I have mixed views on this subject. I certainly tip when a dock hand makes me look good on a difficult landing, comes out in the rain, or otherwise goes above and beyond. I tip when the dock hand comes out to the far end of the finger to help me find my assigned slip in a large marina. I tip anyone who handles a pump-out hose for me.
I get a little worried when I come to a place that has 2 or 3 staff scurrying around looking for something to do, when no help is needed. Especially when it's an easy tie-up on a face dock with no wind or current, which I could have done myself. That feels to me like fawning for an un-earned tip, and I hate to play that game.
Likewise, if the dockhand is so clueless they botch a landing I could otherwise have single-handed, for example, by pulling on my bow line until I'm perpendicular to the dock, they should pay ME, not the other way around.
I actually prefer to plan and execute my own docking strategy. I'd rather have no-one on the dock most of the time. When I need help, I'll ask for it, and tip appropriately.
I've worked in food service. I know tips are expected (and usually, deserved) for table service in the US. I'm just not ready to make it automatic for every dock walker.
I get a little worried when I come to a place that has 2 or 3 staff scurrying around looking for something to do, when no help is needed. Especially when it's an easy tie-up on a face dock with no wind or current, which I could have done myself. That feels to me like fawning for an un-earned tip, and I hate to play that game.
Likewise, if the dockhand is so clueless they botch a landing I could otherwise have single-handed, for example, by pulling on my bow line until I'm perpendicular to the dock, they should pay ME, not the other way around.
I actually prefer to plan and execute my own docking strategy. I'd rather have no-one on the dock most of the time. When I need help, I'll ask for it, and tip appropriately.
I've worked in food service. I know tips are expected (and usually, deserved) for table service in the US. I'm just not ready to make it automatic for every dock walker.