The measurement of optical properties of ocean water body is the basis of the development of the theory of marine optics, and the improvement of the measurement technology of optical properties has greatly promoted the development of other optical technologies and their applications. Looking back on the history, photoelectric technology and spectral technology are the main driving force of water optical measurement technology, and the development of radiate transfer theory and water color remote sensing are the main traction force of optical measurement technology. The measurement principle, method and typical products of optical properties of water body are introduced systematically, including the measurement methods of spectral radiance and spectral irradiance, spectral absorption and spectral scattering properties. Finally, the future development direction of optical property measurement is given, which can provide reference for the development of water optical instruments, related ocean optical technology and their users.