Course Dates for 2026ย
BOA 1
Assessment
BOA 2
Assessment
Pre-Requisites
Bush Firefighter (BF)
Medical examination specified for BAO.
Course Location
The Hill FCC
The Hill District Training
Centre
The Breathing Apparatus Operator (BAO) is a trained firefighter who wears and operates Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) to work safely in environments where air quality is hazardous โ such as structure fires, chemical incidents, confined spaces, and smoke-logged areas.
This role is physically and mentally demanding, requiring specialist training, situational awareness, and teamwork.
To become a BAO in the NSW RFS, members must complete the:
This nationally recognised course covers:
Donning and doffing SCBA safely
Operating SCBA under simulated and real conditions
Communicating effectively under mask
Team procedures for working in hazardous atmospheres
Managing air supply and monitoring gauges
Emergency procedures, including low air and distress situations
Pre-requisites:
Must hold the Bush Firefighter ย (BF) qualification or higher
Must be medically fit (may require a health clearance)
Must maintain BA competency through regular training and assessments
BAOs are typically used in:
Structure fires (internal attack, search and rescue)
Hazardous material incidents (where smoke, vapour, or gas is present)
Vehicle fires, especially enclosed cabins or trucks
Support roles to FRNSW or multi-agency responses
Training exercises and simulations
BA work is high-risk โ crews must be constantly aware of air supply, heat conditions, and structural stability
Must know how to respond to low-air alarms, equipment failure, or becoming trapped or disoriented
Regular fit testing and equipment maintenance are mandatory
BAOs must be physically fit โ wearing BA can be hot, heavy, and exhausting
RFS brigades equipped with BA will typically have:
SCBA units (backplate, cylinder, face mask)
BA cylinders (carbon fibre, usually 300-bar, ~45 mins air)
Entry Control boards
Spare cylinders and servicing kits
Some districts also operate a BA support trailer or vehicle, often used during large incidents or for cross-crewing with FRNSW.
The BAO role in the NSW RFS is a specialist qualification that allows members to enter and work in immediately dangerous environments, helping protect life and property in some of the most hazardous conditions firefighters face. It requires courage, discipline, and a commitment to safety and teamwork.