Prevent Seasickness

Seasickness is a condition caused by a disparity between visual stimuli and motion information from the semicircular canals of the inner ear. About a third of the general population is highly susceptible to seasickness, and about two thirds are susceptible enough to be affected under rough conditions. Although not independently life-threatening, a bout of seasickness can ruin your trip.

Before You Go to Sea

 * 1) Start taking medication up to 24 hours in advance. The medicine will be more effective if it's already in your bloodstream when you step onto the boat. Plus, you avoid the problem of forcing yourself to swallow medicine if you feel sick.
 * 2) *Both OTC and prescription medications are available. Talk to your doctor beforehand for more details.
 * 3) Hydrate by drinking plenty of water and some mild fruit juice or sports drink. Dehydration can bring on symptoms of seasickness.
 * 4) Eat mild, starchy foods, such as toast or baked potato, before your trip.

At Sea

 * 1) Stay hydrated. Drink water and dilute sports drink. Ginger flavored drinks can be very helpful, including flat ginger ale.
 * 2) Watch the distant horizon to give help your inner ear and eyes the same sense of your motion.
 * 3) Close your eyes if you can't watch the horizon. This cuts down on the conflict of signals between eyes and inner ear.
 * 4) Press on your ear openings with your index fingers. You should feel an increase of pressure inside your ears. This increased pressure slows the movement of fluid in the semicircular canals, reducing your sensation of movement.
 * 5) Lie down on your side, parallel to the side of the boat, with your head pointed towards the bow.
 * 6) Use ginger or peppermint. This can be in the form of tea. You can also suck on a piece of ginger. Ginger cookies work well too. Ginger candy is available at Asian, and some other grocery stores. Two other herbs that can be used successfully are basil and peppermint; either smelling or consuming these can ease nausea.

Tips

 * If you feel nauseated at sea and don't want to swallow water, hold the water in your mouth. The thin tissues of your mouth are highly effective at absorbing fluids.
 * Stay on deck, if possible. You'll get fresh air, and be able to see the horizon.
 * Assist with steering, if possible. It often helps if you can anticipate the boat's movements.
 * Don't read or do anything that fixates your eyes on a single point. As discussed above, keep looking out into the horizon or approaching land but without focusing on it too much.
 * Consider wearing a pressure band. These can be purchased on board reputable seacraft or at pharmacies.

Warnings

 * Be sure to consult your doctor about any medications, including OTC ones.
 * Attach yourself to the boat if you're on rough seas, as your balance is compromised.
 * If you're going to hang over the side, make sure you're securely attached to the boat with a safety harness or similar.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Prevent Motion Sickness
 * How to Get Rid of Your Motion Sickness
 * How to Have the Most Fun Ever on a Cruise Ship (Teens)
 * How to Avoid Getting Sick from Food when Traveling