Casually crewed a mates Careel TS around Pittwater and the lower Hawkesbury here in NSW on the long weekend. Slept on board at anchor.It is now Wednesday, and I am back at the desk and laptop - and immediately on being seated have Disembarkment syndrome. I did not have balance issues while on-board.FWIW, I have never had it when paddling my sea-kayak, solo or in groups, across Bass Strait, nor when leading multi-pitch rock-climbs. I imagine I do not get it doing those activities as I am always looking at the horizon - and sleep on shore each night. I crewed a S38 Brisbane - Coffs - Pittwater in 2018 that saw me endure MdMS for up to 6 weeks, before it dramatically went away in minutes (the ending of the ailment has happened like that before, but was concerned at the 6 weeks of MdMS). Crewing weekly Wednesday arvo races on keelboats in winter 2024 did not give MdMS at all. Thoughts? My mate brought home-made hotpot meals rich in fresh ginger.

vestibular.org/article/diagnosis-treatment/types-of-vestibular-disorders/mal-de-debarquement/ gives a pretty decent run down of the (lack of) understanding of the causes and various theories about it.

After 2 or 3 days off-shore in roly-poly conditions, I have had the not uncommon experience that my brain is still compensating for the movement even after I am on dry land. But so far, for me it is not distressing and is relatively short lived.

My completely amateur response if it was going on more than usual would be to go for one or more longish walks on flat ground, preferably on a sunny day and with my eyes up and looking at the horizon. That is, trying to convince my brain to stop compensating, by exposing it to steady predictable motion - the opposite of the prolonged unsteady, unpredictable motion that caused it to compensate in the first place.

Good luck with it, I hope it is gone soon.

I just learnt something, so thanks!
I've never heard of it, but (like l'm sure we all do), I experience that rocking and swaying every time I hop off from any prolonged period on a boat. Like Quix mentioned, its always temporary and not unpleasant. The longest I've had that sensation is in the shower the night after I've hopped off the boat, when you can't stop yourself bumping against the walls.
I had no idea it could be something that hangs around for any period of time, that would be rather unsettling.

A mate and I tied up at the services club wharf at lauriton, I noticed my mate obviously not looking at the brother mountain, so I had to have a good look at it, it appeared to be moving away but not getting smaller. My mate was relieved that I was also experiencing the same trip. A shower a beer & a feed at the club seemed to stabilise the mountain

I don't know if this helps your situation, but sometimes I get dizzy spells if I am dehydrated. It might be worth trying to stay hydrated.

Have you tried talking to a physio who deals with vertigo. I didn't know they did, but a friend had a severe bout (not sea induced) and they were able to help. I had no idea that they could. No idea if they could help with what you have but if it's caused by displacement of sensing systems perhaps they could?

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Kenyafrog said..
Have you tried talking to a physio who deals with vertigo. I didn't know they did, but a friend had a severe bout (not sea induced) and they were able to help. I had no idea that they could. No idea if they could help with what you have but if it's caused by displacement of sensing systems perhaps they could?

If it is anything like vertigo there is a maneuver that my GP performed on me when I had it. I can't recall the exact process but it involved laying down quickly then turning your head to one side, then (I think) repeat on the other side. If it works you get a fairly severe bout of dizziness (while still laying down) and your eyes do some cray flickering back and forth.
I felt very ordinary for a little while after (foggy and a bit nauseas) but once that passed the vertigo was cured. I'm sure if you google it it will be out there.