The volume scattering function, σ(ϕ), was observed for unpolarized green light near 5300 A in a variety of water bodies over a wide range of scattering angle, ϕ. These data, includingin situ values measured to an extreme foward angle of 0.2o, permit a statistical study of parameters describing the shape of the σ(ϕ) curve and provide detailed information on small angle contributions to forward scattering. The angular limit, θ1/2, which determines one-half the total scattering coefficient upon integration of σ(ϕ) over small angles, is determined from measured data and ranges between about 2o for clear ocean water and about 5o for turbid coastal water. Use of σ(ϕ), measured at a single fixed angle, is investigated further as an indicator of the total scattering coefficient, and results of other studies showing a high correlation between the total scattering coefficient and σ(45o) are further substantiated.