A radiative transfer algorithm in the solar wavelengths for the NOAA POES AVHRR and GOES Imager is proposed for the cloud-free, marine atmosphere. The algorithm combines linearized, single-scattering theory with an estimate of bi-directional surface reflectance. Phase functions are parameterized using an aerosol distribution model and the ratio of radiance values measured in channels 1 and 2 of the AVHRR. Retrieved satellite aerosol optical depth is compared to airborne sunphotometer data and derived values from particle size distributions collected during the Tropospheric Aerosol Radiative Forcing Observational Experiment (TARFOX) in July 1996. Error in the satellite derived values from the AVHRR originates in error in modeling aerosol size distributions, corresponding phase function parameterization and treatment of specular surface reflectance. Extension of the algorithm to the GOES Imager provided results consistent with the AVHRR.