Earth Observation satellites offer a unique view of our oceans, seas, and coasts. Satellites, and their on-board sensors, provide routine, cost effective, reliable, and wide area maritime surveillance, as well as support in the event of a maritime emergency at sea. The two main Earth Observation services provided by EMSA are CleanSeaNet and the Copernicus Maritime Surveillance service.

In addition, EMSA offers multipurpose maritime surveillance using Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) to Member State authorities and EU bodies engaged in coast guard functions. Specially adapted RPAS services are also used to support emissions monitoring around the EU.