The question here is: Can infrared radiation [emitted from the atmosphere] warm a water body [the ocean]? I say yes, and have a challenge for those who say no. First, I think we need to clarify some terminology: What does "warm" mean? Clearly, warm is a verb here and means "to make warmer" i.e. "to cause the object to have a higher temperature". So, warmer than what? Given that the planet is very close to a steady state, at least on suitable time scales, I think the answer can only be "warmer than it otherwise would be". If you have a different answer, please be explicit and provide some justification.