An analytical method is proposed for the direct determination of Cd in seawater by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry and the derivative technique with a hanging mercury drop electrode. The process of determination is quick, simple and convenient. The concentration of Cd in seawater is only determined by adjusting the acidity of seawater to pH 2 and by taking three minutes' plating time. Sensitivity of the method is about 1×10-10M, and accuracy of that satisfactory. Relative standard deviation is about 12% when the concentration of Cd in seawater is approximately 0.04 ppb. A good agreement was obtained by a standard curve and a standard addition technique respectively from determining Cd in the same seawater. Actual measurement time per sample is about 10 min.