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

[CuriousMe]

Rooster...for me, it depends on how much contact I have with the DM and how involved the crew was in general.

 

[scubanole]

on the boats I have been on in PC I tipped 5$/dive, or 10$ for the trip(4hours and 2 dives). These were cattle boats.

 

[dkerr]

It all depends on the level of service for me. I have been on boats with only a couple other divers that the crew and DM had no interaction or interest in the divers. I have also been on "cattle" boats that on first arival I was certain that it would be a bad experience. The crew and DMs were extremely well organized and helpfull, and despite the crowd and first impression, I had one of my most pleasurable dives. Good service-$20. Bad service-no tip but will let them know why.

 

[dc4bs]

On my last dive trip to Florida, my budy and I tipped the DM on the boat about $80 at the end
three days of diving.

My budy got in 9 dives and I got in 8 (sinus trouble on the third day).

It works out to about $5 each per dive...

He was a really nice guy and kept it fun for everybody.

 

[NetPro]

If I'm diving with my 2 kids what would be expected? If I was going to tip $20 for just myself I don't think I would go $60 for the 3.

NetPro

 

[CuriousMe]

At a guess NetPro, I'd say did they receive the same amount of attention and service>

 

[fergyjohn]

Here in Australia we don't tip, I think it maybe an American thing although I am unsure what it's like in Europe.
Most people here are paid a reasonable wage and do not rely on tips to get by.
I think it's just the way our country developed (many Scottish settlers)

Fergy

 

[Starlight]

Hi all. Great board here.

I was wondering if you all could tell me how much I should tip the DMs for local dives?

The dive shop does not charge for the dives and they are usually held at local lakes or quarrys to give divers, especially newbies, a chance to get wet and gain experience.

There may be anywhere from 2 - 20 divers going out for the dives on any given trip. But I think it usually averages around 5 or so.

What would be an appropriate tip in a "free dive" case like this? Also, if there are two DMs, do I still tip the same amount, increase the tip, or tip each one separately?

Oh, and one last question, do I tip differently for a full day weekend dive versus a couple hours weeknight dive?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[dcostanza]

Starlight

Good morning. As far as my "tipping" of the DMs, I didn't do it in a standard monetary fashion. I found out that his "adult beverage" of choice was rum so I went around town and got what was reported to be one off the best brands available. Not being a rum drinker myself I didn't know but took the word of those making the recommendation.

I don't know if "tipping" the DM's is a standard practice or not; however, if I feel that they have given me some of what would have been free time for them, then I feel personally obligated to give a token of appreciation.

Just my personal approach...

Best Regards
Don Costanza

 

[Rick Murchison]

I tip at the rate of about $1.25/hour/diver for a day trip - $5/diver for a 4 hour, $10 for eight. If there are two DM's they split it - generally if there are two DM's that means there are more divers, so more tips to split.
So, if the Lovely Young Kat & I and our two daughters go on a six hour boat, I'd tip $30 for my group.
All this is contingent on the DM being cheerful, flexible, responsive and enthusiastic. It is not dependent on weather or water conditions.
Rick