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Seasickness Prevention Tips for Boating

The most effective way to prevent seasickness while boating is to take medication before you get on the water, stay on deck where you can see the horizon, and avoid reading or looking at screens while the boat is moving. Seasickness affects even experienced sailors, so there's no shame in being proactive about it. This guide covers proven prevention strategies, remedies, and what to do if symptoms strike.

For broader tips on preparing for time on the water, see our guide to boating in Sydney.

What causes seasickness?

Seasickness is caused by a conflict between your senses. Your inner ear detects motion (the boat rocking and rolling), but your eyes may not see corresponding movement — especially if you're below deck or looking at a fixed object inside the cabin. Your brain can't reconcile the mismatch, and the result is nausea, dizziness, sweating, and in severe cases, vomiting.

This sensory conflict is why seasickness is worse below deck, in enclosed cabins, and when reading. It's also why looking at the horizon helps — your eyes confirm the motion your inner ear is detecting, resolving the conflict.

Anyone can get seasick. Even professional sailors and navy personnel experience it. The key is managing it effectively, not pretending you're immune.

What are the best medications for preventing seasickness?

Over-the-counter medications are the most reliable prevention method. The critical detail is timing — you must take them before symptoms start.

Hyoscine (Scopolamine)

Available as tablets (Kwells, Travacalm) or patches (worn behind the ear), hyoscine is one of the most effective anti-nausea medications. Take tablets 30 to 60 minutes before departure. Patches should be applied 6 to 8 hours before exposure. Side effects include dry mouth and drowsiness.

Antihistamines

Medications like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine, Travacalm HO) and meclizine are widely available and effective. Take them 30 to 60 minutes before boarding. Drowsiness is the main side effect, so the skipper should avoid these. Non-drowsy formulations exist but are generally less effective against motion sickness.

Prescription Options

For severe sufferers, a GP can prescribe stronger anti-nausea medications. If you know you're highly susceptible, a consultation before your trip is worthwhile.

Important: The skipper and anyone responsible for operating the vessel should choose non-drowsy options or alternative remedies. Operating a boat while drowsy is dangerous and potentially illegal.

What natural remedies help prevent seasickness?

Several non-pharmaceutical options have evidence supporting their effectiveness:

Ginger

Ginger has a long history of use against nausea and some clinical evidence supports its effectiveness for motion sickness. Options include ginger tablets or capsules (available at chemists), ginger chews or lollies, ginger ale (real ginger, not flavoured), and fresh ginger tea. Take ginger 30 minutes before departure for best results.

Acupressure Wristbands

Wristbands like Sea-Bands apply pressure to the P6 (Nei-Kuan) acupressure point on the inner wrist. Scientific evidence is mixed, but many people report relief. They're inexpensive, have no side effects, and can be worn alongside medication.

Controlled Breathing

Slow, deep breathing through the nose helps regulate the body's stress response and can reduce nausea. Inhale slowly for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale for 6 counts. This technique is particularly useful when symptoms first appear.

What strategies help prevent seasickness on the boat?

Beyond medication and remedies, how you position yourself and what you do on the boat matters enormously.

Stay on Deck

Fresh air and an unobstructed view of the horizon are your best friends. Being on deck allows your eyes to see the motion that your inner ear is detecting, reducing the sensory conflict.

Watch the Horizon

Fix your gaze on the horizon or a distant fixed point. This gives your brain a stable visual reference that matches the motion signals from your inner ear.

Sit Midships

The middle of the boat experiences the least motion. The bow pitches up and down more, and the stern can sway. Position yourself amidships (in the centre) for the smoothest ride.

Avoid Screens and Reading

Reading, scrolling through your phone, or looking at a chart below deck are among the fastest ways to trigger seasickness. If you need to check your phone, do it on deck with the horizon in your peripheral vision, and keep it brief.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration makes nausea worse. Sip water regularly throughout the trip. Avoid excessive alcohol, which dehydrates you and can trigger or worsen symptoms. For more on responsible drinking on the water, see our guide to alcohol limits for boating in NSW.

Eat Light

An empty stomach can worsen nausea, but so can a heavy, greasy meal. Eat a light meal before your trip — plain carbohydrates like toast, crackers, or a banana work well. Avoid rich, fatty, spicy, or acidic foods.

Take the Helm

Counterintuitive as it sounds, driving the boat often prevents seasickness. When you're in control, your brain anticipates the motion before it happens, which reduces the sensory conflict. If the skipper allows it and you have the appropriate licence, ask to take the helm for a while.

Avoid Strong Smells

Engine fumes, diesel, sunscreen, and cooking odours can trigger nausea. Stay upwind of the exhaust and in fresh air.

What should I do if I start feeling seasick?

If symptoms begin despite your best efforts, act quickly:

1. Get to fresh air immediately. Go on deck if you're below.
2. Look at the horizon. Fix your gaze on a distant, stable point.
3. Breathe slowly and deeply. Controlled breathing can reduce nausea.
4. Sip cold water. Small sips, not large gulps.
5. Lie down if possible. Lying on your back with your eyes closed can help in some cases.
6. If you need to vomit, do so over the leeward side (the side the wind is blowing away from). This prevents spray blowing back onto you or the boat.
7. Don't fight it. If you're going to be sick, get it over with. Many people feel significantly better afterward.
8. Consider returning to shore. If symptoms are severe and not improving, the best remedy is solid ground.

Who is most susceptible to seasickness?

Certain groups are more prone to seasickness:

• Women are generally more susceptible than men, particularly during menstruation or pregnancy.
• Children aged 2 to 12 are highly susceptible, though infants under 2 are usually unaffected.
• People with a history of motion sickness (car sickness, air sickness) are more likely to experience seasickness.
• People who suffer migraines have increased susceptibility.
• First-time boaters are more susceptible because their bodies haven't adapted to the motion.

The good news is that susceptibility often decreases with exposure. Many people who feel terrible on their first boat trip find it improves significantly by the third or fourth outing.

What conditions make seasickness worse?

Not all boating days are equal when it comes to seasickness risk:

• Rough seas and large swell create more pronounced motion.
• Short, choppy waves (common when wind opposes tide in Sydney Harbour) cause an irregular motion that's particularly nausea-inducing.
• Slow trolling or drifting allows the boat to roll more than cruising at speed.
• Hot, humid, and windless conditions increase discomfort.
• Strong odours (fuel, food, cleaning products) act as triggers.

If you or your guests are prone to seasickness, choose calm days with light winds and minimal swell. Cruising at moderate speed on a plane is generally more comfortable than idling or drifting.

How do beginners manage seasickness with a boat club?

One advantage of a boat club like My Boat Club is that you choose when to go out. Unlike a charter you've booked months in advance, club membership lets you pick the calmest, best days for your trip. If the forecast looks rough, you simply reschedule — no cost, no guilt.

For tips specific to getting started, see our guide to boat clubs for beginners. The Axopar 28's deep-V hull also handles chop well, providing a smoother ride than many boats of similar size.

When planning what to pack for your trip, including seasickness remedies, our essential boat trip packing list covers everything you need.

Final Thoughts

Seasickness is common, manageable, and nothing to be embarrassed about. The combination of medication taken early, sensible positioning on the boat, fresh air, and a view of the horizon prevents symptoms for the vast majority of people. Don't let the fear of seasickness keep you off the water — prepare properly and you'll be fine.