Carbon fibre-reinforced ceramic matrix composites are promising candidate materials for high-temperature structural applications such as gas turbine blades. In oxidizing environments at temperatures above 400 degrees C, however, carbon fibres are rapidly oxidized. There is, therefore, a need to coat the composite in order to protect it against oxidation. This review identifies the requirements of an effective oxidation protection system for carbon fibre-reinforced ceramics and summarizes the work which has been carried out towards this goal over the last 50 years. The most prom ising coatings are those com posed of several ceramic layers designed to protect against erosion, spallation and corrosion, in addition to possessing a self-healing capability by the formation of glassy phases on exposure to oxygen.