When I am on the boat with SCUBA students, divers will often ask, “How much should I tip”? Here’s my response with my opinion:

If  you’re diving in the Keys or Florida, most dive leaders are paid a flat wage for the trip, but it’s not much, so tips supplement their income, much the same as wait staff in a restaurant. Of course, poor service…no tip.  How much does one tip? Usually, the tip runs $5.00+ per crew member. Normally, tips are shared equally between the staff.  I have been on boats where I only wanted to tip one deserving crew member. I have given that person the tip, stating that it is meant only for him. Don’t forget if you are taking a class, your instuctor is tipped separately from the boat crew.

If you’re diving in the Carribbean or Mexico, generally dive crew’s live on tips (only). You don’t tip…they don’t eat. Some crew might admire a piece of your equipment that you might give in lieu of a tip (I always carry an extra dive light for that purpose).

If you dive in California, the tip is often built into the trip because divers usually bring their own gear and tanks. Most divers also change their own tanks between dives, so most crew are on board for assistance and emergencies. If you get rescued…a tip is certainly appropriate.

There is a weird phemomenom regarding rescues. In all my years of executing rescues, I have found that victims do not tip for the assistance. Interesting….

My instructor friends in Spain tell me  that if you’re diving around the Red Sea, some crew feel a tip is an insult…so ask before you give a gratuity.

But…when in doubt and the crew or the instructor has done a nice job…tip.