tipping instuctor for ow cert from referral

[CRAZYBOBC]

i will be in aruba to finish cert through padi referral from lds
am i expected to tip the instructor? i will be paying 225 for the ow cert dives. if i was doing ow cert with my lds would i be expected to tip, do people tip? if so under what circumstance, how much would be appropriate?
as a cert diver do you tip on dives when on vacation?

 

[JPBECK]

I have been tiped a few times in the last ten years ---But it is not expected

 

[H2Andy]

i would say if you can, do it. most instructors in the Caribbean work for peanuts
and every little bit helps.

 

[Bluefish]

Can't say I've every tipped my instructors--maybe that's why they make me take all the tests and complete all the skills. Hmmm....

But as far as tipping when on vacation, I almost always tip.

 

[DandyDon]

$225?! Is that high for a Referral? LDSs here are charging that for the whole course, include OWdives, but then - they hope to seel equipment.

Maybe that's not high. I do generally tip for services when I'm traveling, and I certainly would if the Referral Instructor seemed helpful and competent - at least $25.

 

[Drew Sailbum]

$225?! Is that high for a Referral?

Low compared to local standards, but Aruba isn't as major a dive destination as GC.

Tipping your instructor would certainly be appreciated, but it is not required.

 

[adjuster-jd]

I tipped my OW instructor for both pool and checkout dives - both of which were done in the local area. Both times, I gave him gift certificates for local restaurants- he is a senior exec. at a local corporation, and I didnt think cash would mean much, but as it turned out, he already had plans to take his family to this restaurant. (My pool/classroom instruction was done one-on-one to accommodate my schedule so I was very appreciative of the instructor and the shop).

I also tipped my AOW instructor in Hawaii. Two of my dives with this guy were one-on-one - an entire morning boat dive trip - and we only had three people in the class total. Again, a gift certificate to a local restaurant. He seemed thrilled.

So, I would say, if you get good treatment, then tip accordingly. Don't feel obligated, as in my opinion, tipping should be done based on quality of service. If you DO get good service, it helps to say thank you with something a little extra.

 

[diverdoug57]

i will be in aruba to finish cert through padi referral from lds
am i expected to tip the instructor? i will be paying 225 for the ow cert dives. if i was doing ow cert with my lds would i be expected to tip, do people tip? if so under what circumstance, how much would be appropriate?
as a cert diver do you tip on dives when on vacation?

As an instructor, I have never recieved a tip. I have had students right thank you letters to my training organization. If you feel you got really good service, a tip might be appreciated. So would an offer of an adult beverage or perhaps a meal. Most professionals working at dive destinations don't make much. I know, I interviewed for one in St. Croix for a week. Couldn't figure out how to live on what they offered.

As for tipping on dive trips, it SHOULD be considered as a reqular requirement. Divemasters on boats, like wait staff in restaurants, have tips figured into their income by the management. Again, if it's good service, a good tip. If it's bad service, little or no tip. It helps if you want something special to tell the DM. I prefer to connect my own equipment, so I tell them that when I board.

Hope this helps and perhaps sparks some more discussion.

DiverDoug

 

[Juls64]

Tipping for the classroom & pool is not customary here. On the OW portion however, the instructors usually pass a tip jar and collect for the Divemasters. The instructors are paid and the DM's are not, so they try to help them out a little.

 

[Michael Schlink]

Bob I know everyone may think I'm crazy here but consider a small tip in advance, maybe a 20. The small gesture may be enough to encourage the inst. to go "the extra mile" You were hoping to get a little more of a dive in during your training, and the possibility of taking your camera. Slide the inst. a 20 spot and then tell them what your hoping for. Can't hurt, the most your out is a 20, which I hate to say, is nothing. Glad you found a referal. I'm going to Bonaire this summer and have several students to work with, wish you were coming with us!-Good luck, Have fun-it'll be a piece of cake-M