Motion sickness is a common affliction, with nearly 80% of people experiencing it at least once in their lives. If you’re prone to motion sickness, there’s a high likelihood you’ll encounter seasickness, especially when working on a yacht. Interestingly, women are more susceptible to seasickness than men.
The constant motion of a yacht on the water often triggers symptoms, potentially turning your dream job into a nightmare. Recognising the challenges faced by yacht crew who can't avoid the sea, CrewPass has compiled a guide to help minimise seasickness symptoms.
Fun Fact: The "Plague of the Sea"
The Ancient Greeks referred to seasickness as the "plague of the sea."
What Causes Seasickness?
Seasickness stems from a conflict in the inner ear, home to our balance mechanism. The yacht's motion disrupts this balance, triggering stress-related hormones that lead to symptoms. Some theories suggest the brain interprets this disruption as poisoning, though this remains unproven.
Yacht stabilisers and gyros can reduce symptoms but aren’t foolproof. Factors like intense odours (fish or engine fumes) can worsen the experience. However, many people acclimate to the yacht's motion after a few days of sailing.
Symptoms of Seasickness
Seasickness often appears shortly after boarding and varies in intensity from person to person. Common symptoms include:
Pale skin
Dizziness
Loss of appetite
Headaches
Increased saliva production
Nausea
Vertigo
Vomiting
(Note: CrewPass is not a healthcare provider. For medical concerns, consult a doctor.)
How to Minimise Seasickness
Here are some effective strategies to manage seasickness:
1. Avoid Overheating
Stay cool and avoid direct sunlight, as heat stroke can worsen seasickness.
2. Drink Water (Moderately)
While hydration is essential, excessive water consumption can exacerbate nausea due to the stomach's movement. Avoid alcohol, coffee, and acidic juices, which may irritate your stomach.
3. Avoid Reading
Just as reading in a moving car can induce sickness, it’s best to avoid books, screens, or devices on a yacht.
4. Get Some Sleep
Whenever possible, rest. Sleep reduces mixed signals in your brain by removing visual and auditory inputs.
5. Take Medication
Several over-the-counter and prescription medications can ease or prevent seasickness:
Cinnarizine: A sedating antihistamine that helps with nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.
Hyoscine: Blocks signals to the brain and reduces saliva buildup, alleviating nausea.
6. Avoid the Engine Room
Stay away from areas with fumes and intense odours, especially the engine room, as they can intensify symptoms.
7. Try Ginger
Ginger is a natural remedy for nausea and dizziness. Consume it in raw form, as a tea, in ginger beer, or as capsules.
8. Use Seasickness Bands
Acupressure wristbands, influenced by acupuncture techniques, can block nausea-inducing signals to the brain.
Recommended Products
Here’s a selection of seasickness remedies to help you prepare for your time on the water:
Anti-Nausea Wristbands
Description: Knitted elastic wristbands applying pressure to the Nei Kuan acupressure point. Helps prevent nausea caused by travel.
Price: £2.49Reliefband
Description: A drug-free, FDA-cleared device using patented technology to prevent nausea and vomiting.
Price: £129.99 – £249.99Kwells Travel Sickness Tablets
Description: Hyoscine hydrobromide tablets that can be taken before travel or at the onset of symptoms.
Price: £3.19Stugeron Tablets
Description: Tablets for nausea, vomiting, and headaches caused by travel sickness.
Price: £3.75
Overcoming Seasickness at Sea
Seasickness doesn’t have to ruin your time at sea. By understanding the causes and taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce its impact. Whether through natural remedies like ginger, practical habits like staying hydrated and avoiding reading, or using over-the-counter solutions, there are plenty of ways to feel more at ease on the water. Preparing ahead can make all the difference, ensuring you enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
