What's the protocol for tipping for instructors?

[bradlw]

What's the expectation for tipping an OW instructor, in the US? yes? no? amount?

The shop we're going through has an instructor do all the pool and classroom stuff.... and the checkout dives will most likely be with another instructor, depending on whatever weekend the student choses to schedule the springs dive trip. I feel ike that if I were to tip, the amount might be a little less since it's only covering the pool work...

I really don't like this tipping culture we have here, and I rarely feel comfortable with it......but hey it is, what it is...
And my understanding from a buddy of mine that used to instruct through this same dive store chain years ago, is that he made a lot less money per student than he did when teaching through other shops.

I currently have three kids and my wife getting certified and I'm doing a refresh.... and our instructor is doing a good job...as is the Divemaster trainee that is working with her.

So what do ya'll think?

 

[ontdiver]

I don't think anyone should tip an instructor. You are paying for training, not a service.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

I don't think anyone should tip an instructor. You are paying for training, not a service.

I agree. An instructor is a paid position and should not require tipping. It's been quite a few years since I have taken any instruction, but I don't recall ever tipping my instructors. I've trained up through Divemaster (which required AOW and rescue), a number of recreation specialties, plus AN, DP, and trimix on the tech path. I paid for the instruction and tipped the boat crew on required charters, but I never tipped an instructor.

 

[Tigerpaw]

If I'm taking a course I don't tip because I've paid the course fees and such and I don't want there to be any thoughts of quid pro quo/bribe.

Now afterwards, is another matter because the instructor is taking time to help you out. For example, I was rusty with sidemount diving prior to taking some tech classes and was struggling. I reached out to my SM instructor and asked for help. He scheduled a half a day and gave me a refresher and it really helped out. He didn't charge me anything or asked for anything but I gave him a few dollars for his time and to show appreciation.

 

[NothingClever]

I agree with @Divin'Papaw - I’m paying for a training service.

That much said, I’m willing to make an exception to the rule if an instructor takes the time and effort to not only drill with me over and over for skill refinement and muscle memory but also to preview the linkages to requirements and standards in progressive courses (provided I’ve solidly grasped the course standards in the current course).

 

[bradlw]

I like those answers!
It's how I feel it should be...not expected in the least, but if someone goes well above and beyond then a little token.... it would make that tip have more weight in it's meaning of appreciation too!

We visited England not too long ago, and it was such a joy to not have that tipping thing in your face all the time. There was a couple times over there that I did feel compelled to give a tip because of outstanding service, but there was no way to do it (paying by credit card and with no cash on hand....)

But this isn't England and so I wondered....

An instructor is a paid position and should not require tipping.

but by that logic though, boat crews shouldn't be tipped either...nor pretty much any other situations where we routinely tip. Waiters, barbers, etc..

Anyway, the instructor did let my daughter borrow some of her personal gear because they didn't have a rental in a small enough size for her.... so I feel like that's above and beyond.

 

[ontdiver]

Anyway, the instructor did let my daughter borrow some of her personal gear because they didn't have a rental in a small enough size for her.... so I feel like that's above and beyond.

IMHO, the temporary loan of equipment during a class is common and not really above and beyond, And again, you paid for your daughter's instruction....

 

[NothingClever]

boat crews shouldn't be tipped either...

Not on the charters I frequent in Florida. The Captains are paid but the DMs / guides are not; they work for tips.

I’m a generous tipper. I strive to need the least help on board so when I tip it’s typically not because of something the crew did for me but moreso recognition of the crew for assessing each customer’s general proficiency and taking care of the less experienced ones.

Tipping becomes a lot easier when you build a habitual relationship with the crews. I can understand being a little reluctant to tip when you’re in a new place and still getting to know how the charter does business.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Not on the charters I frequent in Florida. The Captains are paid but the DMs / guides are not; they work for tips.

I’m a generous tipper. I strive to need the least help on board so when I tip it’s typically not because of something the crew did for me but moreso recognition of the crew for assessing each customer’s general proficiency and taking care of the less experienced ones.

Tipping becomes a lot easier when you build a habitual relationship with the crews. I can understand being a little reluctant to tip when you’re in a new place and still getting to know how the charter does business.

Bingo!! I take care of the crew for the charters that I frequent. I appreciate the work they do, and I very much want them to stay in business and keep doing what they do. $10/tank is my minimum. I have occasionally tipped $15-$20/tank when I experience exceptional service.

 

[Blackcrusader]

What's the expectation for tipping an OW instructor, in the US? yes? no? amount?

So what do ya'll think?

You paid for a course. No tip is required.