I usually tip 10% - 15%, but it all depends. I have been on trips where I never saw that DM, of if I did, he was diving with his/her own friends, and knew nothing about me, nor saw me. They didn't get tipped. I'm not even sure they were supposed to be with my group. If not, we didn't have a DM, but we didn't need one. On the other hand, the liveaboard I'm going on next month suggest a 10% tip, and I just factor that into the cost.
I know there is a lot of work that goes into running a dive ops. As one poster said, maintenance on the boat, refulling, insurance, etc. But, I think some, if not all of this should be covered by my trip cost. I don't think the "owner" should pocked my trip cost and then expect me to tip to cover the cost of those employees who actually do the work. I really wish we'd do away with "expected" tipping, pay everyone a fair wage (one they choose to work for understanding that there will not likely be any supplement in the form of tips) and then charge what they need for the trip, and let us consumers know what the price will be up front. I think all of us would still "tip" if we had an exceptional experience. BTW, you'll not see me putting any money in the "tip" jars at convienence stores or fast food resturants either.
Now, wish we could do something with these "excess fuel" charges, or "excess energy usuage" (which is a fixed price whether you use an excess or not).
I know there is a lot of work that goes into running a dive ops. As one poster said, maintenance on the boat, refulling, insurance, etc. But, I think some, if not all of this should be covered by my trip cost. I don't think the "owner" should pocked my trip cost and then expect me to tip to cover the cost of those employees who actually do the work. I really wish we'd do away with "expected" tipping, pay everyone a fair wage (one they choose to work for understanding that there will not likely be any supplement in the form of tips) and then charge what they need for the trip, and let us consumers know what the price will be up front. I think all of us would still "tip" if we had an exceptional experience. BTW, you'll not see me putting any money in the "tip" jars at convienence stores or fast food resturants either.
Now, wish we could do something with these "excess fuel" charges, or "excess energy usuage" (which is a fixed price whether you use an excess or not).