What is a divemasters time worth?

[Sly New Girl]

Hi,
What is an acceptable tip for a divemaster when they buddy up with you on dive trips?
I have no clue!

 

[BDSC]

So in this case, is the DM an employee of the operation you are diving with? If so, would the DM be in the water anyway and you just happen to buddy up with that person during the dive?

 

[Sly New Girl]

No, he's not an employee exactly. He went on my last two dives when I got my OW certification and took me on my explore dive and my first night dive. And now he invites me to go diving with him all the time. It's his thing. He's been teaching me how to do lots of things though. And he brings all of the tanks. All I have to bring is myself, my curiosity and lunch, to quote him. But still it has to be expensive so I want to offer something but I don't even know where to start.

What do divemasters normally make for taking people diving?

Actually I don't know anyone else who dives at all except the people I've just met. I had this idea that I was going to get certified so I could dive from my kayak in the ocean and go crab hunting and spear fishing. My PADI Instructor told me while thats not the dumbest thing he's ever heard it's pretty close to it. So now I know better than to ever dive by myself, and especially when I don't know what I'm doing for sure.

 

[ScubaSteve]

Buy him a couple of beers where you can talk diving over. If he is offering what you say he is (as you say he is), he is looking to be your Mentor rather than a DM IMO. Maybe buy him a bottle or take him on a charter or something. But I do believe that the way he has worded is offer, he is not a DM. He is just an experienced diver looking to share his passion and knowledge of diving.

 

[BDSC]

Not knowing anything more than what you have shared, it appears the guy may have a thing for you besides the diving part. Maybe you should invite him over, cook him dinner, fall in love, get married, have kids, and live happily ever after. Or am I jumping the gun here?

 

[Sly New Girl]

Okay. I will. It's awkward not knowing whats expected. I don't think he drinks at all. But he does eat! Quite a lot actually. Thank you.

 

[Mitchell Teeters]

Not knowing anything more than what you have shared, it appears the guy may have a thing for you besides the diving part. Maybe you should invite him over, cook him dinner, fall in love, get married, have kids, and live happily ever after. Or am I jumping the gun here?

this is what i was thinking. Sounds like he is courting you. Hope there is some chemistry for you two.

Sent from my DROID X2

 

[Sly New Girl]

wow. thats kind of fast. maybe in ten years.

 

[ScubaSteve]

Okay. I will. It's awkward not knowing whats expected. I don't think he drinks at all. But he does eat! Quite a lot actually. Thank you.

Then perhaps BDSC has nailed the right answer

 

[Quero]

I would give him a gift certificate or something rather than money, in this case. I wouldn't just buy him a beer or two or a bottle or anything. But a gift certificate, at say ScubaToys, or if you see he admires some scuba gear item somebody's got, pick one up for him and tell him it's your way of showing appreciation to him for his mentoring of you. One thoughtful gift will get you lots and lots and lots of goodwill/mentoring from him.