Remote sensing technologies have significantly advanced oil spill detection and response, offering more efficient and accurate methods for monitoring and managing spills. This review explores advancements in remote sensing technologies, including satellite-based sensors, aerial drones, unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), and artificial intelligence (AI), and their roles in oil spill detection and response. The paper discusses the capabilities and limitations of these technologies, as well as their potential applications in different environmental settings and spill scenarios. It also examines policy frameworks governing oil spill detection and response at both international and national levels, identifying key challenges and opportunities for integrating remote sensing technologies into existing regulatory frameworks. Satellite-based sensors, such as synthetic aperture radar (SAR), provide high-resolution imagery and improved detection sensitivity, enabling real-time monitoring of oil spills on a global scale. Aerial drones equipped with advanced sensors offer advantages over traditional aircraft, including lower operational costs, greater manoeuvrability, and the ability to access hard-to-reach or hazardous areas. USVs are valuable assets in remote sensing for oil spill detection, particularly in nearshore and inland waterways, where they can detect and track oil slicks with high precision. AI and machine learning advancements have revolutionised the interpretation of remote sensing data, enabling automatic analysis of vast amounts of satellite imagery, drone footage, and sensor data to detect and classify oil slicks with high accuracy. International policies, such as the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC), play a central role in governing oil spill detection and response. National regulations in major oil-producing countries, such as the United States and Norway, also complement these international conventions. However, challenges remain in the effective integration and utilisation of remote sensing technologies, including cost constraints, technological barriers, and a lack of awareness or expertise among stakeholders. Implementation strategies for remote sensing technologies include integration into existing systems, collaboration and coordination among stakeholders, training and capacity building for responders, and securing funding and resources for deployment and maintenance. Future prospects include advancements in satellite technology, autonomous systems, and sensor fusion techniques, which can further enhance oil spill detection capabilities. Policy recommendations include updating regulatory frameworks to include provisions for integrating and utilising remote sensing technologies, implementing incentive mechanisms, and enhancing international cooperation to address transboundary oil spill incidents. By integrating advanced remote sensing technologies into existing response frameworks and strengthening policy support, governments, industry stakeholders, and international organisations can enhance their capacity to protect marine ecosystems and coastal communities from the devastating effects of oil pollution.Remote sensing technologies have significantly advanced oil spill detection and response, offering more efficient and accurate methods for monitoring and managing spills. This review explores advancements in remote sensing technologies, including satellite-based sensors, aerial drones, unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), and artificial intelligence (AI), and their roles in oil spill detection and response. The paper discusses the capabilities and limitations of these technologies, as well as their potential applications in different environmental settings and spill scenarios. It also examines policy frameworks governing oil spill detection and response at both international and national levels, identifying key challenges and opportunities for integrating remote sensing technologies into existing regulatory frameworks. Satellite-based sensors, such as synthetic aperture radar (SAR), provide high-resolution imagery and improved detection sensitivity, enabling real-time monitoring of oil spills on a global scale. Aerial drones equipped with advanced sensors offer advantages over traditional aircraft, including lower operational costs, greater manoeuvrability, and the ability to access hard-to-reach or hazardous areas. USVs are valuable assets in remote sensing for oil spill detection, particularly in nearshore and inland waterways, where they can detect and track oil slicks with high precision. AI and machine learning advancements have revolutionised the interpretation of remote sensing data, enabling automatic analysis of vast amounts of satellite imagery, drone footage, and sensor data to detect and classify oil slicks with high accuracy. International policies, such as the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC), play a central role in governing oil spill detection and response. National regulations in major oil-producing countries, such as the United States and Norway, also complement these international conventions. However, challenges remain in the effective integration and utilisation of remote sensing technologies, including cost constraints, technological barriers, and a lack of awareness or expertise among stakeholders. Implementation strategies for remote sensing technologies include integration into existing systems, collaboration and coordination among stakeholders, training and capacity building for responders, and securing funding and resources for deployment and maintenance. Future prospects include advancements in satellite technology, autonomous systems, and sensor fusion techniques, which can further enhance oil spill detection capabilities. Policy recommendations include updating regulatory frameworks to include provisions for integrating and utilising remote sensing technologies, implementing incentive mechanisms, and enhancing international cooperation to address transboundary oil spill incidents. By integrating advanced remote sensing technologies into existing response frameworks and strengthening policy support, governments, industry stakeholders, and international organisations can enhance their capacity to protect marine ecosystems and coastal communities from the devastating effects of oil pollution.