This paper presents the results of seakeeping tests in a container ship model in irregular head waves. A time domain signal generating procedure is devised so that the wave maker behaves in accordance with the specified wave spectrum. The surface elevation of generated waves is measured and analysed to render the recorded wave spectrum for comparison with the specified one. Correction is made to the time domain signal until the differences between the two spectra become negligible. The motion responses and vertical acceleration of the self-propelled ship model are measured and analysed by both the spectral and the double amplitude methods. The two methods give nearly same statistical values. Finally the recorded spectra are compared with those calculated from the frequency domain motion analysis to show the credibility of the experimental results.