The demand analysis method of maritime emergency resources is the key technology to promote a reasonable emergency resource allocation during maritime emergency management. It is widely used to improve the efficiency of maritime emergency rescue and reduce the loss of maritime accidents. However, it requires a scientific and effective method of the demand analysis of maritime emergency resources. This paper aims to analyze the underlying modeling paradigms and to assess the extent to which the demand analysis methods of maritime emergency resources can meet the requirements. Focusing on the demand analysis methods, this paper provides a broad overview of the current literature on maritime emergency resources of the last decades, by considering the models’ purposes, theoretical frameworks, factors, and outputs. The results indicate that the existing methods can be classified into three concepts: the linear regression theory, Back Propagation (BP) Neural Network, and Case-based Reasoning (CBR) technology. Combined with the characteristics of China's maritime emergency management field, the interaction between theoretical framework and applications is not sufficiently understood and thus needs to be further studied. Being familiar with knowledge gaps acts as a catalyst for further research on scientific and efficient demand analysis methods of maritime emergency resources in various navigation conditions.