Seasickness — What It Is, What Actually Works, and How to Deal With It
Seasickness — Tips and tricks
I have been seasick, I’ll be honest — we might have had a big night beforehand, which probably did not help. But seasick is seasick, and it was horrible. The good news: once it’s done, it’s done.
Seasickness is nothing to be embarrassed about. It affects experienced sailors, offshore workers, and complete beginners alike. I know people who have worked at sea for decades and still get it in the wrong conditions. It is completely normal and for most people it passes.
What Actually Causes It?
Your inner ear detects the motion of the vessel — rolling, pitching, yawing — but if you are below decks or staring at a fixed point, your eyes tell your brain everything is still. The mismatch triggers a stress response. The result is nausea, sweating, and in many cases vomiting.
It is a physiological reaction, not a weakness. Though I genuinely think there is a psychological element too — I am worse in a car than at sea, which tells you something. The more you focus on how you feel, the worse it gets.
What Actually Works
Look at the horizon, this is the winner!! The most effective non-drug remedy. Fix your eyes on the horizon and let your visual system sync up with your inner ear. Get to the cockpit and stay there.
Take the helm. Many people find seasickness disappears the moment they are steering. You are focused outward, watching the waves, eyes on the horizon. It works. If i am driving a car or at the helm, i have something to concentrate on. Try it!
Stay on deck. Going below is the worst thing you can do. Engine fumes, cooking smells, reduced visibility, more exaggerated motion — everything gets worse below decks. Get outside and stay there.
Sip water. Stay hydrated. Dehydration makes everything worse and is a common side effect of vomiting. Small sips. Plain water.
Take medication before you need it. This is the mistake most people make. Anti-seasickness tablets only work as prevention — once nausea has set in most will not stay down long enough to work. Take a tablet before you leave the dock, ideally the night before if a rough passage is expected.
Our top picks from Amazon
Stugeron seasickness tablets
These are strong, non-drowsy and I have seen these help at times, probably my top pick. Effective general travel sickness, at sea, in the car or flying.
Kwells Travel Sickness Relief
A renowned brand for quick relief. Fast-Acting for Nausea & Motion Discomfort
Sea-Band acupressure wristband
Another renowned brand. I thought these were a placebo (probably are) but I know a few people who use these religiously. Natural, variety of colours and drug free. These wristbands are perfect for people who suffer from motion sickness during car rides, plane trips, or boat journeys.
What Does Not Work as Well as People Think
Ginger — mild benefit at best. Do not rely on ginger biscuits for a North Sea swell.
Lying down below — makes it worse, not better. Removes your visual reference entirely.
Big meal before departure — a light plain snack is better than a full greasy meal.
The Night Before Matters
Don’t do what I did… A heavy night before a passage does not help. Alcohol dehydrates you and leaves you below par before you even start. Look after yourself the night before. It genuinely makes a difference. I suggest it’s another one for your offshore safety checklist, usually a provision for a first aid kit and even the life raft.
If You Are Sick
Go to the leeward side, hold on, and get it done. Do not fight it — most people feel significantly better immediately afterwards. Sip water, get fresh air, focus on the horizon. Cold water does help but not if you get cold water shock, thats a different story.
If seasickness is severe or persisting beyond 24 hours with ongoing vomiting, it becomes a medical matter. Divert to a safe port if possible.
FAQs
Will I always get seasick?
Not necessarily. Many people get their sea legs after a day or two. Regular time at sea generally makes you less susceptible over time.
Should I tell the skipper?
Yes. A seasick crew member is less able to help effectively. There is no shame in it and the skipper needs to know who is available.
Is seasickness dangerous?
Usually not. In severe cases with persistent vomiting, dehydration can become serious. It is also a risk factor in emergencies — a seasick crew member responds less effectively under pressure.
This article is for general information only. If you have a medical condition that may affect your suitability to take seasickness medication, consult your GP before going to sea.
The information in this article is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional safety advice. Always consult current MCA, SOLAS, and HSE official documentation and a qualified marine safety professional before making any safety-critical decisions. Product specifications and regulatory requirements change — always verify against current official sources before purchase. Where affiliate links appear on this site, they are clearly disclosed and never influence our recommendations. marinesafetyguide.com participates in affiliate programmes including Amazon Associates and the Awin network and may earn a small commission on purchases made through links on this site, at no extra cost to you.
