The all-inclusive tipping note -- Boats, DMs & Instructors

[chepar]

but certainly people do tip their instructors if they feel it was warranted. It's a gesture of appreciation, and you shouldn't be made to feel "obligated" to do so.

I didn't tip my instructor - but then again, it didn't even occur to me at the time - but after reading of other examples on this board and thinking about it, I would certainly tip my instructor on any future classes if I felt it warranted. I went shopping at the LDS a couple of weeks after getting first certified - and I did receive a lot of help and attention from the instructor - but in my case it was truly from his desire to help me find a first set of gear that I would be happy with.

 

[dcostanza]

Addict
Hello,
While I didn't "tip" my instructor in a monetary way, I did offer a token of appreciation. I found out his "adult beverage" of choice was rum and bought one of the better brands available. I always show appreciation for those that put forth a little extra effort either by working around my schedule of going beyond the normal call of duty.

It is ironic that this is the same instructor that has proven himself "very questionable" when it comes to issues of integrity but that is another issue. I didn't know then what I know now and thus that was the last bottle of rum as well as anything else he will receive from me or my family. Hope it was worth it to him...

Overall, I don't believe there is a standard protocol, just personal preference.

Best Regards
Don Costanza

 

[Paco]

Thanks for your post, addict. It made me think because it was my LDS and past instructors who clued me in on tipping for dive trips, boats, etc. but I never thought about them. I'm lucky because my LDS and the instructors there have always gone out of their way for me, frequently giving me discounts, some free rentals, etc. and I've never tipped them. I think they deserve it and thanks to your post, I will be more sensitive to times and individuals that deserve the tip.

Good post!

 

[Addict]

You know, I am pretty frugal when it comes to tipping, outside of resturants. I have been into Burger Kings, Taco Bells, and Subways, etc., that have a 'tip' jar. This is just rediculous to me.

I always have a hard time determining whether something actually deserves a tip. When I am in resturants decent service will get a waitress 15-20%. But if I get exceptional service, I will tip 25-40% - though getting this level of service anymore is extremely rare - and this is because I KNOW that wait people make most of their income on tips.

When it comes down to it though, I have a hard time tipping for other 'services'.

My wife is a teacher. Should she get a tip? She takes care of your children all day, and provides them an education. She gets crap for pay - but she doesn't have a tip jar on her desk. Come to think of it, I am a web developer. Shouldn't I get a tip if the websites I build provide good information?

I mean where does it end?

Like I said, I have no problem tipping a waitress, but c'mon, if you have a salary base for your services, why should you expect a tip?

Personally I think it is getting out of control - which is why I am posting this. Tips are becoming EXPECTED, and if you don't tip - well screw you. This is not the way it should be. I am not a wealthy American (middle class) and I work hard (very hard) just to go on a dive trip. Now it costs me extra to tip the bellboy, the maids, the cab driver, the desk clerk, the boat captain, the bartender, the waitress, the burger flipper at McDonalds, the DM's the PADI instructors, the airport shuttle drivers, etc. Where does it stop? I mean, Isn't that what they are PAID for?

By the way, for those of you who think you should tip to get good service... tip your kids teacher. Sooner or later you will have to so that YOUR kid will get just as much attention as the rich kid - who's parents have money to burn.

Just my thoughts...

 

[metridium]

Tipping an instructor (other than overboard ) seems to be rare. I've never done it, nor have I met anyone who would admit to it.

 

[MikeFerrara]

If your instructor pleases you and you get the urge go ahead and tip. They don't get paid much. Other than the "labor of love" thing there isn't anything to keep a truely talented instructor in the business.

 

[Walter]

Addict,

"Tips are becoming EXPECTED, and if you don't tip - well screw you."

Your dive instructor does not expect a tip. You should not feel uncomfortable if you elect not to tip, regardless of the reason. Your instructor has agreed to teach you a particular class for a set amount of money. You should feel obligated to pay the amount agreed upon and on time, but no more. If you feel the instructor went above and beyond and if you feel a tip is deserved you should feel free to offer it.

Personally, I would tip an instructor who is way above average, but by defination, those instructors are a small minority.

 

[AquaTec]

Tipping an expected part of our society

You should only tip if an indavidual has provided service above and beyond the expected
It doesn't matter if it is a restraunt or not.

a owner or service provider should not expect that part of their wages should be antisapated tips.

 

[GreenDiverDown]

>> Now it costs me extra to tip the bellboy, the maids, the cab driver, the desk clerk, the boat captain, the bartender, the waitress, the burger flipper at McDonalds, the DM's the PADI instructors, the airport shuttle drivers, etc. << Addict

While I agree that no instructor should expect a tip, many of the other folks that you mention here depend on a tip as a major portion of their income. I don't figure the tip portion of my travel expense as "extra". It's part of the total cost. If I sign on for a trip to Fiji and the trip cost 2 grand then I add 20%. That trip really cost 2400 plus expenses. If I can't swing that, then I can't go.

When I was an instructor most of the tips came from private students...and I was always a bit embarrased - especially when given cash. I looked at it like a professional service - no tipping allowed. A moderate personal gift is one thing but no cash, please. It's similar to when my patients bring in something for the staff...we see it as a special way of saying thank you and it makes our day...someone noticed that we tried hard to help them feel better.

SA

 

[Jonathan]

I've got very bad at tipping - but I blame the society I live in! In Japan people don't tip and I often forget this when travelling.

Back in the UK I used to buy a bacon buttie and coffee for the instructor before the dive and a beer after, but then he would buy me a beer, and I would buy another.......