The non-stick & foul release property of silicones was first reported in the early 1970s, with surface free energy of 22 – 24 dynes/cm offering a minimally adhesive surface to biological organisms. The superior antifouling performance of tri-butyl tin- self-polishing coatings TBT-SPC systems outshone all other antifouling formulations from 1970 to 1980s until environmental regulations warranted a total ban on the use of the TBT-SPC system. Foul release coatings (FRC’s) use hydrodynamic stress during navigation to minimize adhesion between fouling organisms and coating surfaces so that fouling can be removed. Addition of hydrophobic silicone oils along with other properties like low surface energy, elasticity and low glass transition temperature, low micro-roughness, attributed to the foul release property of siloxane polymers. Inhibition of fouling on FRC is dependent on several factors like chemical bonding of marine bio adhesives, electrostatic interactions, physical adsorptions between coatings and secreted bio adhesives, diffusion, penetration and interlocking of bio adhesives within the coating matrix. Foul release coatings are prone to biofouling and their fouling load decreases with an increase in hydrodynamic stress due to water flow. Fouling release occurs due to weak interfacial bond created by the organism’s cement and the coating surfaces as a result of low surface free energy (SFE) and cohesive failure of bio adhesives occurs due to shear forces created by flowing water across the coatings. Even though FRC has been shown to be eco-friendly & reduce drag they have many drawbacks viz: weak adhesion strength between coating and substrate, weak mechanical properties, poor AF performance under static conditions, inefficient against diatom and bacterial slimes. Bacterial and diatom biofilms on FRC’s increase frictional resistance reduce drag reduction and fuel savings. To improve the biofouling resistance of FRC, several approaches like amphiphiles, zwitterions, quaternary ammonium salts (QAs), and metal oxide nanoparticles have been investigated. PEG-based amphiphiles is one such example where findings have translated into a commercial paint Intersleek 1100SR and HempasilX3 formulations which have been reported to offer better fouling release of barnacles and diatoms. Surface chemistry, mechanical property, binding to substrates, and durability are vital factors in designing modern-day antifouling coatings and fouling resistance is a ubiquitous parameter in consideration. This review reports the advancements and modifications to the siloxane backbone by each of these parameters which have enabled in development of superior and environmentally benign foul release coatings.KeywordsAntifouling coatingsFouling release coatingsPolydimethylsiloxanePolymerNanofillersPolymer brushesHydrogelBarnaclesAmphiphilicZwitterion