Seasickness varies from person to person. Although a few people claim to have never been seasick, I've always figured most of them are lying. By the same token, few people are actually chronically seasick (i.e. so sick all the time so that they cannot function). It is truly a miserable feeling as there really is no place to go to get relief (although they have been known to send folks up in the helicopter in an attempt to do so).
As the effects of seasickness vary, so do the cures. Bonamine or Gravol can be effective, but also tend to cause drowsiness . I've heard folks rave about the "West Coast Command Badge" (scopalmine patch), but I know that also cause wild hallucinations for others. I've know people who swear by the "Sea-Band," which is a wrist band with a marble in it that puts pressure on a acupuncture point. For some folks one or all of these methods work and for others, none of them work. My own personal experience is that Bonamine or Gravol both work quite well as long as I don't need to do anything that requires me staying awake. However, what works best of all for me is to sail on a clear calm day. If we start the trip when it's calm, I'll be fine after the first day, no matter how rough it gets. But, if we sail directly into crap, I'll be sick unless I've taken some Bonamine ahead of time.
A few hints:
1) The ocean makes a difference. Waves form differently in the Atlantic and Pacific and this has an effect on seasickness. I've never chucked my guts in the Pacific, but have several times in the Atlantic. For others the opposite is true.
2) Now matter how bad you feel, EAT SOMETHING. This is the hardest thing to get across to people. Having an empty stomach will NOT prevent you from throwing up, but it will make it more painful. Dry heaves hurt like hell and can cause damage. Having something in your stomach makes it less painful. Dry crackers or plain bread is really good for this as they are easier to choke down (and softer coming up
).
3) Gravol or Bonamine only work if you take them at least a half an hour BEFORE the motion starts and BEFORE you feel sick. If you take them after the ship departs they won't be as effective and if you already feel sick, won't work at all. In fact, taking them after you start to feel sick will often trigger vomiting as your gag reflex is hyper-sensitive at that point and they taste really bad.
4) If you're on the upper decks (fresh air and seeing the horizon can help), make sure you understand the difference between windward and leeward and vomit accordingly.
5) Seasickness is a common affliction and you will rarely get a lot of sympathy. You are still expected to stand your watches. Remember that the guy you're supposed to relieve on watch may feel just as bad as you - don't make him/her wait.
6) Clean up your own mess.
7) Prevent that mess by carrying a plastic garbage bag with you. Traditionally, plastic garbage bags in the Navy are clear, because we all like to see what people had for lunch that day!
