Abstract: In the analysis, the drilling risers are simplified as beams under axial and transverse random wave and current loads. The formulas for computing the random response are derived with the distributed inertia force represented by 3rd-order Hermite interpolation polynomials. The transfer matrix method can take the effects of floating vessel motions on the dynamic responses and the hydrodynamical damping into consideration much more easily than the modal superposition method. Based on the formulas given in the paper, a Fortran program is developed. The program produces random solutions to the deflections, angular displacements, bending moments and stresses of drilling resers. Calculation for the example given in T.C. Tucker's paper gare very close results to the data in the original paper. In addition,(1)There is anoptimum top tension which makes the dynamic response a minimum.(2)The floating vessel motion has a considerable effect on the dynamic response, so it must be considered in the analysis.(3)The wave spectrum has a very large effect on the dynamic response. In order to get an accurate dynamic analysis, a reliable wave spectrum obtained from long-time observation should be used in calculation.