Tipping Instructors?

[FloppyFoot]

I understand that tipping the dive master or crew is good practice, but what about instructors? I've got my 'scuba' certification, but in Connecticut it's too cold to get the OW dives in so I'm heading to Florida. The program uses an instructor who takes you out on a commercial dive boat with lots of other people, and then the instructor runs the dive for you. Do you tip the boat crew? The instructor? Both? I'm relatively new to this, so any insights as to what's customary would be helpful.

Thanks!

FloppyFoot aka Charlie

 

[DORSETBOY]

Best guide is to fo what you feel appropriate at the time, if the service you get is good, you have a good time and in any other situation such as a restaurant or hotel for example you would, then yes I'd tip.

If however the service is poor then do not tip.

 

[Mako Mark]

the goleden rule of scuba diving is :

Dont forget to tip your instructor..

that is said tounge in cheek, but remember most dive professionals are HIGHLY underpaid, and a little goes a long way. If you or they dont feel comfortable with a cash tip, offer to buy them lunch or a few sunset beverages, if this is not possible for time constraints, then it is easier for them to accept the cash.

If they do accept your sunset beer invitation, you will inevitably talk about diving, and you by default have yourself a private instructor to yourself als long as the vocal chords are lubricated.. Cheap at the price in my book..

 

[ScubaFreak]

the goleden rule of scuba diving is :

offer to buy them lunch or a few sunset beverages, by default have yourself a private instructor to yourself als long as the vocal chords are lubricated.. Cheap at the price in my book..

that happened me, did a DS for a guy and his daughter, that evening i met him back at the pool and bought me a few beverages- it was cool- ended up he was a cameraman on the film Training Day! Very cool guy! The conversations we had were excellent!!

....but then again if you're really boring just give us the $$$ ....

 

[Corigan]

I've taken my instructor/instructors out to dinner both times after instruction just as a kind gesture of apprecition. Besides that like stated above, you get to pick their brains for a few hrs more when you are feeding them beers.

Matt

 

[DORSETBOY]

I've taken my instructor/instructors out to dinner both times after instruction just as a kind gesture of apprecition. Besides that like stated above, you get to pick their brains for a few hrs more when you are feeding them beers.

Matt

ah but after several beers, can you trust what we're telling you?!

 

[FloppyFoot]

Thanks guys!

DorsetBoy, how much diving do you do in Scotland? My girlfriend went to St. Andrews and was on the sailing team. Can you say frostbite?

FloppyFoot

 

[Corigan]

ah but after several beers, can you trust what we're telling you?!

Heh, very very true. That is when you come to scubaboard and research it and see if your instructor was full of BS..

Matt

 

[lhpdiver]

I understand that tipping the dive master or crew is good practice, but what about instructors? I've got my 'scuba' certification, but in Connecticut it's too cold to get the OW dives in so I'm heading to Florida. The program uses an instructor who takes you out on a commercial dive boat with lots of other people, and then the instructor runs the dive for you. Do you tip the boat crew? The instructor? Both? I'm relatively new to this, so any insights as to what's customary would be helpful.

Thanks!

FloppyFoot aka Charlie

Florida is a big state ... around these parts the boat captain is typically well paid (relatively). The DM usuallly earns as little as $200/week + tips. He's going to tie into the wreck for you (and untie), watch over your butt on the boat (handle your fins, load/unload your tanks etc) and assume liability while you are in the water. I'd bet that whoever you handed the money to would put it in their own pocket... The instructor may be salaried, or may be making money to service you specifically. In any event it is not alot of money... I've come to realize how cheap it is for people to come here and dive a 2 tank wreck/reef dive. I think the tipping should _start_ with the cost difference from back home (or their favorite dive destination).

 

[RIDIVER501]

Floppy foot. I am an instructor so here is my cut on it.
If I was going out with you on a referral, the shop would have already secured my fee for teaching you. The same is not true with DMs and boat crew. especially on charters. a lot of the time they are working just for tips.

As an instructor I have had people offer me tips, but I don't expect it.