No boat operator owes an instructor a free ride. It would be foolish to apply this thinking when an instructor brings just a few students on board. After all, dealing with students on a dive boat often involves additional service from the operator and its staff.
However, many boats will give instructors (or other group leaders including trip organizers) a free ride if they bring a certain number of paying passengers on board.
I do a lot of diver "instruction," although not in terms of SCUBA itself... I teach people about the marine life they see to enhance their experience and (hopefully) keep them coming back for more. I wish I got the benefits (keyman deals, etc.) that many instructors and DM's get (I sure could use a new wetsuit at those prices).
Fortunately my LDS (Catalina SCUBA Luv and the utterfly fantastic King Neptune dive boat) see the benefit of having someone on board who is well-versed in regional marine life. Just don't expect me to instruct anyone in the "technical" aspects of diving!
However, many boats will give instructors (or other group leaders including trip organizers) a free ride if they bring a certain number of paying passengers on board.
I do a lot of diver "instruction," although not in terms of SCUBA itself... I teach people about the marine life they see to enhance their experience and (hopefully) keep them coming back for more. I wish I got the benefits (keyman deals, etc.) that many instructors and DM's get (I sure could use a new wetsuit at those prices).
Fortunately my LDS (Catalina SCUBA Luv and the utterfly fantastic King Neptune dive boat) see the benefit of having someone on board who is well-versed in regional marine life. Just don't expect me to instruct anyone in the "technical" aspects of diving!