Which activity is known to aggravate motion sickness?

Reading chart work is known to aggravate motion sickness primarily because it involves focusing on a stationary object while the body is in motion. This discrepancy between what the eyes see and what the inner ear senses can lead to confusion in the brain, which is a significant factor in inducing motion sickness. When you’re looking at something close, like a chart, while the boat is moving, your vestibular system may detect movement that your eyes do not register, creating a mismatch that can trigger symptoms of motion sickness.

In contrast, activities such as listening to music, eating snacks, or talking to other crew members typically do not contribute to motion sickness in the same way. They can provide distractions or comfort, which can help alleviate the feelings of nausea that might arise from being on a moving vessel.