SOF the agility and flexibility to operate throughout the region.

SOCPAC, he said, should have an organic capability so assigned SOF can routinely train using this capability in order to be ready when contingencies arise.

Special Operations Forces, he added, should not conduct operations from an afloat staging with the first time use being during a contingency.

Maxwell said there is another advantage of afloat staging. It provides SOF the ability to base forces in the vicinity of operational areas and potentially outside of an adversary's engagement ability.

The vessels offer the ability to launch and recover SOF teams and can serve as an intelligence platform to support mission planning and deployed elements, he said. It can provide logistical support to deployed forces.

When Maxwell commanded JSOTF-P, we employed an afloat staging base to support operations by Philippine special operations forces throughout the Sulu archipelago to great effect.," he said. "I think this is a very necessary capability and I would recommend it be fully resourced.

Two key Congressional committees share concerns about the Pentagon's decision to end the Carolyn Chouest lease.

I am always concerned, and many of my colleagues are too, when the Department of Defense divests to invest, because oftentimes, investment never follows, Senate Armed Services Committee ranking member Jim Inhofe, (R-Okla) told The War Zone. In this case, as we always do, the Armed Services Committee will look at the proposal closely to decide whether the risks to mission and force are acceptable.

The House Armed Services Committee is going to look into the Pentagons decision to end the Carolyn Chouest lease as well.

Were beginning dialogue with the Department to understand the impact and why this decision was made, a House Armed Services Committee aide told The War Zone Tuesday afternoon.

The Carolyn Chouest wasn't the only vessel the Pentagon is seeking to cut from its budget as part of the $2.7 billion re-prioritization initiative.

Several other Navy vessels - including both Montford Point class expeditionary transfer dock ships - are also on the chopping block. You can read more about those ships here. Then again, the Carolyn Chouest is a leased capability, so it isn't exactly the same as divesting ships from the fleet. Regardless, it is a very low cost asset to keep available compared to the Navy's far more costly to operate warships.

But the Pentagon now has a number of extremely capable Expeditionary Sea Base ships in its inventory.

They act as multi-function mobile sea bases and support the forward deployment of everything from special operations to minesweeping forces.

The ships - 785-long, displacing 90,000 tons fully loaded and based on the Alaska class crude oil tanker - were originally called Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) and the MLP Afloat Forward Staging Base (AFSB), respectively, according to the Navy.

The ESBs, designed for aviation facilities, berthing, equipment staging support, and command and control, have a four-spot flight deck, mission deck and hangar.You can read more about these ships here.

These are massively more capable ships than the Carolyn Chouest, and one of them, USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5), is now operating in the Pacific. This could be one factor that led to the Carolyn Chouest's lack of funding. Still, these are absolutely massive ships, they do not offer the extremely low-profile and low cost of operation that something like the Carolyn Chouest provides. They are also not fully tailored to the special operations support mission. And, of course, a ship can only be in one place at one time. Not every mission requires a gigantic ESB.In fact, the vast majority of them do not. So it could be argued that these assets could be seen as complementary more than swappable.

As the Pentagon's decision on that afloat staging base makes its way through the congressional budget process, more information about the vessel and its capabilities will likely become public. And it is quite possible that enough rationale will be provided to get this shadowy ship's lease renewed.

Update 6:50 PM EST:

U.S. Special Operations Command spokesman Army Col. Curt Kellogg has provided additional information about the Carolyn Chouest lease. In Fiscal Year 2017, the U.S. government put out a bid for a contractor-owned and operated vessel.

Several companies submitted bids with Edison Chouest Offshore winning the contract resulting in their making modifications to the Carolyn Chouest to meet the requirements of the contract, Kellogg said. The contract is for a base year plus four option years at a pre-negotiated price for the option years. Total value of the 5-year charter is $60.1 million, including all operating costs for ship, civilian mariner crew, fuel, port services, food and other miscellaneous support services per the contract.

The vessel is at the end of a 5-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, and USSOCOM ended the budget line to fund other higher priority requirements, he said.

Contact the author: Howard@thewarzone.com

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This Is The Shadowy Special Operations Mothership You've Never Heard Of - The War Zone

Point-and-click games may not be as anywhere close to as popular today as they were in their 1990s heyday, but classics within the genre were undoubtedly influential to many narrative-focused games. Back then and even today, a great point-and-click game features a story that puts butts in seats, is filled with witty banter, and engages your brain with puzzles that'll make you feel smarter when the clues click into place. With surprising reveal of Return to Monkey Island, we decided to round up the best point-and-click games across the ages (in no particular order). While many of our picks are older, genre-defining classics, there are some modern must-play titles here, including the recently released gem Norco. All of the games on this list are still playable and easily obtainable on modern platforms, so we've included links where you can get them today.

More best lists

Ahead of its time in multiple departments, 1993's Day of the Tentacle is still a wonderfully absurd point-and-click from the golden age of LucasArts. Finally remastered in 2016, Day of the Tentacle remains a masterpiece that helped lay the foundation for a genre that was about to reach its peak. The remaster is a perfect reminder of this, sharpening the visuals with original hand-drawn art, adding a high-fidelity soundtrack, and retaining all the classic gameplay that made this title a hilarious head-scratcher. Day of the Tentacle Remastered is available on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and mobile devices.

LucasArts at its very best, Grim Fandango's tale of love and death is a sprawling adventure that plays out across several years. Packed with fantastic voice-acting and dripping with level design that set a new benchmark for games when it first arrived in 1998, Manny Calavera's journey through the underworld is still regarded as the pinnacle of the point-and-click genre. The remastered version is well worth a look, and like the best games in that category, it's packed with a number of substantial upgrades. You can grab it on consoles, PC, and mobile devices.

Read our Grim Fandango Remastered review.

LucasArts had been on a creative roll since its formation, and in 1990 the studio continued to prove that it was a heavyweight force to be reckoned with when it released The Secret of Monkey Island. Witty, charming, and well-animated sequels further fleshed out the tale of wannabe pirate Guybrush Threepwood and the comical world he inhabited. LeChuck's Revenge and Curse of Monkey Island all contributed to creating an incredible trilogy of high seas adventure, and while additional titles might not have recaptured that magic, the whole collection is still worth checking out on PC. Return to Monkey Island will be the sixth entry in the series and the first in more than a decade.

Read our Monkey Island Collection review.

Telltale Games found a recipe for success with Sam and Max, as the revival of the classic LucasArts IP came at the perfect time. Featuring an original story told in episodic fashion, the freelance police were back in action and ready to turn the town upside down in search of clues. Somehow managing to be both bizarre and logical, Sam and Max Save the World was a bonkers return to form for the duo. Later seasons might not have reached the same level of quality, but the tongue-in-cheek escapades of the first season is still a highlight worth experiencing. Sam and Max Save the World is available on Xbox, Switch, and PC.

Read our Sam and Max: Save the World review.

At its peak, Telltale Games was a creative force in gaming that was regularly churning out well-received point-and-click games. The Walking Dead was the studio's breakout game and led to a flurry of episodic adventures across numerous popular franchises. Building on the foundation set by earlier projects and defining the studio for a new decade, the Walking Dead Games are a haunting collection of cel-shaded episodic horror, fast-paced QTEs, and decisions that had tangible consequences. Five games in The Walking Dead Telltale series were released. The first entry was always the best, and there were some less-than-stellar spin-offs, but the final story arc brought Clementine's emotional journey to an impactful close. The Walking Dead's structure and gameplay found its way into other Telltale adventures such as the brilliant Telltale's Batman and The Wolf Among Us. You can play The Walking Dead on consoles, PC, and mobile devices.

Read our The Walking Dead reviews.

Time has taken its toll on the King's Quest series, but the original point-and-click is still an incredibly important part of gaming history. Essentially helping Sierra Entertainment evolve into a gaming juggernaut during the 1980s, King's Quest was a pioneer with its use of animation and almost-3D environments to create a graphic adventure. If you're looking to enter that kingdom and experience a less medieval point-and-click approach, check out the 2015 remake for a nostalgic dive into the past.

Read our King's Quest review.

What happens when you mix Twin Peaks with X-Files? You get this gentle love letter to supernatural TV series that also throws in plenty of LucasArts influences into its mix of puzzles and retro graphics. The big draw with Thimbleweed Park was its creative approach to puzzles, as it regularly tested your grey matter with imaginative solutions for its various puzzles. Loaded with a regular number of "EUREKA!" moments when you figured out those enigmas, the game is an ingenious homage to the past. Thimbleweed Park is available on just about every modern platform.

Read our Thimbleweed Park review.

Myst is required gaming for any point-and-click fan, and easily one of the biggest titles in the entire genre. A blockbuster game that had some fiendishly challenging puzzles to solve, Myst also featured some of the best set design of its time. If you were going to be stumped, at least you'd get a great view in the process. In the years since it first arrived, Myst has been ported to a wide range of platforms and can be found on most modern consoles. To get the most immersive experience possible, check out the VR version if you're able to.

Read our Myst review.

The game that introduced the world to the revolutionary design of the SCUMM interface, Maniac Mansion paved the way for LucasArts to create some of the best point-and-click games of all time. At the same time, Maniac Mansion is more than just a genre-defining tech showcase. It's a game that pokes gentle fun at horror films and B-movies, always having fun with its subject matter and thinking outside of the narrative box. Technology comes and goes, but the genuine affection for its cinematic inspirations and heartfelt humor helped define an era of gaming. You can pick up Maniac Mansion for cheap on Steam.

Point-and-click games had been used across a wide variety of genres, but Phantasmagoria was one of the few titles brave enough to use the format for horror. A huge departure from the more family-friendly King's Quest that Roberta Williams had created, Phantasmagoria mixed FMVs with terrifying encounters that was groundbreaking for its time. While some of the visuals might look dated by today's standards, the game still has a talent for being constantly unsettling. It's an interactive B-movie with some of the best overacting around. A cheesy classic that was unique for its time.

Read our Phantasmagoria review.

Credit to Funcom, as The Longest Journey certainly lived up to its title. A sweeping odyssey set across time, The Longest Journey is seen as one of the last great point-and-click games during the twilight of the genre. Released in 2000, it was a beautifully-rendered visual masterpiece, loaded with dialogue, and filled with foul-mouthed characters. If you have plenty of time to spare, give it a look on pC.

Read our The Longest Journey review.

Fans and supporters of Kentucky Route Zero had to exercise extreme patience for this episodic series, but with each chapter released, developer Cardboard Computer reminded people that the wait was more than worthwhile. Delayed satisfaction wrapped up in intriguing layers of mystery and fresh perspectives, Kentucky Route Zero is one of the finest point-and-click games of the modern era. If you're just checking it out, the good news is that you can grab all five acts of this magical realist adventure game in one complete package. No waiting years between chapters required.

Read our Kentucky Route Zero reviews.

Harrison Ford's whip-wielding hero of archeology was destined to be a video game headliner, and in 1992 he got to embark on what is arguably considered to be the best Indiana Jones game. Fate of Atlantis was an adventure that would have been impossible to realize on the silver screen, a swashbuckling tale of mystery and danger that offered versatile play styles. An Indiana Jones game that was heavy on cerebral challenges and punch-powered action, it was another feather in the LucasArts fedora when it first hit the scene.

There is no game: Wrong Dimension is as high-concept a title that you can point and possibly click at, a collection of meta-commentary and silliness that never takes itself too seriously. It's one of those titles that has to be played to be understood, as its abstract design and clever puzzles create one of the best paradoxes you'll ever interact with. It's a game, but it also isn't one. And the only way for that statement to make sense, is to try this underrated gem out for yourself.

Every great point-and-click game has an element that helps it stand apart from others in its genre, and for The Procession To Calvary, that X-factor is its beautiful absurdity. Taking a museum's worth of fine Renaissance art and using those assorted canvases to paint a puzzling picture, the game runs wild with Monty Python-esque humor. Whip-smart dialogue and bizarrely fun puzzles make this game a must-play on the bucket list for anyone who's a fan of the point-and-click genre.

A point-and-click game in an arthouse movie format that blends sliding-tile puzzles into its elegant design, Gorogoa still manages to use these cathartic themes to create exciting moments within its world. Some of the puzzles may leave you scratching your scalp raw, but nothing beats the feeling of successfully completing its visual riddles. Even if you can't solve those puzzles, the game is gorgeous to look at, an artisanal and hand-crafted mystery that'll challenge your perception.

Read our Gorogoa review.

An adventure game that features a more retro inspiration in its art direction, Norco is a more somber tale of life in the South. Melancholic characters inhabit a land that bears the scars of the merciless march of the oil industry, environmental ruin has set in, and a community is under siege in a game that has deep layers of storytelling. It's leagues more somber than anything else on this list, but Norco still manages to provide a thin sliver of hope within its pixelated tale of decay.

Read our Norco review.

Mobile devices have become the perfect platform for point-and-click games, and the 2013 game Device 6 still stands apart from the pack for its novel approach to taking advantage of that technology. What starts out as a text adventure quickly evolves into a highly interactive puzzle game that's backed by a jazz soundtrack and a unique layout. It has an eye-catching design that uses the iOS medium to tell a fantastic story.

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Best Point-And-Click Games To Play Ahead Of Return To Monkey Island - GameSpot

By Tom Dowling

State benefits rose this week but with spiralling living costs and inflation reaching 7% many disabled people and carers are going to be much worse off.

Almost 1 million carers receiving the main carers benefit, Carers Allowance, will get an increase of just 2.10 a week, which is based on inflation rates of only 3.1% set last year.

The allowance rises from 67.60 a week to 69.70, while the earnings limit for those claiming the benefit will rise from 128 to 132 a week.

As the National Living Wage (NLW) has also increased, it means that anyone employed on the NLW will see a real terms cut in the number of hours they are able to work and still keep their Carers Allowance.

This will fall from a maximum 14.36 hours of work a week to only 13.89 hours a week to stay within the limit. If a carer goes over the earnings limit, they lose all of their Carers Allowance. For people caring for a severely disabled person for more than 35 hours a week, the carer element of Universal Credit rises to 168.81 a month.

Helen Walker, head of national charity Carers UK, said: As the cost of living crisis piles on the stress and pressure to household finances across the UK, the below inflation increases to Carers Allowance and Universal Credit are yet another blow for hard pressed carers.

Many carers have a reduced capacity to work because of their caring responsibilities or have had to give up work altogether. Despite the majority of carers having taken on more care during the pandemic, which has protected our health and care systems, they face a real terms cut in the level of financial support they receive. Carers do not deserve more hardship when they have done so much.

Caring for someone can mean extra costs like having to use more electricity for special equipment, more heating to keep someone frail or unwell warm, and needing to spend more on special food. Once again the UK Government has failed to increase the Earnings Limit for Carers Allowance in line with rises in the National Living Wage meaning carers can now work just 13 hours a week and retain their entitlement to Carers Allowance.

What we need urgently is a system that legislates for a year-on-year rise, in line with at least 16 times the National Living Wage along with significant increases to carers benefits.

Children of all abilities and their families can now sail across the world without stepping outside their homes, thanks to a new and exciting online project.

Sea Girl is an interactive, choose your own adventure experience that takes the whole family across the high seas.

Children are encouraged to help Ellen, Naomi and the cat Tarzoon, decide whether to meet turtles, explore the Caribbean or follow dolphins. The show is fully captioned.

The project was inspired by the extraordinary achievements of Laura Dekker, the youngest person to have solo travelled across the world in a sailing boat.

New Zealand-born Laura was just 14 when she set off and 16 when she completed her trip.

For more information about All Together NOW! visit the website.

Get all the latest news, updates, things to do and more from your local InYourArea feed.

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I Can Do That column: 'Inflation increases to Carers Allowance and Universal Credit are yet another blow for hard pressed carers' - In Your Area

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Forts - High Seas Bundle on Steam

The clock ran out Friday at UN talks to forge a legally binding treaty to protect open oceans beyond national jurisdictions, with no schedule set for prolonging the discussions.

This fourth round of negotiations since 2018 -- preceded by a decade of preliminary talks -- was meant to create vast marine reserves to prevent biodiversity loss, oversee industrial-scale fisheries and share out the "genetic resources" of the sea.

"We have not come to the end of our work," said conference president Rena Lee, a diplomate from Singapore, noting that the Covid pandemic had caused major delays.

"I believe that with continued commitment, determination and dedication, we will be able to build bridges and close the remaining gaps," she said at the end of Friday's session.

It now rests with the United Nations General Assembly to give the green light for another round of talks.

"All efforts must be devoted in the coming months to secure this long-awaited treaty in 2022," said Peggy Kalas, president of the High Seas Alliance, a coalition of more than forty major NGOs and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

A so-called High Ambition Coalition of European Union nations and 13 other countries, including India, Australia, Canada and Britain, have endorsed the same goal.

Some nations and many environmental groups have called for at least 30 percent of the world's oceans to be granted protected status, a target also to be on the table at UN biodiversity talks later this year.

Currently less that one percent of open ocean enjoys that status, according to the High Seas Alliance.

Oceans produce half the oxygen we breathe, regulate the weather and provide humanity's single largest source of protein.

But they are being pushed to the brink by human activities.

- Marine genetic resources -

Carbon dioxide emissions and global warming drive devastating marine heatwaves and acidification.

The UN's climate science advisory body has projected that more than 99 percent of shallow water corals will die if average global temperatures rise more than degrees above preindustrial levels.

"The oceans as a whole are becoming warmer, the salinity levels are increasing. There's less oxygen for marine life," said Liz Karan, an expert with The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Humans have also fished some marine species to the edge of extinction, and used the world's waters as a garbage dump.

Today, a patchwork of agreements and regulatory bodies govern shipping, fishing, and mineral extraction, while the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, negotiated in the 1970s, lays out rules for how far a nation's zone of influence extends beyond its shores.

But despite two decades of consultations, there is still no treaty protecting international waters beyond national jurisdiction, accounting for about two-thirds of the world's oceans.

Another contentious question is who gets a share of the benefits from the exploitation of what are known as "marine genetic resources".

Poorer countries fear they will be sidelined as wealthier nations scour the seas for the next wonder ingredients for the pharmaceutical, chemical or cosmetic industries, and lock up the spoils in trademarks and patents.

Will McCallum, head of oceans for Greenpeace UK, said wrapping up a deal by the end of this was crucial.

"We're not disappointed to have a 5th session," he told AFP. "But if a deal is not concluded in 2022 the chances of having a solid treaty are practically zero."

"Ministers and heads of state need to step up ahead of the next round of negotiations to ensure we land the strong treaty," he added.

The treaty covers the so-called high seas, which begin beyond national exclusive economic zones that extend 200 nautical miles (370 kilometres) from their shores.

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High seas treaty talks fail to reach a deal

Onamet (file photo).

Santo Domingo.- The National Meteorological Office (Onamet), reported Wednesday that moderate downpours with thunderstorms and possible wind gusts will continue, especially in the afternoon until the early evening hours, while seas will remain rough.

Forecasters predicted that these rains will be more prevalent in the northwest, north, northeast, and southeast (especially in Greater Santo Domingo), the Central Cordillera, and the border area. This is due to a frontal system to the northeast of the country and a constant movement of clouds over the territory caused by prevailing winds from the east/northeast.

The meteorological service is forecasting high wave activity at sea and advises fragile and small boats to sail close to the coastline without venturing out to sea.

Meanwhile, for tomorrow, Thursday, conditions will be favorable for persistent downpours, thunderstorms, and occasional wind gusts, mainly in the afternoon until the early evening towards the northwest, northeast, southeast, Cibao Valley, Central Cordillera, and the border area, as a result of moisture and instability left by the frontal system and a trough that is approaching the country.

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Weather forecast: Showers and rough seas - Dominican Today

International guests are now welcome aboard Royal Caribbean Internationals popular ocean getaways

AFTER such a long time staying put, holidaymakers can finally pack their bags from April 11 six months sooner than anticipated, for the ultimate adventure on board Royal Caribbean Internationals Spectrum of the Seas.

Sailings are now open for bookings onboard Asias largest, newest and most innovative ship for a spectacular three to nine nights of ocean getaways and sailings that will visit the best of Asia.

Choose from a three- to four-night ocean getaway this April to June, or the three- to nine-night sailings this October to April 2023 that will take you to visit ports of call in Malaysia and Thailand.

We know vacation time is precious, which is why we are thrilled to welcome Spectrum of the Seas one of the most advanced ships in the world, to Singapore in April, said Royal Caribbean International Asia Pacific vice president and managing director Angie Stephen.

The combination of experiences specially designed for the Asian market, together with signature Royal Caribbean favourites, will make Spectrum a huge hit.

I would like to thank the Singapore government for their strong partnership and collaboration that have allowed cruising to become one of the safest holiday options in the world.

A spectacular holiday experience awaits holidaymakers on board.

Royal Caribbean International Asia Pacific regional director of sales Kenneth Yeo added: The Asia-Pacific region holds tremendous opportunity for the growth of the cruise industry. As we navigate Covid-19 as endemic, we are confident holidaymakers around the region will see cruising as an unbeatable adventure-packed holiday.

Highlights on board Spectrum include:

Sky Pad: Asias first virtual reality bungee trampoline adventure whereby guests transport themselves to another time and planet.

Suite enclave: Royal Caribbeans first exclusive space for the exquisite Royal Suite Class Star, Sky and Sea accommodations in a private area features exclusive floor access, an elevator, private restaurants and a dedicated lounge area.

Two70: Boasting stunning 270-degree ocean views by day and transforming into a multidimensional theatre by night, this transformative space flaunts six agile Roboscreens, breathtaking live performers and mind-bending aerialists.

Enjoy Asias first virtual reality bungee trampoline adventure with Sky Pad.

SeaPlex: The largest indoor active space at sea featuring bumper cars, laser tag, fencing, archery and more.

Star Moment: A lively and energetic karaoke venue.

Family-friendly accommodations: From balcony staterooms and interconnected rooms, to the signature two-level Ultimate Family Suite an expansive, multiroom retreat complete with its own slide and cinema that also doubles as a karaoke stage theres an array of staterooms designed for the whole family.

Signature experiences: A bold line-up of guest favourites on deck including the FlowRider surf simulator, the North Star an all-glass observation capsule which ascends 100m above the ocean to deliver incomparable 360-degree views and RipCord by iFly, the first sky diving experience at sea.

A world of flavours: There are 19 dining options serving up a variety of cuisines, including hot pot, teppanyaki, and Sichuan Red, a new specialty dining experience tailored just for Spectrum, offering a bold tapestry of spices and Sichuan flavours. Signature classics include imaginative cuisine at Wonderland, American steakhouse Chops Grille and authentic rustic fare and handmade pasta at Jamies Italian.

The FlowRider is among guest favourites.

In line with its royal promise and regulations stipulated by the Singapore government, Royal Caribbean continues to implement health and safety measures for the well-being of its guests and crew members, and the destinations it visits.

The comprehensive, multi-layered set of measures includes pre-departure wellness screenings and testing, contactless embarkation and debarkation, enhanced ventilation and sanitisation on board, as well as sailing with fully vaccinated crew members and guests.

The cruise line will continue to evaluate and update its measures as circumstances evolve with various government and health authorities.

For more information or to make reservations, visit your preferred travel and tour agency at MATTA Fair World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur, April 9-10 (9am-7pm) or go to http://www.RoyalCaribbean.com.

Enjoy a promotion when you book during this MATTA Fair only with rates from RM888 and kids (age 12 and below at the time of cruising) cruise for free (based on three nights onboard of the Spectrum Of The Seas). Terms and conditions apply.

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Take to the high seas and cruise away on holiday - The Star Online

In a nostalgic comeback stream, Summit returned to Sea of Thieves and brought back the classic high seas shenanigans that longtime fans are sure to remember.

Along with pulling off an Athena heist, Summit and his crew of friends and fellow streamers tormented all those unlucky enough to cross their ships path. It was 10 hours deep into his Sea of Thieves stream when Summit spotted a golden opportunity to sneak onto a ship they had previously engaged with. The streamer dove off his ship and quickly boarded the unsuspecting pirate ship.

Summit snuck to the top of his enemys ship, somehow avoiding detection by laying prone on the ground. Though the unfortunate soul turned around to investigate their ship, like a Skyrim NPC, the player eventually disregarded the potential intrusion and returned to business as usual.

In disbelief that he avoided being caught, Summit took the chance to mess with the ship further. Like Solid Snake, the streamer carefully snuck down the ship and into the captains quarters, where he proceeded to draw male genitalia on the players map with waypoint circles.

The invaded pirate eventually grew wiser after seeing that their map had been clearly altered. Eventually, Summits crew caught up and began to rain cannonballs on the already demoralized target. The opposing pirate, realizing his situation and recently discovered stowaway, quickly disconnected from the game before seeing his ship sink to the bottom of the ocean.

A near miss that landed Summit an opportunity for some classic Sea of Thieves pranks, chat applauded the streamers return to the beloved game.

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Summit bamboozles his way onto stranger's ship in Sea of Thieves - Dot Esports

TOKYO Relations between Greece and Japan are based on a pillar of shared values and principles, Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said on Wednesday in a statement after meeting Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi in Tokyo.

Today, we discussed our bilateral ties. The pillar of our ties is that we share common principles and common values. Starting with respect for International Law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. I have to say, UNCLOS for Greece is a tenet of our foreign policy.

We have commenced an experts Dialogue between our Ministries on Law of the Sea issues. We look forward to continuing it in the near future.

Respect for the Law of the Sea is also reflected in QUAD decisions, of which Japan, along with Australia, New Zealand and the US, is a member, Dendias said.

Noting that Japan is a signatory of the 1923 Lausanne Treaty, the Peace Treaty between the Entente Powers and Turkey, Dendias pointed out that this was the Treaty that established the borders between the countries of the region. And it is exactly those borders that revisionist forces aspire to re-draw.

Greece and Japan, he added, seek to promote stability and security in our respective regions, building relations by promoting the peaceful resolution of disputes, as well as by rejecting the threat or use of force.

We both uphold the principle of the freedom of navigation in the high seas and we addressed cooperation in international fora, most notably the UN, Dendias said.

The minister noted that his visit marked Greeces renewed efforts to further strengthen ties with Japan and pointed out that the Greek Prime Minister, Prime Minister Mitsotakis, has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Kishida to visit Athens.

He referred to the history of the two countries diplomatic relations and noted that the centenary since the establishment of the Japanese Embassy in Athens coincided with that of the Asia Minor Catastrophe, during which the captain and the crew of the Japanese ship Tokei Maru saved in September 1922 more than 800 Greeks and Armenians fleeing the burning city of Smyrna.

We are grateful to Japan for this humanitarian gesture, which we will never forget, he added.

Dendias said that he had reiterated Greeces unilateral support for Japans candidature as a non-permanent member at the UN Security Council in 2023-24, expressing gratitude for Japans support of Greeces candidature for the succeeding period, 2025-26.

We work closely in the International Maritime Organization (), we have discussed the EU-Japan relations on trade matters, and, also, I think we both believe in the full implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement. We also discussed, and we are going to discuss during lunch, how we are going to enhance our bilateral relations, especially in areas like tourism, energy and trade, he said.

They also discussed the situation in Ukraine, following the Russian invasion, Dendias added, while he had opportunity to thank Japan for taking a clear and principled stance on this issue.

Greece, from the beginning, condemned the use of force against the territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine, or any other country in the world. I reiterated that revisionism, wherever it appears, is a thing of the past and must be condemned. I also briefed my colleague on my recent visit to Odessa delivering humanitarian aid, he said.

Dendias said that challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean, in the Western Balkans, but also in the Indo-Pacific will be discussed with his counterpart over lunch, while repeating Athens strong condemnation of the launch of a ballistic missile by North Korea.

This is a gross violation of relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and should not be accepted by the international community, he said.

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Dendias: Common Principles and Values the "illar' of Greek-Japanese ties - The National Herald

MIAMI (PRWEB) April 13, 2022

After a tumultuous couple of years of rough waters, Whet Travel is back for an incredible 19th season and 35th sailing of Groove Cruise as the worlds original and largest floating electronic music festival shines as a beacon of hope that things are getting back to normal. Between January 19th and 23rd, 2023, the award-winning luxury cruise ship, Celebrity Summit, will welcome aboard party captains as it sets sail for the trip of a lifetime, from Miami to Labadee.

After pivoting to successful virtual cruises during the pandemic, Groove Cruise returned to the high seas in supremely safe fashion this past January at the height of Omicron. Last time out, there was not a single onboard case of Covid, thanks to our rigorous safety measures. The cruises theme will be hope, as a way of noting that, finally, the pandemic is sailing away, and we are back to enjoying the freedoms we love.

Once onboard, captains will be treated to 96-hours of non-stop electronic music from over 50 of the world's best electronic music artists on 9 stages hosted by the most cutting edge brands, record labels, and industry leaders, all with immersive and mind-blowing production.

Celebrity Summit is an award-winning luxury cruise ship that has recently been revolutionized completely to become one of the first cruise ships powered by environmentally-friendly gas turbines. Featuring high seas luxury, around-the-clock entertainment, and world-class dining in a safe environment, the ship is now one of the most technologically advanced globally after the fleet has had more than $500-million in luxurious upgrades, including:

Extravagantly transformed Suites, Restaurants, Bars, Boutiques, and Casino Travel Weeklys Magellan Gold Awards for The Spa by Canyon Ranch and Penthouse Suite Design All-New Craft Social Featuring over 40 Craft Beers and Creative Cocktails The Retreat Sundeck & Lounge envisioned by world-renowned designer Kelly Hoppen, MBE, plus exclusive Luminae Restaurant with Signature Dishes from Michelin-Starred Chef, Daniel Boulud

Whether you like to indulge in food, sport, relaxation, games, or education, there are endless cruise activities. From health & wellness to contemporary art collections, hot glass classes to casino games and slots, croquet or bocce at the Lawn Club, pool volleyball, theatre shows, and so much more.

As always, there will be eight costume parties that have become a favorite feature of the floating festival, along with a wealth of exclusive artist and fan activities that get you up close and personal with the stars.

Touching down at the Labadee private paradise party in Haiti, Captains will gravitate towards awe-inspiring activities like:

The Dragons Breath Flight Line: the worlds longest zip line over water at 500 feet up The Dragons Tail Roller Coaster: coast down Labadees mountainside at 30 mph Private Cabanas: unwind on one of the Caribbeans sparkling beaches Boat and Island Tours Parasailing Jet skis and Kayaks The Dragons Cafe: a local eatery featuring Labadees signature drink, the Labodoozie

Tickets for Groove Cruise Miami 2023 go on sale April 13 at 12pm EST and will sell out, so navigate over to GrooveCruise.com and book this bucket list adventure now.

About Whet TravelFor the past 18 years, Whet Travel has curated and produced more half-and full-ship music cruises than any other independent company. Partnering with some of the cruise industrys most recognized and trusted brands, the revolutionary company has executed more than 50 wildly successful events including Groove Cruise, Shiprocked, Motorboat, Zen Cruise, Salsa Cruise, Aventura Dance Cruise, and Groove Island, among others. Innovators since their launch in 2004, Whet Travel was named Inc. Magazines No. 4 fastest-growing travel company in the country, has won the prestigious Charter Partner of the Year award from Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Lines, and has been featured in USA Today, Billboard, Travel Channel, NBC, Forbes, and more.

About Groove CruiseKnown as the world's first and largest floating dance music festival, Groove Cruise is the only music cruise to sail from both East and West coasts. It is a non-stop experience comprising four straight days of beach, pool and theme parties, numerous delectable restaurants, 24/7 electronic dance music, art installations, and exotic destination experiences. In addition to the standard cruise amenities, there are also artist activities, Whet Oasis Zen Experience, world-class production, and various onboard events that rival the best dance music festivals in the world. Groove Cruise is produced by Whet Travel.

About Whet FoundationThe Whet Foundation is a Florida based 501c3 organization that offers grass roots disaster relief for those experiencing hardships and creates exciting experiences for underprivileged children in South Florida, the Caribbean and Mexico. Through our Community Captains and Destination Donation programs, we strive to excite the lives of those less fortunate in a fun and engaging way while positively affecting an entire generation. In 2020, the Whet Foundation launched its COVID-19 Relief Fund through the Groove Cruise Virtual Sail Aways live streams on twitch and have since accumulated over 9 million minutes watched and 1 million live views; this massive support raised over $50,000 for those facing hardships due to COVID-19 and was able to send over 250 relief grants and donate hundreds of face shields to multiple hospitals in South Florida.

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Groove Cruise, The World's Largest Floating Dance Music Festival, Announces Its Upcoming Excursion Aboard Newly Remodeled and Award-Winning Ship - PR...