In this study, a hexapod, six-degree of freedom (DOF) platform has been implemented to perform the captive model tests. With this novel device, a physical ship model can be forced to produce independent or coordinated motions in six-DOF that cannot be accomplished by a traditional one. This paper starts with the demonstration of the principle of the novel captive model test device. The motion relations between the driving legs of the testing platform and the physical ship model have been derived, based on which the mathematical model of hydrodynamic force has been established. Next, the testing procedures have been given by performing hydrodynamic coefficients tests of a rectangular frame and two ship models using the novel test device. Finally, the test results are compared with the theoretical values to verify the reliability of the device. The test device proposed in this paper provides a novel alternative to the traditional captive model test devices. It can identify the complex hydrodynamic coefficients of the mathematical model simultaneously in a single device, which is of great significance for the efficient prediction of hydrodynamics performance of given ships and offshore structures.