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I cannot understand why people do not offer a tip to the person who assisted them in learning to dive. People tip a bartender a dollar for simply pouring a drink People tip waiter/waitress 20% for taking a dinner order and simply bringing it to table.They did not even have to shop for it or cook it.
A DM or instructor will instruct you to survive in the water.If you screw up a DM /instr will jump in and save your sorry ass.Never mind all the preparations before a boat dive or class that need to be done.. Hell, a DM /instructor may even set up a grill at a dive site for surface interval hot dog/hamburger for you that they paid for out of their pocket. If at a classroom they may bring donuts/bagels/coffee that they paid for out of their pocket..
Maybe I agree with you and tipping an instructor would make sense. But people don't tip teachers--any teachers (I was one)--including private music teachers, karate class teachers, etc. DMs on a boat and waitresses yes, but they are not teachers. Not saying it's right, just an explanation.
Don't tell me I need to tip my instructor or DM if you are not tipping your doctor or your lawyer or your plumber or your accountant or your tax preparer or your child's teacher or your local MP or senator or congressman or every other professional you employ.
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really cannot compare doctor/lawyer/accountant to a scuba instructor/ dM..they are not in the service industry ..Oh and yes I do tip my plumber a $20. for him to get lunch when he does a neat job. Tip a senator/congressman can get you in jail..