Underwater Photographer Salary in Malaysia Per Month

Underwater photography is a specialised field in Malaysia, particularly within the oil and gas industry. An underwater photographer’s job, just like an air diver and commercial diver, is vital for inspecting and documenting the condition of underwater structures, pipelines, and machinery associated with offshore drilling and exploration.

These professionals are equipped with advanced photographic equipment to capture high-resolution images and videos of the underwater environment, which are then used for analysis, maintenance planning, and potential risk assessment. Combining skills in diving, photography, and understanding the complexities of the oil and gas sector, underwater photographers play a critical role in maintaining the safety and efficiency of Malaysia’s prosperous oil and gas industry.

How much does Underwater Photographer make in Malaysia per month?

Salaries for underwater photographers can vary greatly depending on the individual’s experience, skills, and the specifics of their job such as the type of the project, risk involved, etc.

However, based on data from various career websites, in the context of the oil & gas industry in Malaysia, an underwater photographer might expect to earn around MYR 5,000 to MYR 10,000 per month.

Please note that this is a rough estimation and actual salaries may vary. Specific salary information can vary widely depending on the level of experience, the company, and the nature of the projects that the underwater photographer is involved in. Some photographers are paid per project, while others might be salaried employees.

In a specialized industry like oil & gas, salaries could be significantly higher due to the complexity, risk, and special skills required for the job.

I would recommend checking out local job postings or reaching out to industry professionals directly for the most accurate information.

Is Underwater Photographer in high demand in Malaysia?

Underwater photography is a significant part of many industries, including oil and gas. In Malaysia, one of the world’s top oil and gas producers, underwater photographers could potentially be utilized in several capacities.

However, the specific role of “Underwater Photographer” is not typically a common or high-demand role in the oil and gas industry, not just in Malaysia but globally.

What is more commonly in demand in the oil & gas sector are commercial divers who often undertake a variety of underwater tasks, including inspection, maintenance, repairs, and surveying.

These divers may sometimes be required to use photography or videography equipment as part of their job for the purpose of inspection or documentation.

So, while underwater photography skills could be beneficial in this industry, they are usually considered as part of a broader skill set. The demand for such a specific role would fluctuate based on the needs of specific projects or companies.

If you’re interested in a career in underwater photography within the oil & gas industry, it may be worth gaining a wider set of underwater skills including commercial diving or underwater inspection.

Remember that all information is subject to change, and it is always best to perform your own research or reach out directly to companies in the industry for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Is Underwater Photographer a good career in Malaysia?

Underwater photography can indeed be a valuable skill in the oil & gas industry, particularly within the realm of commercial diving or underwater engineering inspections. In specific reference to Malaysia, the country has a substantial oil & gas sector, so opportunities might exist for skilled underwater photographers within this industry.

However, it’s important to note that underwater photography in this context is not typically a standalone profession. It is usually part of a larger skill set required for roles such as commercial divers, subsea engineers, or ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) pilots.

These professionals are often required to document underwater structures, pipelines, or potential damages, where photography plays a key part.

There are also a few key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Training and Certification: For underwater roles in the oil & gas industry, you’ll need more than just photography skills. Commercial diving requires specific, rigorous training and certifications, including safety regulations, emergency protocols, and technical diving skills.
2. Job Demand: Job growth in the oil & gas industry can fluctuate depending on a variety of factors, including oil prices, geopolitical events, and shifts towards renewable energy. Therefore, demand for such roles might vary.
3. Working Conditions: Underwater roles in the oil & gas industry can be physically demanding and potentially hazardous. They often require working in remote locations and spending extended periods away from home.
4. Future Trends: The oil & gas industry increasingly uses automated technology for underwater inspections, including ROVs and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). These trends may impact the demand for human divers but could create opportunities for those skilled in operating and maintaining such technology.

While underwater photography can be a valuable skill within Malaysia’s oil & gas sector, it’s typically part of a more comprehensive skill set required for roles such as commercial diving or subsea engineering.

The desirability of this career path will depend on your personal interests, aptitude, ability to meet the training requirements, and tolerance for the working conditions. It would be beneficial to conduct further research and seek professional guidance to make an informed decision.

What kind of companies hire Underwater Photographer in Malaysia?

Underwater photographers in the context of oil and gas jobs are typically hired by companies that specialize in underwater services for the oil and gas industry. These could be:

1. Commercial Diving Companies: These companies often require underwater photographers to document underwater structures, pipelines, or potential damages.
2. Oil & Gas Companies: They may hire underwater photographers to perform visual inspections of their offshore structures. This can include underwater sections of oil rigs, pipelines, and other structures.
3. Marine Engineering Firms: These firms might need underwater photographers to capture images for their projects, often related to the construction or maintenance of offshore oil and gas infrastructure.
4. ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) Operators: ROVs are often used in the oil and gas industry for underwater tasks. ROV operators may require underwater photographers to document their operations or findings.
5. Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance (IRM) Companies: These companies, which often offer services to oil and gas companies, may need underwater photographers to document the condition of underwater infrastructures.
6. Environmental Consultancy Firms: These firms may employ underwater photographers to capture images or videos as part of environmental impact assessments.

In Malaysia, some specific companies that might hire underwater photographers include Sapura Energy, Bumi Armada, Uzma Engineering, and Alam Maritim Resources.

Please remember that availability of positions can vary, and it’s best to check directly with the companies for current job openings.

What are the roles of Underwater Photographer?

In the context of the oil and gas industry, underwater photographers have a unique and important role to play. They are often part of a larger team of divers who inspect, repair, and maintain offshore drilling platforms and pipelines. Here are some of their roles:

1. Inspection Documentation: Underwater photographers take high-quality images and videos of underwater structures, equipment, and installations for detailed observation and inspection. This is crucial in detecting any damage or potential issues in the oil and gas infrastructure.
2. Surveying and Mapping: Underwater photographers may be involved in creating detailed photographic maps and surveys of underwater installations, which are used for planning maintenance or repair work.
3. Monitoring Maritime Life: In certain circumstances, they may also be tasked with documenting and monitoring the marine life around these infrastructures to ensure that the operations are not disrupting the local ecosystem.
4. Providing Visual Reports: These photographers are responsible for providing visual reports to the engineers and other relevant staff. This helps professionals to analyze the conditions and make better decisions.
5. Assisting Repair and Maintenance Work: Through their photography, they assist the maintenance team by providing images of specific sections of structures that need repair.
6. Safety Checks: They inspect and photograph safety components of the underwater structures to ensure their proper functioning and provide photographic evidence if any safety norms are violated.
7. Training and Education: The images and videos taken by underwater photographers can be used for training and educating other staff members about the offshore drilling process, potential hazards, and safety measures.
8. Incident Documentation: In case of incidents or accidents, underwater photographers provide crucial visual evidence that can help in understanding what went wrong.

These roles necessitate excellent photography skills, thorough knowledge about underwater operations and equipment, and in many cases, a good understanding of marine life. They also need to be excellent swimmers and divers, trained in safety procedures, and comfortable working in potentially hazardous conditions.

What are the skills required for Underwater Photographer?

Underwater photography is a highly specialized field that requires a unique combination of skills. Here are the key skills required for an underwater photographer:

1. Scuba Diving Skills: This is the fundamental requirement for an underwater photographer. They must be a skilled diver, with a strong understanding of safety procedures, equipment handling, buoyancy control, and navigating underwater environments.
2. Photography Skills: This includes understanding of composition, lighting, exposure, shutter speed, and aperture. A good knowledge of different types of cameras, lenses, and filters is also crucial.
3. Underwater Camera Equipment Skills: Managing camera equipment underwater is quite different from on land. Photographers need to familiarize themselves with underwater housings, strobes, and wide-angle or macro lenses, while also handling the camera securely amidst currents and marine life.
4. Post-Production Skills: Skills in photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom are crucial for processing and enhancing images after they’ve been shot.
5. Marine Life Knowledge: Understanding marine life, their habitats, and behaviors can help in capturing compelling images. This involves patience and respect for wildlife.
6. Physical Fitness and Stamina: Underwater photography can be physically demanding as it often involves long dives, dealing with currents, and carrying heavy equipment.
7. Problem-Solving Skills: The underwater environment is unpredictable, therefore, the ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently is vital.
8. Patience and Perseverance: Capturing the perfect shot underwater can take time and multiple attempts.
9. Communication Skills: Whether it’s communicating with a team on a dive operation or dealing with clients, good communication skills are important.
10. Environmental Awareness: A good underwater photographer should be aware of the fragility of the marine ecosystem and aim to minimize disturbance to the environment. They often play an important role in highlighting issues related to marine conservation.

How can I become Underwater Photographer in Malaysia?

Becoming an underwater photographer in the context of Oil & Gas industries involves several steps, including gaining the necessary skills and experience, acquiring certifications, and finding job opportunities within the industry. Here’s a step-by-step guide for Malaysia:

1. Acquire Basic Skills: With any profession, you need to acquire basic skills. You’ll want to hone your photography skills, learn how to use different types of underwater camera equipment, and edit photos post-production. Many community colleges, universities, and online platforms offer courses in photography.
2. Scuba Diving Certification: Alongside your photography skills, you’ll need to be a certified diver. PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is one of the most recognized scuba certifications globally. In Malaysia, there are numerous dive schools where you can obtain your PADI certification.
3. Underwater Photography Training: Once you are a certified diver, you can take specialized courses in underwater photography. These courses are often offered by scuba diving schools, or you might find specialized underwater photography workshops and training programs.
4. Oil and Gas Industry Knowledge: If you are planning to dive in an Oil & Gas setting, you should familiarize yourself with industry standards, safety protocols, and the specific types of photography used in this field (e.g., inspection photography, exploration photography). Understanding the unique challenges and requirements of this sector will give you a competitive edge.
5. Offshore Survival Course: Many oil and gas companies require employees who will be working offshore to attend a BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training) or HUET (Helicopter Underwater Escape Training) course. These training programs are crucial for understanding safety practices in offshore environments.
6. Gain Experience: Like many professions, gaining experience is key. Initially, you may have to work in roles that are not directly related to your ultimate goal, but that still provide valuable experience. For instance, you might begin as a recreational diving instructor, a dive master, or an assistant to a professional underwater photographer.
7. Networking: Networking is essential in this niche field. Attending industry events, joining professional associations, and connecting with industry professionals online can help you find job opportunities and gain insights about the industry.
8. Find Jobs: Once you’ve acquired the necessary skills and certifications, start looking for job opportunities in the Oil & Gas industry. Numerous multinational corporations operate in Malaysia, such as Petronas, Shell, and ExxonMobil, along with many smaller service companies that might need underwater photographers.

Remember, becoming an underwater photographer, especially in the Oil & Gas industry, requires a unique blend of skills and a strong commitment to safety. Always continue to learn, improve your skills, and stay connected with industry trends and standards.

What is the career path working as Underwater Photographer?

Working as an Underwater Photographer in the oil and gas industry is a career that requires a unique combination of technical skills, photography expertise, and diving proficiency. Here is a possible career path:

1. Education: An SPM certificate or high school diploma is typically required as a minimum. Further education in photography or a related field can be very beneficial, although not always necessary. Understanding the basics of photography, like lighting, composition, and editing, is crucial.
2. Diving Certification: Obtain a scuba diving certification from a recognized organization such as PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) or NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors). You need to be an excellent diver to be able to focus on photography while underwater.
3. Photography Training: Gain a strong foundation in photography, either through formal education, self-study, or workshops. You should understand how to operate a variety of cameras, lenses, and other equipment.
4. Underwater Photography Specialization: This includes learning about underwater photographic equipment, mastering buoyancy for steady shots, understanding marine life behavior, and learning how to manage safety issues related to underwater photography.
5. Work Experience: Start gaining experience in underwater photography. This could be through freelance work, internships, or entry-level positions. A portfolio of your underwater photography will be critical to advancing in this field.
6. Industry-Specific Training: To work in the oil and gas industry, you might need further training or certifications to understand the specific requirements of the industry, such as safety protocols, equipment knowledge, etc.
7. Underwater Photographer in Oil & Gas Industry: Pursue job opportunities in the oil and gas industry as an underwater photographer. This could involve documenting underwater structures, pipelines, or marine life habitats potentially affected by oil and gas operations.
8. Continued Education and Credentialing: As technology and techniques evolve, you will need to continue learning and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in photography and diving. You might also need to renew your diving certification periodically.

Remember that each person’s career path can look a little different based on their personal goals, opportunities, and experiences. This is a general guide and the specifics may vary depending on the region, company, and individual.