As my kids are fond of telling me, I'm "old," so will gladly accept help hauling tanks when it's available. I also gladly accept assistance hauling my ancient bod up the ladder with my gear on (bad knees). I do prefer to set up my own gear; it's part of the fun of being a diver. I like feeling competant and in control; I also have a specific way I like the tank set.
While diving in Bermuda last year, my kids and I were the object of some surprise at first. Most of the people on the boat were off one of the cruise ships or staying at a resort, so they rented everything - and we showed up with our gear bags........ They got used to us quickly, and realized that we didn't need anyone setting up our stuff. That being said, if I were in a place where local customs would brand me as rude for doing it, I suppose I could live with having to go over everything and fixing my gear to my satisfaction (I always check the basics like o-rings and tank pressure as I set up); I just wouldn't like it.
And I always tip well. Always.
While diving in Bermuda last year, my kids and I were the object of some surprise at first. Most of the people on the boat were off one of the cruise ships or staying at a resort, so they rented everything - and we showed up with our gear bags........ They got used to us quickly, and realized that we didn't need anyone setting up our stuff. That being said, if I were in a place where local customs would brand me as rude for doing it, I suppose I could live with having to go over everything and fixing my gear to my satisfaction (I always check the basics like o-rings and tank pressure as I set up); I just wouldn't like it.
And I always tip well. Always.