A series of economic losses and safety problems caused by marine biofouling are the important issues faced in the marine development. Therefore, the development of new and efficient anti-fouling technology is of great significance. With the development of photocatalytic antifouling technology, its application in marine antifouling has attracted the attention of researchers. As a new type of semiconductor film, bismuth oxyhalide (BiOX, X=Cl,Br,I) film has become a new research hotspot in the field of photocatalytic antifouling due to excellent photocatalytic performance, high mechanical strength and easy recycling. The work summarized BiOX film preparation technology and the recent advances in application. Firstly, the potential application of photocatalytic technology in Marine pollution prevention was summarized under the background of marine biofouling and existing anti-fouling technology. Secondly, BiOX thin film preparation technology at home and abroad and corresponding application fields were summarized, and the advantages and disadvantages of various methods were introduced. Later, the latest application research of BiOX semiconductor film in marine anti-fouling field was concluded, in which the necessity of film application in marine environment was highlighted. Finally, the perspective on the future development of BiOX semiconductor thin films in marine anti-fouling field was expected and the possible direction to yield breakthrough was outlined to open a new perspective for further application of BiOX thin films in marine anti-fouling field.