Aerial Surveillance for Real-Time Oil Spill Intelligence

Real-time aerial insights to guide effective response

Aerial surveillance remains one of the foundations of an effective spill response. As technology advances, our capability to observe, analyse, and interpret data from above continues to evolve - ensuring rapid, accurate, and actionable insights. During an incident, the 'eye in the sky' feeds crucial information directly to the Incident Command, enhancing situational awareness and supporting confident decision-making.

Our Response Specialists can deploy on aerial surveillance missions using suitably equipped aircraft, verifying modelling predictions, response effectiveness, and environmental impact in real-time. This visual intelligence allows teams to validate strategic decisions and adapt quickly to varying conditions.

Integrated with oil spill modelling and satellite remote sensing, aerial surveillance forms part of a dynamic data ecosystemframework. But sometimes, collecting data isn't enough - visualisation tools can translate this complex information into intuitive formats, helping response teams understand unfolding events at a glance.

Together, surveillance, modelling, and visualisation represent three key pillars of intelligence to inform, support, and optimise spill response strategies.

Real-time situational awareness

Live aerial observation enhances decision-making and keeps incident command ahead of the situation.

Integrated with modelling and satellite feeds

Combines multiple data streams for a clearer operational picture, improving strategic alignment.

Supports verification and strategic validation

Provides on-the-ground reality checks to confirm the effectiveness of response actions and models.

Aerial surveillance remains one of the foundations of an effective spill response.

This informative field guide is designed to provides practical guidance on conducting aerial surveillance missions. Guiding on how to locate, assess, and quantify oil spills from the air to support effective response decisions.

Download Aerial Surveillance Field Guide

Aerial Surveillance FAQs

: We deploy our Response Specialists using suitably equipped fixed-wing or rotary aircraft, depending on regional availability and response requirements.
: Absolutely. Our Satellite Radar Detection Service complements aerial missions, offering a broader spatial overview and enhancing overall situational awareness.
: Aerial observations validate modelling outputs in real time, ensuring predictions align with the actual spill behaviour and supporting more accurate decision-making.
: Yes. Data from surveillance and modelling is transformed into intuitive visual formats to support rapid interpretation and strategic decision-making during an incident.

Why Choose OSRL?

With four decades of spill response experience, OSRL understands that clear information drives effective action.

Our aerial surveillance capability is not just about having the tools – it's about how we use them. From deploying Response Specialists into the field to layering in satellite imagery and modelling outputs, we help ensure your decisions are grounded in reliable, real-time intelligence. In previous large-scale responses, such as Montara and Deepwater Horizon, surveillance was key to monitoring spill movement and validating operational effectiveness. Our global infrastructure and resource network enable us to act swiftly - whenever and wherever you need us.

Who We Are

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Article

Satellite Imagery: A Valuable Tool For Oil Spill Surveillance and Monitoring

In this article, Global Aviation Manager, Shane Jacobs, explores satellite imagery as a valuable tool for surveillance and monitoring of oil spills.

08 Aug, 2023
3 min read
SMV

Recorded Seminar

TPR Seminar Series - Part Two: Surveillance, Modelling and Visualisation

This second session sees Simon McCosh and Simon Blean, explain the importance of situational awareness in a response.

09 Mar, 2022
46 min watch
SMV

Recorded Seminar

ATSEA-2 Webinar Series - Part 2: SMV & Response Strategies

This second webinar with ATSEA-2 focuses on surveillance, modelling and visualisation and the different response strategies available.

28 Feb, 2022
120 min watch
SMV

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Accessing these services is quick and straightforward.

As an OSRL member, we can guide you through the use of these services alongside your ongoing incident.

As part of your core membership coverage, you can use these services by calling the Duty Manager or contacting us for more information.

Simply fill in the form, and we'll get in contact with you.

If you would prefer to call us, please pick up the phone to speak with our Duty Manager. Please always call for instant technical advice on using your core membership coverage services.

We look forward to talking with you!

+44 (0)23 8033 1551

Regional numbers:

Asia Pacific

+65 6266 1566

Americas

+1 954 983 9880

Aerial Surveillance