Abstract: Marine controlled-source electromagnetic method (MCSEM) is an important technique in seabed resource exploration. This method overcomes the shortcomings of natural field electromagnetic methods, such as weak signals and insufficient high-frequency information, and offers advantages such as wide detection range, high efficiency, and low cost. Therefore, it shows great potential in seabed resource and energy exploration. This paper first provides a brief review of the working principle and technological development of the MCSEM method, then focuses on the latest research trends in three-dimensional forward and inversion numerical simulation, elaborates on the forward and inversion methods of MCSEM, among them, geologically-guided or seismically-results-guided marine electromagnetic inversion or joint inversion can reduce the inversion multiplicity and be more advantageous than a single inversion observation data in geological interpretation. and presents application examples of the method in seabed oil, natural gas hydrates, and polymetallic mineral exploration. Based on the current state of research, this paper proposes key directions for the future development of MCSEM: improving the computational precision and efficiency of algorithms, conducting in-depth studies on three-dimensional anisotropic forward and inverse models, and enhancing data processing techniques. These strategic suggestions aim to promote the continuous advancement of marine electromagnetic technology and provide theoretical support and practical guidance for precise seabed resource exploration.