Since the capability of satellite sensors to view and measure the radiance of the ocean, validation approaches to extract ocean color and chlorophyll concentration from top of the atmosphere radiance measurements continue to evolve. In-situ instrumentation measure the inherent optical properties, absorption and scattering, the apparent optical properties, such as water-leaving radiance, and water collections measure the chlorophyll concentration which are then related back to the measurement at the top of the atmosphere. Careful measurements are also made of the physical properties of the atmosphere and meteorology since they play a role in the signal that ultimately reaches the satellite. In due course, algorithms for each of the components unravel the ocean color information and translate the results into meaningful data. The degree of validation is then statistically determined. The technical approaches to ascertain validation have naturally developed from the challenges associated with each component. Many unique instruments have been designed and enhanced over the years, thus reducing the inherent error and are now well established globally. Mathematical models and have tested the outcomes and new algorithms have evolved. Stationary ocean validation sites have been created and now have large communities of scientists and major scientific affiliations associated with them. The result is a long term alliance with baseline protocols to ensure the highest quality end products that ultimately lead to increased understanding of ocean systems. For the satellites of tomorrow (NPP, NPOESS C1, C2), the conceptual approach for ocean color validation is simply an intricate orchestration of existing tools in combination with a few recent advancements designed to produce the maximum number of confident measurements.