Abstract An analysis is presented of the education and training programme whichis needed to provide the skilledmanpower required if oceanographicscience is to benefit fully from the marine remote sensing satellites due to be launched in the next decade. Education in satellite oceanography is treated distinctly from general remote sensing training, and it is argued that all oceanographers will, in future, need to be educated in this field. The required content of satellite oceanography training courses is reviewed in relation to the level of education desired and the background discipline of the trainees. Options for different teaching frameworks arc considered, including short courses or summer schools and distance learning for small groups. There is seen to be a high potential for adopting newteaching technologyin this field. Finally, somesuggestionsare made about the importance of including adequate training as an integral part of future ocean remote sensing programmes.