Ocean observation instruments and equipment are essential manifestations of the national ocean comprehensive strength, which are important ways to ensure the effective operation of an operational ocean observation network. Although marine observation instruments and equipment in China have played important roles in the development of the ocean observation network in recent years, there remains a gap compared with the advanced countries. Based on the needs of marine development, a multi-level ocean observation instruments and equipment system framework of space-based, shore-based, sea-based, and seabed-based platform and equipment are proposed in this article. The present status of various marine observation instruments and equipment in China is reviewed, and the problems are expounded which exist in the development of China′ s marine observation instruments and equipment in the aspects of system construction, sensor construction, test and verification platform, standard, etc. Some suggestions are provided, such as increasing the research and development of equipment localization, establishing evaluation standards and methods, carrying out on-site comparative measurement, and strengthening the application of high-tech achievements ,which will provide a reference for the construction and development of China′s operational ocean observation network.