Any other reasons for seasickness?

[Steve in Sharm]

Hi all,

Its just taken me 5 days to teach a BSAC Sports Diver course (practical side only) because one of my students suffers from seasickness - very badly.

First day off a boat the diver in question was really bad even though we had 'mill pond' like conditions, so I decided it was off to the shore for the next day, there is a short floating pontoon to walk across before entry - guess what, still suffered quite badly even after a 20 second walk :eek: But at least we managed a dive that day.

Next day was the same, only they were unable to dive this time after the walk to the water :eek: So down to a beach to complete the course.

The student in question also threw up during two dives and at the end of each dive. Though this I suspect was exercise induced rather than sea conditions as they had been taught nothing about buoyancy control and finning techniques during their Ocean Diver course so consequently was having to work very hard in the water, I think I will be proven right here as after spending the final two dives off the beach working on buoyancy and slowing down the student did not throw up on either of these dives.

My question is, could there be another reason for such a bad reaction to wobbly water other than seasickness? Apparently they have done sailing cruises in the med before with no ill effects.


Thanks for all the replies.


Steve

[Gareth]

Steve

Note the disclaimer :).

The only though I have is that the student had some form of ear infection, or other ear/balance related problem.

There is also the possibility that dehydration paid a part - although I figure that you have far more experience of this than I.


Gareth

** I have NO medical training & knowledge. This is the internet so all comment & advice should be treated accordingly! **

[Roz]

It might be that they have got themselves so mentally worked up that they threw up. I know that this statement sounds odd, but this happens to a mate of mine when they are megga stressed. They start by coughing a lot, and if they don't get a handle on it, it escalates until they are physically sick. Some students really put themselves through the mill to learn. I wouldn't rule it out as you said that apparently they've sailed without any ill effects.

HTH

[northern_diver]

stress can be a issue with some people (of the enviroment, of failing, of dying etc)
fumes from nearby and/or the boat/RHIB they are on, sometime i can feel less than grand after the cox repeatibly reverses to find a shot etc.

maybe try some shore entries away from boats (:rolleyes: ;) ) and see?

john

[Matt-75]

Inner ear infection maybe?

[Maria CM]

I'd go with stress...

Over-heating?

Serious inebriation the night before?

Upset stomach made worse because of slight movement.

I know someone who throws up after every dive as a matter of course....

best wishes,

Maria

[NickBCotswold]

Hiya Steve!!!

agree with Roz, think its prob down to nerves....

I used to cough a lot, actually, more "choke"- symptom of nerves - within seconds of donning a dry suit with tight neck seal - had to stretch the seal until i had calmed down - BUT same would happen again on entering the water - obviously couldnt stretch the neck seal at that point, so would always warn my buddy that this was a common occurance and so to expect it - remedy was to just wait an extra minute or two at the surface with reg out till i had calmed down.........

nowadays only cough/choke a little bit IF i havent worn my dry suit for some time and it only lasts a few seconds..... as i tend to dive UK on average every 3-4 weeks it happens less and less.

when in shorty/wet suit and in the warm it happens less and less BUT has happened on first dive before, as it had been 3 months since my last dive!

guess it will just take time for the student for him/her to mentally overcome/prepare for each dive IF it is indeed down to nerves.

regards
Nick

ps - your fin spring strap screw you kindly sourced for me when in sharm is still going strong!!! cheers!