[en] The movement of marine oil spills has been observed and tracked for several years using space borne Synthetic Aperture Radars (SAR). The advantages of SAR for monitoring oil spills include wide field-of-view, foul weather independence, and day/night capabilities. However, SAR displays several shortcomings such as low spatial resolution, long revisit times, no positive means of oil detection, confusion with numerous false targets, and a limited wind speed window in which to observe the oil spill. The authors reviewed the history behind the use of SAR sensors in their capacity as marine oil spill response tools. They presented case studies to better illustrate the benefits of using SAR imagery, in light of the new generation of SAR sensors currently emerging. It is expected that the new SAR sensors coming on stream will enable oil response teams to use the information gathered in a tactical oil spill response. 20 refs., 3 tabs., 5 figs