SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Practice Exam

How can divers effectively manage seasickness?

1. By staying still and not moving

2. By adjusting their position and focusing on the horizon

3. By consuming a heavy meal before diving

4. By avoiding water intake before the dive

The correct answer is: By adjusting their position and focusing on the horizon

Divers can effectively manage seasickness by adjusting their position and focusing on the horizon. This approach helps to stabilize the inner ear and brain's sense of balance. When a diver maintains a position that is more aligned with the motion of the boat, particularly by looking at a fixed point like the horizon, it reduces the conflicting signals that could contribute to seasickness. Focusing on the horizon provides visual stability, which can help mitigate the disorientation that often leads to nausea. Additionally, being in a stable position, such as sitting or leaning against the side of the boat, can further enhance comfort. Understanding your environment and adjusting accordingly can make a significant difference in managing seasickness effectively. Other methods, such as eating a heavy meal beforehand or avoiding water intake, are not advisable as they can actually exacerbate the problem rather than alleviate it. Staying still may provide temporary relief but does not address the root causes of motion sickness, making active adjustment essential for long-term comfort while diving.