Seasickness

Acclimatisation, OTC drugs, when to escalate.

Seasickness is rarely a disqualifier — most seafarers acclimatise within 48–72 hours of going to sea. Persistent severe seasickness affects watchkeeping safety and crew morale; persistent cadet seasickness is a fitness-for-the-job conversation to have ashore, not at sea.

Practical steps

• Stay hydrated; avoid alcohol.
• Eat small, frequent, bland meals.
• Use cinnarizine, meclizine, or scopolamine — read warnings about drowsiness on watch.
• Look at the horizon, not the deck — stay on weather rail in open air.

When to escalate

• If unable to keep fluids down for 24 hours — TMAS consultation.
• If a cadet remains severely affected after a 14-day acclimatisation — talk to the Master.

Last verified 5 months ago