Tipping Diving Instructor

[mddyver]

At a full service dive resort or on a crew based live-aboard tips are a significant portion of the dive crew's compensation. But the second best tip I ever got working as a DM was an offer from a customer to buy me dinner and drinks with his dive buddies. During the dinner, he thanked me in front of his buddies for saving his life. That day he had a minor problem on the surface leading to panic. Big deal for him. Just another day at the "office" for me. But it still felt great.

But the very best "tip" I ever got as a DM was a request from a NAUI Instructor Trainer to escort his twin 13-year old daughters on their first open water ocean dive. NAUI's ultimate standard asks "would I allow a loved one to dive with or be taught by this diver/instructor. It was a big honor.

While acting in a teaching status, tips are very infrequent but always appreciated. Cash, gift cards or a meal all work.

The best "tip" I ever got came while teaching came after completing a PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Course for a husband and wife team. The husband had his leg amputated below the knee and was having severe problems with trim and stability. After a couple dives it went like this:

Me: So how did it go?
Husband: Wow, that was great. I feel so much better in the water!
Wife: Yeah. He looks like a real diver now!

Made my weekend.

Feel free to tip your instructor. But if you choose otherwise, and still want to show appreciation, you can also give a heart felt thanks, share positive feedback with the dive shop management, or maybe write a letter to the instructor's dive training agency.

Mike

 

[tajkd]

I agree with mddyver in that true appreciation is the biggest tip.

 

[AZFlyingDiver]

Simple solution--don't solicit tips, implicitly or otherwise, and don't accept them if they are proffered. Charge a fair price for your labor and spare yourself the indignity and condescension.

Refusing a tip can be inherently insulting, wounded pride notwithstanding...

Geez, the mention of condescension here is a little ironic...

 

[AZFlyingDiver]

I've tipped cash in the jar on resort boat trips, but never have for instruction itself. For one particularly inspiring instructor I did give her a "thank you" card and a small personal token, and it was much appreciated. I say, do what you think/want to express genuine appreciation (from a heartfelt "thank you" to an open invite to the Cabo condo) - in the end, that's all we want to express, right?