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#622
Tipping Dive Charters
Matt65 - 11/15/2008 3:08 PM
Category: General
Replies: 7

 Next month, I will be doing two different dive charters in Hawaii. Being new to diving, these will be my first experiences with any kind of charter services. I would like your opinion on how / if it is customary to tip those on the boat? When tipping a charter service, do you give your tip to one person, and they divide it amongst themselves later? Or, do you tip each person on the boat? How does this all typically work? Thankyou for your time, take care and dive safe!
#3936
seawolfdiving - 11/15/2008 4:05 PM


Great question.


Having worked on dive boats, I can say that I "always" appreciated tips.


That being said, I always tip the boat crew for their service. The amount of tip that I offer is directly related to the quality of service that the crew provides. Usually I offer the tip to the captain of the boat. Usually, the captain then distributes the tips that are received among the crew.


There are some instances where boat crews have turned down my offered tip, but I still always make it a point to offer.


If you want more information on "tips for diving services" may I suggest that you check out "Dive Training Magazine". From time to time they publish articles about diving and boating etiquette. One article in particular was written by Barry Shuster and is titled "Gratuity: Tips on Tipping for Dive Services".


You can access this article by visiting www.dtmag.com. Select the "Dive Training Library" link. Type "tips" in the keyword search window. Several articles will pop up. I believe the article in question should be the first one on the list.


Hope this helps.


Safe diving...



#3091
divemaiden - 11/15/2008 6:33 PM
On the charters I’ve been on, they usually have a canister or container of some kind specifically for tipping. As a rule of thumb, I generally tip about 20% of the cost of the charter, depending on my satisfaction. If you’re going to Maui, I highly recommend Lahaina Divers in Lahaina and ask to dive with the Cesere brothers. I had a great time with them.
#328
Spearo - 11/15/2008 7:23 PM
It has been a few years since I dove from someone else boat but IF the guys did their job well a 15-20% tip to each (2) was the norm for me. The Capt. got his $ when I booked/paid for the day trip.
#8046
Rich-D-Fish - 11/16/2008 11:11 AM
I generally tip 20%. There is always a tip jar somewhere. Sometimes you just need to ask where it is. Have fun in Hawaii. I’m jealous.
#2344
malibu - 11/16/2008 11:11 PM
I have usually given 5 or 10 bucks when I have been on a boat trip. It usually depends on how good the service is they give. I have given more when there is only a few divers and a bigger crew and when there are "cheep" divers. These poor guys really bust their asses on these boats. Usually at the dock/shop by 6:30 at the latest for an 8:00 trip and then they have to unload all the used talks and then load all the fresh tanks, clean the boat, do whatever else needs to be done so they can be ready to go out for the afternoon trip. And then on wed and sat. nights they have night dives and they dont usually get paid well. Tip them well and they will do their best to make your trip great.
#2955
OcalaJim - 11/17/2008 9:07 PM
I always give 15-20% depending on the quality of service. You have to keep in mind that usually the only person getting paid is the captain. The others work on tips alone. So, if they take care of you, take care of them.

Also, all of the local dive boats I’ve been on (1,2 or 3 tanks dive charters) I give each of the crew their share. If it’s a liveaboard, usually you can give it to one person - the Dive Master. They will divide the tips to the other crew.

If you are unsure, just ask the captain.