Abstract: The spectral waveband is an important factor to be investigated in optical remote sensor design. The spectral waveband suitable for the reflective TDI CCD optical remote sensor to detect oceanic objects is analyzed. With LOWTRAN 7 software, the atmospheric transmittance in the waveband of 0.4μm～1.0μm was calculated, the spectral reflectivity and contrast of typical oceanic targets (e.g. ship hull) and seawater was analyzed, the entrance-pupil radiance and the SNR of the remote sensor were estimated, and then the optimal detection waveband was selected. The calculation result shows that it is better to select the waveband of 0.5μm～0.9μm than that of 0.5μm～0.8μm considering entrance-pupil radiation intensity and SNR of the remote sensor. This conclusion can be used to support the waveband selection for the system with similar applications.