A first-time cadet on board goes quiet, looks pale, and says they feel a bit odd. What is happening and what should be done first?

A. This is likely the early stage of seasickness. Get them into fresh air on deck (not down below where it is worse), looking at the horizon rather than close-up objects like a phone or book, and reassure them calmly that it is common and manageable

B. Send them below decks immediately to lie down out of the wind

C. Ignore it completely since seasickness is not a real problem worth addressing

D. Tell them to read a book to distract themselves from the feeling

A. Tell them to sit completely still and do nothing at all, with no distractions

B. Giving them a simple task at the helm or holding a line can genuinely help — actively steering or focusing on a task, while looking outward, distracts the mind and can reduce the feeling of sickness for some people

C. Ask them to go and check something below decks to take their mind off it

D. Give them strong-smelling food to eat immediately

A. Leave them completely alone with no support while they are sick

B. Tell them off for being sick on the boat

C. Make sure they are clipped on or held securely while leaning over the side (never let anyone vomit over the leeward, downwind side, as it will blow back — use the windward or stern area carefully); reassure them that being sick often makes people feel better afterwards, not worse

D. Force them to eat something immediately afterwards regardless of how they feel