Tips (The Money Kind)

[jasondcrawford]

I'm not quite sure how to go about articulating my question, but what, in your mind, does a standard dive boat do to 'earn' a tip at the end of the day? I guess it's a problem with the industry/owners that they don't pay the crew enough, but to me, when you throw down $120 for 2 dives a certain level of service already comes with that.

I want to make it clear that I'm generally a very good tipper, but I recently came very, very close to withholding one altogether and it made me think of this question. What constitutes "good service"? Poor service?

In my circumstance, the dive operation was actually very good. I'd definately dive with them again. But, I don't feel they did anything over the bare minimum. After renting my tank from their shop, I had to cary it down to the boat myself (not terribly far, but a slight inconvenience). On the 8 hours we were on the boat, not once did any of the crew offer to grab us a bottle of water. There was no snack or lunch provided on the boat. No one helped me with my gear or getting out of the water (except they did take your fins for you). The first day, I had a bad case of seasickness, and after several hours of throwing up, one of the fellow divers pointed out to me that there was some ginger on the boat for people who got sea sick... would have been nice if the crew had pointed that out hours earlier. And at the end of the day, I had to hall my 2 empty tanks which i had rented from their shop, back up the docks.

So what did they do to deserve a tip?

The diving was great, we got there safely, and things were run professionaly. But isn't that expected? Should you tip someone just because they didn't get you injured or killed?

 

[DivingsInMyBlood]

looks like it would be nice if they sorted out at least carrying the tanks for you.

 

[emcbride81]

wow no snack or anything? I know it seems kinda whiny, but come on...your mouth is dry, you taste nothing but salt, and you do use some energy chasing fish around. I dont know about you all, but I rarely eat a lot before a dive...especially on a boat! A small something is almost expected on a rec dive charter. The tanks thing is inconvenient for a rec charter as well...I dunno...maybe 10 bucks...

 

[Mako Mark]

sounds like they didnt want to earn their tips.

Normally if they provide a good service, sling them $10 or $20, a lot of dive professionals live on subsistance wages like resturaunt staff do.

 

[highdesert]

In my circumstance, the dive operation was actually very good. I'd definately dive with them again.

I am puzzled ... after noting your complaints (not doubting you), why is it that you say they were very good and you would dive with them again? If safety and professionalism should be a given for any dive op, what did they offer that was beyond the minimum required?

 

[jasondcrawford]

I am puzzled ... after noting your complaints (not doubting you), why is it that you say they were very good and you would dive with them again? If safety and professionalism should be a given for any dive op, what did they offer that was beyond the minimum required?

It was in North Carolina, and the conditions weren't always favorable, but the captain did a good job of finding us good places to dive, which isn't always easy in that part of the ocean. All the 'services' aside, that was the most important thing to me, and they did a great job in that regard. Also, they were very helpful while booking my trip over the phone, answered all my questions, gave good recommendations on where to stay, etc.

 

[Cacia]

I tip for a friendly attitude and some physical effort like lifting tanks around. --Or, special consideration to my schedule or desires, as an incentive.

Professionalism is not a trait I "tip" really. Professionalism is up to the employee to negotiate with his boss in the marketplace. Once somebody reaches the caliber of being a "professional" I think it is their responsibilty to find a niche that rewards that monetarily. I don't think that should be shifted to the client, who is already bearing the load for liabilty, overhead...you don't want to break the camel's back or the system falls apart.

Otherwise, I'd be tipping my doctor, my child's teacher, my lawyer, or my fireman.
Once you call yourself a pro, certain things are understood, IMO.---like you are smart and capable enough to figure out how to best support yourself.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I don't see anything they did that was wrong. I always find out if the tanks will be on board. Why should the crew grab you a bottle of water? It's easy enough to ask if there is any and get up and get it yourself. I always bring water or gatorade myself. It's just common sense. I know I'll be out there, it's my responsibility to stay hydrated. Did you not know from the beginning if lunch would be provided? Another common sense question on an all day trip. Why would you as a certified diver need help with your gear? Did you ask for help? Were you diving doubles or were conditions bad that you would need help out of the water? Why give up your fins? I slip mine over my wrists. If I fall backwards and there's any kind of current I want to be able to slip em back on and make my way to the boat. It simply sounds like you expected more than you got yet did not ask for any help or inquire about the trip. It all comes down to planning. Too often we expect too many people to do things for us. Maybe this is related to the warm fuzzies from the agencies that have little to do with reality when it comes to diving without an instructor or DM looking after people.

 

[TXScubaBear]

Why give up your fins? I slip mine over my wrists. If I fall backwards and there's any kind of current I want to be able to slip em back on and make my way to the boat.

That's' why I love this board, here is another good tip for a newbie like me!
Thanks!