The CMS service provides satellite images and value-added products to support monitoring of human activity at sea for a wide range of functions, including: fisheries control, maritime safety and security, customs, law enforcement, marine environment pollution monitoring, and support to international organisations and other functions. EMSA works together with a network of satellite owners and satellite providers to acquire and deliver the final products to the user.
The CMS service forms one component of the broader Integrated Maritime Services (IMS) offered by EMSA. This allows users to access other complementary datasets, such as vessel position reports, enabling them to combine data selectively to obtain information in the most useful way possible