Tip the Divemaster?
- Thread starter Luv2dive
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Yes tipping is customary from what I have read. Do a search on the boards here. There have beensome threads that deal with how much to tip etc.
Our general rule of thumb for tipping in Coz is $5 per dive per person. Of course it depends on the service. We usually use the same operator, Caballito del Caribe, for the duration of our stay and we tip on the last dive.
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Hi Luv2Dive,
The following is the un-edited version of the piece which appeared in edited form in my "Ask RSD" column of the Oct '99 of "Rodale's Scuba Diving" magazine:
"How much, when and whom do I tip on a day dive boat?
As with tipping in other situations, dive boat gratuities are a personal matter, although local customs should be respected. For example, tipping is not yet customary in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and other countries.
In many locations, including the US, Mexico and greater Caribbean, however, it does seem generally agreed that tipping for good service on a dive boat is appropriate. Keep in mind that some crews derive much, and occasionally nearly all, of their income from gratuities, regardless of whose fault this is. Repeat customers of a dive op can well vouch for the value of recognition of crew effort.
For those interested in tipping, guidelines for day dive boats include: (1) Gratuities are just that, something given voluntarily and beyond obligation for a service rendered. They are not mandatory; (2) An appropriate amount is somewhere between 10-15 percent of the cost of the diving expenses, not including gear rental, park or chamber fees, and other incidentals. This amount should be adjusted so as to fit the level of service, with a range of 0 to 15 percent being acceptable, although some generous divers do leave more; (3) In most situations, you need tip only one crew member, often the DM who primarily attended you. The tip will be shared among the crew according to their internal agreements. If a particular crew member rendered a special service which was above and beyond the call of duty, e.g., brought a piece of his personal gear from home for your use, cleaned up after you following an episode of sea sickness, etc., then an individual gratuity could be justified; and (4) If your crew changes every day, tips will probably be most fairly shared if given daily. If your crew is stable and you desire to consider tips at the end of the trip, let the DM know. Of course, human nature being what it is, the immediate rewards of a tip at the end of each diving day may result in the best service.
Finally, if in doubt about tipping, ask around. Local divers can tell you about their customs, and the consensus of your fellow divers will give you a good idea of what is appropriate."
If you are pleased with the service you are getting from your Coz dive op, an appropriate tip for a 2 tank dive would be US$8-$10.
Hope this gets you started.
DocVikingo
The following is the un-edited version of the piece which appeared in edited form in my "Ask RSD" column of the Oct '99 of "Rodale's Scuba Diving" magazine:
"How much, when and whom do I tip on a day dive boat?
As with tipping in other situations, dive boat gratuities are a personal matter, although local customs should be respected. For example, tipping is not yet customary in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and other countries.
In many locations, including the US, Mexico and greater Caribbean, however, it does seem generally agreed that tipping for good service on a dive boat is appropriate. Keep in mind that some crews derive much, and occasionally nearly all, of their income from gratuities, regardless of whose fault this is. Repeat customers of a dive op can well vouch for the value of recognition of crew effort.
For those interested in tipping, guidelines for day dive boats include: (1) Gratuities are just that, something given voluntarily and beyond obligation for a service rendered. They are not mandatory; (2) An appropriate amount is somewhere between 10-15 percent of the cost of the diving expenses, not including gear rental, park or chamber fees, and other incidentals. This amount should be adjusted so as to fit the level of service, with a range of 0 to 15 percent being acceptable, although some generous divers do leave more; (3) In most situations, you need tip only one crew member, often the DM who primarily attended you. The tip will be shared among the crew according to their internal agreements. If a particular crew member rendered a special service which was above and beyond the call of duty, e.g., brought a piece of his personal gear from home for your use, cleaned up after you following an episode of sea sickness, etc., then an individual gratuity could be justified; and (4) If your crew changes every day, tips will probably be most fairly shared if given daily. If your crew is stable and you desire to consider tips at the end of the trip, let the DM know. Of course, human nature being what it is, the immediate rewards of a tip at the end of each diving day may result in the best service.
Finally, if in doubt about tipping, ask around. Local divers can tell you about their customs, and the consensus of your fellow divers will give you a good idea of what is appropriate."
If you are pleased with the service you are getting from your Coz dive op, an appropriate tip for a 2 tank dive would be US$8-$10.
Hope this gets you started.
DocVikingo
I always tip the Divemaster unless the they take us to a crappy spot, don't provide a good briefing or otherwise provide bad service (pretty rare).
Scott
Scott
Scubaroo
Contributor
I threw up on a dive boat yesterday, so a tip was definitely in order 
I gave $10 because some hosing was involved 
I gave $10 because some hosing was involved 
astrl
Contributor
Do you think it should matter in regards to tipping if the DM stays on the boat as opposed to diving with the group?
astrl
astrl
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In most places, especially in the US, the DM almost always stays on the boat unless you get yourself in trouble and he has to come save you. If you need a guide you pay extra for it.
Tom
Tom
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