The Divemaster’s Take on Tipping

To tip or not to tip, that is the question on a dive charter. Years ago tipping was unusual; now it's a common practice. Divemasters are not highly paid, so if you feel you received good service, a tip is customary, and is greatly appreciated.

Moreover, if you've required special help - - having the divemaster gear you on the transom and haul your heavy gear out of the water or if the divemaster does a quick repair to your gear on the boat (usually for free) - - you should consider a more generous tip.

Lastly, divemasters are supposed to be guides, not instructors. So if you needed a mini-refresher course in how to get down, manage your buoyancy, clear your ears or other basic scuba skills, you might want to thank the divemaster with a gratuity. And if the divemaster rescued you from yourself - - arrested an uncontrolled ascent or descent or swam you down in a current and got you back to the boat - - proper humility, profuse thanks and a sizeable tip will go a long way toward squaring your scuba karma.