Tipping on Boats

[RJP]

I think you missed the Point of my post...

And you, mine.

 

[PvtStash]

And you, mine.

oh I dont know, was Your point that whether or not the Tip was earned or deserved it should be given, based totally on the rhyming logic of "if you can afford the trip you can afford the tip" ?

Because I actually Did address that in my original post (the part you missed), see when a "Tip" has progressed to that point its actually just a Fee.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

Another way to look at it...

First, I agree in the US, expectations for tipping has gotton out of hand at times. It is a custom, it can get abused. It can also work well at times and many people must work for tips.

Diving is an activity (I would say sport, but that is another thread) where you must constantly plan and make critical decisions, including calling a dive for safety issues even after investing time and money to get to the site. If you can do this (and I hope everyone can), then certainly you should be able to just say no on tipping if the service is bad.

I have done this on fishing boats, not a problem since if the service was bad I probably won't be back. I never really had bad service on a dive boat yet. Personally, if I have had a good day diving and the service was good, its not hard to part with 10-20 bucks and personally thank the crew (especially if they have beer on board for after the last dive).

 

[RJP]

oh I dont know, was Your point that whether or not the Tip was earned or deserved it should be given...

More along the lines of suggesting that a great many people spend an awful lot of time analyzing and agonizing over a $10 bill. If it's that big a concern, perhaps a less expensive hobby is in order.

 

[joe rock]

You know, I've never had bad service on a dive boat. I tip $5.00 a tank in the tropics, $10.00 a tank locally where the DM's are really working, (a lot more gear and complexity involved). It's the deal. I don't think it sucks. Being cheap sucks.

I have to agree with Caseybird here. I go out on the same boat for my NJ dives. Pretty much it's the same crew every Sunday. These guys and girl work hard to make our trip fun and safe. If you've ever been on a boat where a diver needed real assistance and got to see these people in action, I don't think you would question the tipping. Like Caseybird, I haven't had the unfortunate situation of having bad service.

My thanks to all the crew, my only hope is I never REALLY need you

JR

 

[SharkBaite]

Tipping as far as I'm concerned is optional, but also most DM's work for Pennies, but get other perks from the companies.

We tell our students that tipping is around $10 dollars per tank and ALL boats I have been on have a tip jar located in the cabin or up front, I always try and give my tips to the DM not the Capt. I do know the last boat I was on I was working on my internship and didn't get anything except for the last day, and the Capt. himself gave me a share of the day's tips. he didn't have to as I was there to work and wasn't expecting anything except to be used and abused.

I really loved the crew I was working with over the last 3 years, its too bad they may be closing up shop.

I do suggest to tip even if its a small amount, but if the DM or Capt go ABOVE and BEYOND then they should get a good tip, if all they do is give your briefing and then hide until its time to get into the water, or help you into the boat, to just vanish again, then no I wouldn't tip much, they are there for US, we pay for them to be there and to help us, not everyone is a avid diver and goes out all the time. Some of us may be the typical 5-10 dives a year while on vacation, so they should be visible.

 

[Buoyant1]

Another way to look at it...

First, I agree in the US, expectations for tipping has gotton out of hand at times. It is a custom, it can get abused. It can also work well at times and many people must work for tips.

Diving is an activity (I would say sport, but that is another thread) where you must constantly plan and make critical decisions, including calling a dive for safety issues even after investing time and money to get to the site. If you can do this (and I hope everyone can), then certainly you should be able to just say no on tipping if the service is bad.

I have done this on fishing boats, not a problem since if the service was bad I probably won't be back. I never really had bad service on a dive boat yet. Personally, if I have had a good day diving and the service was good, its not hard to part with 10-20 bucks and personally thank the crew (especially if they have beer on board for after the last dive).

Problem is..and knowing the culture where I'm sitting right now....smack in the middle of the Keys...I know people that work in the industry not so much diving, but a few of the snorkeling boats, and other tours..and they make NOTHING (while the boat captains make a bunch, and the owners make a LOT) watching people leave a boat and not drop a few bucks in the jar sucks because they are the ones that cleaned up their crap, served them drinks, and wiped the puke off the deck after they HURLED...I always feel the need to toss a few in..and if more people would they would be better off...

 

[Kamchatka]

In light of some mates/DM's/etc. working for little or no set pay, what are the legal requirements for the boats to have mates/DM's/etc. on board (specifically NJ & FL, if there's a difference)?

 

[bmcsteve]

My question is what do you tip for a course? I'm taking a wreck specialty next Monday and Tuesday..like the same $10. per trip....not sure...

This is a very good question.... one that I haven't seen addressed on SB before. Most DM's that help with classes dont get any pay other than free air and maybe some of their travel expenses. So.... do any of you tip them when taking classes?

 

[ToddK]

I think a $20 bill makes for a nice round number. The folks on the boat don't get paid a whole lot, so after spending $70-100 bucks on a charter, why not spend a little more and feel good about it?