An ocean (from Ancient Greek Okeanos) is a body of saline water that composes a large part of a planet's hydrosphere. In the context of Earth, it refers to one or all of the major divisions of the planet's World Ocean they are, in descending order of area, the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern (Antarctic), and Arctic Oceans.
In the maritime context, "ocean" refers to a large body of salt water that covers most of the Earth's surface. The five oceans of the world are the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Southern Ocean, the Arctic Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean.
Examples of how oceans play a role in the maritime context include:
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The transport of goods and people: Oceans are major transportation routes for cargo ships, cruise ships, and other vessels.
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Marine resources: Oceans provide a rich source of food, minerals, and other resources, such as oil and gas, that are vital to the global economy.
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Coastal protection: Oceans play an important role in protecting coastal communities from the effects of storms and rising sea levels.
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Scientific research: Oceans are the subject of ongoing scientific research, which helps to increase our understanding of their complex ecosystems and the impact of human activities on the environment.
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Maritime security: Oceans play a crucial role in global security and stability, with many nations relying on them for strategic resources and trade routes.
In the maritime context, it is important to have effective systems in place to manage the use and conservation of ocean resources, as well as measures to address environmental challenges such as marine pollution and overfishing.