How to avoid sea-sickness

[gbrdiver]

I have to go to Hainan Island, China in a few months. Naturally, I am researching the diving and came across these words of wisdom from http://www.globalsanya.com/scuba_diving.asp Having dived in China before, item number 4 amused me...watching the diesel fumes get sucked through the air compressor is just like watching goldfish - hard not to think about. I'm guessing item 9 is ladies only?

Sunny's advice:
1. those who suffer from heart disease, asthma, hypertension and tympanitis cannot engage in diving.
2. Please strictly follow the rule that you should always be accompanied with a coach.
How To Beat Seasickness
1. take a good rest before diving,
2. avoid over tireness
3. take big boats or speedboat
4. avoid thinking too much about the diesel or other fuel emission from the boat or ship
5. avoid looking at the weave, but the deck
6. avoid reading on board
7. take deep breath, and balance your mind
8. take some medicine before taking boat
9. apply for finger massage
10. avoid doing scuba diving when you are a little bit sick

All our special offers are provided by Sanya Red Coral International Water Sports Center, which is a member of CMAS and PADI Association, reservation in advance is a must. For booking, please email to Sunny at travel@globalsanya.com or call her at 86-13617519978.
Scuba diving or snorkeling also available in Boundary Island, Wuzhizhou Island & West Islet upon requests, for indipendent travelers or groups. Please write to us, we will make an elaborated tour for you.

[drako]

Ive got pretty good sea legs but the best thing to do that I have observed is to stay out of INSIDE the boat. Even if you get wet stay on board ther outside and concentrate on the horizon.

[rox@ucf11]

dont fight the boat, and rolling roll with it, also get away from the diesel fumes!!!!

[Moxie]

My DH has issues with this on boat dives. I wish something would work for him, because the only thing that will make me want to chuck is him chucking. Blech.

[Diver Kat]

Originally Posted by Moxie

My DH has issues with this on boat dives. I wish something would work for him, because the only thing that will make me want to chuck is him chucking. Blech.

I am SO with you on this one! I've been sick 3 times on boats - once another diver started up directly across from me; and the other two times were on different boats where the conversation went on endlessly about how sick several of them had been the day before, or at a previous time.

The power of sight, hearing & suggestion are killers!

As for precautionary measures - the DH & I take ginger pills ....

[Moxie]

I don't get why while on the boat where people might get sick, someone starts talking about it? It's like setting off a chain reaction and the next thing you know everyone is feeding the fishes.

I close my eyes then and go to my happy place. Bringing along an IPOD and something to smell would probably help too.

Think I'm going to have to try him on the ginger pills.

[Largo]

Thanks GBR Diver, that is hilarious!

[nikefreekz]

Originally Posted by drako

Ive got pretty good sea legs but the best thing to do that I have observed is to stay out of INSIDE the boat. Even if you get wet stay on board ther outside and concentrate on the horizon.

i second that, i few times that i stayed inside i got a whole lot worst. Once i fount that out, i always stay on the deck, it's alot more comfortable anyway and i fall asleep most of the time sitting out, and you can easily choose a spot where you can avoid the fumes too

[texdiveguy]

Staying on shore is the biggest aid.

[mona]

Interesting suggestions. I agree, kind of hard not to think about the fumes!! Definitely stay away from them though if at all possible. Staying on deck seems to be better than going inside the boat.
For me, I have found that taking generic "gravol" works. I take 2 about an hour before a boat dive and that takes care of seasickness (from being on the boat and also the horrible seasickness I get from the surge of the water felt at surface to about 20 feet depth). This lasts me for up to a 2 tank boat dive. If going out for a second 2 tank dive then I take 2 more during the long surface interval/break. I find the generic version of the meds doesn't make me drowsy at all and has not had any adverse effect on my ability to dive.