What is seasickness?

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness “characterized by a feeling of unwellness brought on by certain kinds of movement”. It is a common medical condition that occurs frequently among individuals of different ages, genders, and health conditions. In fact, it is estimated that 8 out of 10 people would experience some degree of seasickness during a fishing trip. In specific, seasickness is when all senses are mixed or are in conflict, and the brain cannot make sense of the information perceived. 

Causes of seasickness.

On a fishing boat, seasickness is caused by the rocking movement of the boat, whether idle or at speed. However, it is mostly caused by the rocking movement of the boat when the boat is idle and people are fishing onboard in the deep sea. If you belong to any of the following categories, you are more likely to experience seasickness when boarding a fishing charter:

• Women
• Children
• Active people
• Elderly people
• People with medical and hormonal issues

Symptoms of seasickness

If you experience seasickness, you are likely to experience several symptoms. The most common symptom is nausea. Nausea is derived from the Greek word “naus” which means “ship”, which gives you an idea of how many people in ancient Greece did not enjoy fishing trips very much! This was because nausea was most common for people boarding ships, such as the fishermen. 

Other symptoms you might experience include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Sleepiness
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Lack of concentration

Seasickness does not tend to cause serious problems, however, in rare cases, some people may experience excessive vomiting, resulting in dehydration and low blood pressure. Despite that, seasickness is quite uncomfortable and would make an exciting fishing trip an unpleasant one.

How to prevent seasickness?

Luckily, seasickness is not the end of the world, and should not be a reason to cancel out a weekend fishing trip! Seasickness can be effectively prevented through any of the following:

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications – The most effective preventative measure to protect you from getting seasick during a fishing tour is to take OTC motion sickness medication, readily available in most pharmacies for less than AED 20. OTC seasickness medications are most effective when used before the onset of symptoms and must be taken 45 minutes before sailing. While mostly safe, OTC seasickness medications may be followed by some unwanted side effects. Consult with your physician prior to taking OTC seasickness medications. 

Behavioral management - Behavioral measures are also very effective in preventing seasickness. We recommend considering the following the next time you are on a fishing boat:

• Reduce movements of the head, shoulders, hips, and knees.
• Sit where the boat is mostly stable (usually the rear end of the fishing boat)
• Try to sit as far away from the engines as possible.
• Focus on the horizon where the sky meets the sea, or any island in sight.
• Take mindful breaths.
• Listen to pleasant music.
• Use aromatherapy and breathe in mint, ginger, or lavender scents.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid heavy meals.
• Avoid using a phone or tablet. 

How to treat seasickness?

If you experience seasickness during your fishing trip in Dubai, you can try the above-described preventative measures if you haven’t already. If you have, and you still experience seasickness, the following remedies have proven effective for most people:

• Jump into the water for a swim – Take a dip for some refreshment! Jumping into the water might not seem very appealing when you are experiencing seasickness, but believe it or not, it works like magic! Be sure to have your life jacket on if you are not a good swimmer. Safety first!
• Become a fishing boat captain – Ask for permission from the fishing boat captain (Duh!) and take over the steering wheel. This will restore your sense of direction and help you get back to normal.

In all cases, seasickness typically subsides when you offboard your fishing charter. It is also worth noting that seasickness does not typically have any negative long-term effects. However, if you still do not feel well within a few minutes of being back on land, it is recommended to visit a healthcare professional for evaluation and treatment.