To Tip or Not to Tip???

[alcina]

Hmm, I guess I am confused. When I buy boat dives with a charter operation I expect a level of service. This level of service will vary depending where I am and what the operator states is part of the service. I do not tip for receiving that service.

I tip those that provide exemplary service, extra tidbits or anything above and beyond what I've already paid for.

And as far as I understand, DM servies are optional some places some times - but not universally. So I think the advice given earlier about finding out the local customs is pretty durned solid

 

[daniel f aleman]

alcina,

Yep.

I've sat out many dives when the dive group has requested no Divemasters on their dive. When a boat, or that of local law, demands that DMs are a part of the dive, then they are paid by the Captain or the dive shop that hires the boat, irrespective of any tips.

 

[Divmstr223]

Okay here is my .02

I have never heard of tipping an instructor or DM for open water training. The DM does it because he gains experience IMO...that's why I assisted instructors, I never expected money from anyone. But, for any of you who do it, I think that's great and I'm sure they certainly appreciate it.

I don't have a set amount that I tip on boats either, although I do tip every time. I've tipped a maximum of $30 for a single days dive, and minimum of $5 if the service was very subpar. Let's be real here, this is a very expensive recreation and I don't make ton of money. It already costs alot to go out on the boat to begin with, and tipping alot of money on top of that really hurts the bank account. I guess what it comes down to is whatever you feel like should be just fine. If you tip nothing to a bare minimum, fine, if you tip alot, fine too...... If Instructors/DM's/boat operators were in it to be rich then they chose the wrong career...

 

[DiverBuoy]

Presumably, I have already paid for the service.

Tips are for service above and beyond what I should, as a customer, reasonably receive for the purchase price. I tip based on the service - excellent service will be rewarded; substandard service will not receive the same amount.

Far be it for me to speak on behalf of other cultures or societies... but in my travels and discussions with other travelers I've learned a bit about tipping. Here is some information I've researched, heard, or experienced first-hand.

Japan expects no tips, in fact many of their travel brochures boast about there status this way and have been quoted "no tips in Japan make Japan a paradise for tourists". But those who know the region understand that tips are built into cost of doing business and not seperately indicated on the bill, but these "hidden" costs actually pay the salaries of many in the service industry. If you tip in Japan offer it with specific context like "here have a lunch on me" or "grab a drink on me when you are off work". To carry this a bit further some restaurants there will fire an employee if there is a scene created over a tip being given as it is automatically assumed the employee solicited this - only you can set the record very straight and apologize, so be careful.

One taxi cab driver Sydney Australia whose been driving since the early 70s receives tips only from overseas travelers. He understands this because wage fixing is well-known by locals to already provide him with a decent wage so they do not tip taxi cab drivers as a general rule.

In Brazil most portuguese-speaking restaurants have fixed a 10% tip to the bill, an additional tip is unexpected, and due to social concerns about receiving "charity" or being perceived as poor, an additional unsolicited tip can be considered an insult.

Germany does the same thing, but local custom expects you to "round off generously" whole dollar amounts being smiled upon and never change or coins. Funny thing is German tourists (in general) when traveling to adjacent European countries are infamous non-tippers.

Italy can be summed up simply - tip and tip generously, 20% being expected, less and sometimes a service renderer will keep their hand held out for more, with and edge of persistance.

On cruises you sign a tip bill at the end of the journey to cover all services rendered and in general trying to give a tip by hand during the cruise creates uneasiness.

Many African countries add a "service charge" to all bills which can vary widely, but the purpose is to share an equal portion with all service workers, so if you offer to change this balance with a personal amount for a specific purpose, that individual may receive awkward glances (or worse) from fellow workmates.

And in the US, put simply, tipping is more than a reward for good service. It is how some people earn their living (and this is true in other places too). But tipping at a fixed rate is not automatic, 15% is standard, 20% for extra helpful or generous /gracious service, 10% is understood for less or poor service (or non-service). However, fair warning don't penalize a worker for the facility failings, or in the case of a restaurant for food quality. Instead voice or write your complaint directly to those who have responsibility for these areas and who have any chance of controlling this outcome. In big cities especially taxi drivers expect a 15-percent tip, and when staying in a hotel you should tip in a cup on your pillow everynight a little something because the service workers rotate areas and some work parttime so waiting till the end would benefit only the last worker to service your room.

Your best bet is to ask locals, and not just for the entire duration of your stay in a large area, but for specific restaurants, facilities, shops, resorts, etc ... nothing beats ignorance like knowledge. One last thought - often times your whole race, country, or group you are traveling with are "judged" based on your specific tip. This is how stereotypes are formed against peoples, nations, and tongues. Hope this helps.

 

[tukinc]

Being an instructor working on one of the most expensive islands in the Caribbean... I always appreciate tips.

While guests are charged quite a large amount for boat dives, and guided shore dives, these monies are paid to the dive shop. The instructors and dm's are paid by the hour, and seldom make more than minimum wage. It just seems to be accepted practice, and we just put up with it. As the saying goes, if you want to become a millionaire in the dive industry, start with 2 million.

The point I would like to make is... you tip someone for bringing you your food. You tip someone for carrying your bags at the airport. People even tip their paper boy. Why then would you not tip someone who litterally takes responsability for your life, and leads you underwater.

I go out of my way to make sure my students learn safe, fun practices, and all my guests have an enjoyable dive. I do not ask for tips, but I must be honest in saying that without them, some months I find it hard to pay my bills.

So tip your instructors and dms... make thier day...

 

[DiverBuoy]

Welcome to the board tukinc, if you are dive pro, why not sign up for the pros forum, also give us some background about you, glad you decided to join us.

 

[Divmstr223]

The last comment I will make is that everyone should understand that tips are "optional" (unless required in some cases) and should never ever be expected, but only appreciated if given them. A person who does not give a tip may not be able to afford it and perhaps saved up every dime just to cover a boat ticket and make the trip that day. Just something to think about......

Once again, it's a very expensive hobby....sometimes there isn't room for extras ($$)

 

[DiverBuoy]

The last comment I will make is that everyone should understand that tips are "optional" (unless required in some cases) and should never ever be expected, but only appreciated if given them. A person who does not give a tip may not be able to afford it and perhaps saved up every dime just to cover a boat ticket and make the trip that day. Just something to think about......

Once again, it's a very expensive hobby....sometimes there isn't room for extras ($$)

I'm sorry but this is just not true. Perhaps you are referring to a specific region/area only?

 

[drbill]

In my experience the only time it is "customary" to tip an instructor is after a Discover SCUBA dive... and then only if good service was given.

I worked briefly on a dive boat and was appalled at the lack of tips after we had nearly 35 divers on board. We gave them all good service, but the tip jar averaged only $3 per diver with the $105 split three ways among the crew.

 

[daniel f aleman]

The last comment I will make is that everyone should understand that tips are "optional" (unless required in some cases) and should never ever be expected, but only appreciated if given them.

This is completely wrong. Do NOT ask for and do NOT accept any service that you will not tip for - carry your own bags, go to a self-serve restaurant instead of one that uses waiters, etc. Tips are payment for services done for you.