In this paper design criteria for semi-submersibles, effective at the stage of basic design, are reviewed first generally. Thereafter an extensive study is focussed on essential problematic areas such as design load, heaving motion, overall structural analysis and welding technique. The necessity for this kind of research is apparent in the light of the fact that ocean exploration and exploitation becomes extended to deeper ocean and that semi-submersibles are the most favorite unit for operation under this environment. In some sense principles in naval architecture are indeed applicable to the design of semi-submersible. However, because of the difference in geometry between ships and semi-submersibles, there are significant deviations in design method. A thorough discussion is made on particular behaviours of a semi-submersible in stability, wave load, motion characteristics and structural responses. Then some calculation-procedures and design guidelines are tentatively proposed. A numerical calculation for a semi-submersible Sedco 708 is exemplified for better understanding of the concept. The structure has 4 main and another 4 secondary stabilizing columns with catamaran-type lower hull. In this example design condition is supposed to be 28m wave height, 90 knots wind speed for survival condition and seastate 6 for operational condition in water of 100m depth. The numerical result implies that the actual design of this model can be assessed close to optimum. Further intensive research is strongly required in the subject fields of dynamic stability, rational evaluation of wave load statistical basis for fatigue life judgement.