A third of seafarers suffer from seasickness

Nautilus International's concerns about the scale of seasickness suffered by seafarers has been backed by new research which shows that the problem affects more than one-third of crew members.

The study, carried out by health and safety experts from six French institutions, warns that seasickness – also known as motion sickness or naupathy – continues to be something of a taboo topic among seafarers despite the significant personal and professional consequences that it presents.

The research was based on in-depth questioning of merchant seafarers from all key sectors of the shipping industry and notes that the problem can affect anyone who goes to sea, regardless of how long they have worked onboard ships.

Researchers found that 34% of seafarers had suffered from seasickness, with 30% stating that they regularly experienced the problem. Those in the deck department are most likely to be affected, while cooks and engineers suffer least.

Feedback from seafarers show women were more sensitive to seasickness, the report points out, with some 60% reporting the problem against 31% of their male colleagues. Although the intensity of symptoms were generally felt equally, the study showed the symptoms seem to disappear more quickly among women than men.

The research, which is published in the latest edition of the International Maritime Health journal, found that more than three-quarters of those suffering seasickness say the symptoms appear within a few hours of going to sea.

While 40% report that they feel better within a few hours and 40% within a day, 10% said the symptoms persist throughout their voyage.

The most common symptoms experienced by seafarers include nausea (87.5%), cold sweats (50%), and yawning (42%). Other effects include vomiting, loss of pallor, drowsiness, fatigue and feelings of weakness and depression.

Although an overwhelming majority of seafarers took no treatment to deal with the condition, the researchers found that men were more likely than women to take something – 38% against 17%.

The report points to some of the reasons why seafarers may be reluctant to discuss the issue, with more than half stating that they were embarrassed to be ill at work and 59% being concerned that it would have a detrimental impact upon collective workplace performance.

'Although ways of thinking are changing, seasickness is still a taboo subject for many sailors,' the researchers said. 'Yet seasickness has major professional and personal repercussions. So, it’s important to raise the subject and discuss strategies for improving well-being at work.'

Naupathy can considerably impair an individual seafarer's ability to work, the report warns, and it points to one study showing that 10% of Finnish cadets said seasickness was so intense it prevented them from doing their usual duties and another which highlighted the increased risk of accidents for those affected.

Given the scale of the problem, the researchers said more studies should be carried out – and especially into potential remedies. The report says the most successful of these appears to be the Nausicaa system, developed in France, which uses virtual reality techniques to treat sufferers.