Tipping Instructors?

[SmokingMirror]

Also, in Scotland, tips (Except in restaurants/cafes/taxis etc.) is seen a bit weird.

...as it is in most of Europe. A tipping culture is just one of the many reasons why many Americans are so easily parted from their money whilst abroad.

However, and in answer to the original question, the situation is slightly different when diving in the US, where tipping has transcended its original point into an expected social norm.

As to tipping an instructor: If you're prepared to tip everybody else for services rendered, why not the instructor as well? As someone else has already and quite rightly mentioned, the instructor is the one making themselves liable for your personal safety whilst you are under their supervision. Some might say that that level of responsibility merits some kind of gratitude.

 

[Quarrior]

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..

With the instructors I know, that can cost more than the whole damn course.

 

[shugar]

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

i'll just reply here although i did read through the whole thread.

i had 2 instructors alternating on my OW cert... both were great guys and 1 was a guy i knew since college...

the guy i already knew i have since passed on a sweet moonlight gig...

the other guy i'm helping with a tour video he's doing, plus have offered to teach him more about video production (it's my main thing even if he's an U/W video specialty instructor) for free

they were also among the first to know of any achievements in diving i've had (winning my fins, getting an x-vision, seeing my 1st turtle on dive #8)... i'm happy this makes instructors proud... as a teacher myself, a student's success is our own

but you know, maybe i should buy these guys a beer... not too much though as i'd go broke!... i owe them so much for training me to be able to experience and love the underwater world

Jag

 

[FloppyFoot]

All,

Thanks for all the great comments and insights!

FloppyFoot aka Charlie