Tip your scuba instructor?
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As an Instructor I'll say no. I would say anything to the Instructor's assistants would be appreciated by them.
The answers will also depend on where you are doing this.
The answers will also depend on where you are doing this.
Skittl1321
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Ours told us specifically they and the DMs who did our class could not accept tips. There was another long thread encouraging tipping. So it likely varies by location.
Then I hope they are actually paying the DM's and not using them as indentured servants as many do. I do not solicit tips. But I have accepted lunch, dinners, and have had out of town students send me gifts. Nothing wrong at all with it. If the DM's and intructors do an excellent job a small token is not out of line. Especially if they are shop employees.
Anytime someone goes above and beyond it is proper to recognize that. Unless you are paying say $600.00 for your OW class it is likely the people doing it are barely making minimum wage, if that. Unless it's a quickie course over a weekend or two.
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Anytime someone goes above and beyond it is proper to recognize that. Unless you are paying say $600.00 for your OW class it is likely the people doing it are barely making minimum wage, if that. Unless it's a quickie course over a weekend or two.
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Carlos Danger
Contributor
I have seen people tip instructors, assistant instructors, and DMs. I don't really see it as a standard practice, unless maybe you're combining with your dive vacation or something of that nature where you are already out on a boat with a dive group. Having said that, if you feel they've done a good job, then why not?
I did not tip my instructor, nor any of the assistants, but I did buy the whole crew a butt load of imported beer after the class was over, plus plenty of food, water, etc, during the open water portion out at the lake. If I had it to do all over again I'm sure I would probably at least offer a tip for there services.
I did not tip my instructor, nor any of the assistants, but I did buy the whole crew a butt load of imported beer after the class was over, plus plenty of food, water, etc, during the open water portion out at the lake. If I had it to do all over again I'm sure I would probably at least offer a tip for there services.
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DevonDiver
N/A
Entirely location dependent. In some global locations, it's very important to the instructor and relied upon.
However, (I'm a Brit) when a tip is considered, I always feel that a tip should reflect the quality of service provided.... the 'extra' that the person puts into their job to give you a better experience. Thus, tipping encourages improved performance by the instructor. If you're aware of the bare-minimums that an instructor must teach, then you can gauge where they exceed those minimums.
Likewise, if they add personality, energy and fun to the course... that might make your experience considerably nicer. Last, but definitately not least, whether the instructor actually achieves the goal associated with the course (trains you as a confident, comfortable diver, with good skills and able to dive unsupervised with a buddy of equal certification and experience). If they don't achieve that - then you shouldn't tip for a failed course... or lazy and premature 'sign-off'.
However, (I'm a Brit) when a tip is considered, I always feel that a tip should reflect the quality of service provided.... the 'extra' that the person puts into their job to give you a better experience. Thus, tipping encourages improved performance by the instructor. If you're aware of the bare-minimums that an instructor must teach, then you can gauge where they exceed those minimums.
Likewise, if they add personality, energy and fun to the course... that might make your experience considerably nicer. Last, but definitately not least, whether the instructor actually achieves the goal associated with the course (trains you as a confident, comfortable diver, with good skills and able to dive unsupervised with a buddy of equal certification and experience). If they don't achieve that - then you shouldn't tip for a failed course... or lazy and premature 'sign-off'.
Doubler
Contributor
This is maybe just me but this tipping thing is getting crazy. They chose that field of work just like you choose your field of work. Ask yourself do you tip your college professor, school teacher, guy that changes your oil, grocery bagger, bus driver,sales person at the mall? No and the thought probably never crosses your mind so what is so special about a Dive Instructor or a DM.
DevonDiver
N/A
Probably the salary they get, which is not comparable to any of the professions you've listed (yes, probably even the grocery bagger...).
Some jobs, in some locations, are tip reliant. That's a fact of life.
The potential variation in course quality, coupled with the intrinsic benefit of having a positive, high-energy instructor.... all factors which the instructor is not mandated to provide each day.
You've obviously not worked in the dive industry... so maybe you are under a mis-appreciation of the lifestyle.... but 'painting on a smile' and throttling up to max energy and focus every single day, dealing with 'difficult students' without exasperation, being empathetic always, applying the full weight of your experience to problem solve solutions to individual student training barriers... endless 12-18 hour days... no pension, no medical, no dental, no sick pay, no expenses paid to cover your equipment and membership costs.. full legal responsibility for student safety... 100% duty-of-care... upwards of $10,000 spent on gaining the appropriate training and qualifications to teach you....
Shop worker has that responsibility?
College professor has to apply risk assessments and un-wavering focus, hours each day, to ensure student safety?
Bus driver needs to empathize with student fears and difficulties...applying unique experience to solve a myriad of learning difficulties, stress manage and motivate their passengers?
Yeah.... I see how that correlates to a 'grocery bagger' indeed...
Or a driving instructor? How much is their hourly rate? Compared with the small % of course costs paid to an instructor for working how many hours, over how many days?
And yet, in some places, an instructor might earn less than $50 per student, per course (spread over 3-5 days).
So, it's wise to spend a moment observing what the instructor is giving you, over-and-above, plus considering what their % of your dive course costs they actually receive (often less than 30%) spread over the number of days on the course... where they live - cost-of-living there, and a bunch of other factors specific to your experience as a student.
Of course, if you want to value them like a grocery bagger, then do so.... but I wouldn't expect much in return... just your c-card 'bagged' and delivered..with minimum effort on their behalf.
Yup.
If I have a CA, I give them 20% of that. A whole $10! I really am tickled on the rare occasions when students single out a CA for "consideration".
No, they are not solicited for at any time.
.....
The old guys at the Mega in Cabo San Lucas that bag your groceries? Yes, they do get a few pesos.
The independent or shop instructor gets a bigger cut of the class fee. I know they have some costs and have to pay the agency whatever flavor it is some money. Approximately how much of the fee do they get?
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