Author: Nicole Catherine Taylor, Lecturer in Mechatronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University

I’ve always been intrigued by the ocean, drawn to its mystery and sheer immensity. So I was excited when, in 2019, I identified a topic for my postgraduate studies that gave me a chance to work aboard South Africa’s polar supply and research vessel, the SA Agulhas II. My research was about people’s well-being while living and working aboard the ship. And, very soon into the trip, my own well-being took a knock: I developed motion sickness. Motion sickness is triggered by a ship’s rocking motion (cars, aeroplanes and trains can have the same effect). The long list of symptoms…