Hydrocarbon on water wave rider detector is designed for marine offshore applications, lagoons, lakes, rivers, open canals, and large retention ponds. This system consists of a controller (signal processor) and one or more sensors, depending on application needs. The sensor is designed for installation at offshore oil tanker buoy terminals, jetties, and piers to detect floating oil sheens resulting from spills or leaks occurring during the loading and offloading process. Its additional applications include detecting and monitoring floating hydrocarbons in lagoons, lakes, rivers, open channels, large retention ponds, and near offshore oil rigs.