Seakeeping evaluations are important in the early design stages in order to ensure that vessels can sail the seas and execute their missions safely in the intended conditions. Such evaluations require a set of criteria that translate seakeeping design requirements into tangible measures for decision-making. Despite the availability of seakeeping criteria, certain unsuitable considerations and specifications currently in use result in challenges to crew and operations that do not become apparent until later in a vessel’s service. Though not claimed to be exhaustive, this paper catalogues and reviews the seakeeping criteria commonly used to date, guided by findings from focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews.  The paper unearths the original sources whilst discussing the scientific basis for these criteria and standards. Particular attention is given to the early design stages and opportunities for improvement and further development are highlighted. Findings from this study indicate that it is necessary to develop seakeeping criteria for certain vessel types and that there are opportunities to improve seakeeping criteria addressing crew well-being, performance and safety.