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Open circuit breathing apparatus (SCBA and airline) for confined space and oxygen deficient atmospheres (nationally recognised unit)

Breathing Apparatus Course: Cost, Length and Providers

Breathing apparatus training is the unit MSMWHS216, Operate breathing apparatus. Across 10 providers, published prices run $239 to $460, usually a half day to 1 day. The unit sets no licence and no expiry. It is often booked with confined space training.

Last checked 10 October 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm with the regulator or provider before you book.

Key facts

Unit code
MSMWHS216
Price range
$239 to $460 (10 published prices)
Typical length
Usually a half day (about 4 hours) to 1 day. Saferight, Harness Energy, Link Resources, StaySafe Training and Kallibr list a half day or about 4 hours, OHSA lists 6 to 8 hours, and Access Unlimited Training, Coal Train Australia and All Global Training list 1 day.
Expiry
The unit sets no expiry and no licence. Harness Energy lists an annual refresh for its course, and Kallibr Training sells a cheaper refresher. Sites decide what they accept, so check with yours.
Providers compared
10
Last checked
10 October 2026
Compare breathing apparatus providers

How much does a breathing apparatus course cost?

Published prices run $239 to $460 across 10 of the 10 providers we compared. Each figure comes from the provider’s own course page on 10 October 2026. See every provider, sorted cheapest first.

What are the rules for breathing apparatus?

  • MSMWHS216 Operate breathing apparatus is the current national unit (Release 1 on training.gov.au). It supersedes and is equivalent to MSAPMOHS216A, which is superseded.

    Source: training.gov.au

  • The MSMWHS216 unit lists no prerequisite unit and states that no licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply at the time of publication.

    Source: training.gov.au

  • The MSMWHS216 Application text covers using breathing apparatus in an irrespirable atmosphere under AS/NZS 1715:2009, with confined spaces, hazardous gases or vapours and oxygen deficient atmospheres as examples. It says emergency use is not the prime focus. The unit covers open circuit apparatus (self-contained breathing apparatus and airline equipment) and does not cover rebreather (closed circuit) apparatus.

    Source: training.gov.au

  • training.gov.au shows MSMWHS216 as current and as the equivalent replacement for MSAPMOHS216A.

    Source: training.gov.au

  • PUAFIR207 Operate breathing apparatus open circuit (Release 2, current) is a separate public safety unit written for the fire sector. It replaces PUAFIR207B. Mining and construction providers mostly sell MSMWHS216 instead.

    Source: training.gov.au

  • WorkSafe WA lists its high risk work licence classes as boom type elevating work platform, concrete placing boom, cranes, dogging, forklift, hoists, pressure equipment, rigging and scaffolding. Breathing apparatus use is not among them. We did not check the class lists of the other states and territories.

    Source: www.worksafe.wa.gov.au

  • Total Mantra (Cairns, RTO 31178) says its operate breathing apparatus course is generally booked alongside training in confined space entry. It lists a 4 hour course at $1500 per course for up to 10 people, a group price, so it is not counted as a per person price here.

    Source: www.totalmantra.com.au

  • Harness Energy lists an annual refresh for its breathing apparatus course and recommends regular refreshers to maintain currency.

    Source: harnessenergy.com.au

  • Coal Train Australia lists a clean shaven requirement for its breathing apparatus course.

    Source: coaltrain.com.au

  • All Global Training lists a clean shaven requirement for its breathing apparatus course.

    Source: allglobaltraining.com.au

  • OHSA lists a minimum age of 18 for its breathing apparatus course and says the practical work can involve crawling through confined spaces, wearing harnesses and lifting cylinders of about 10 to 15 kg.

    Source: www.ohsa.com.au

  • Access Unlimited Training lists a minimum age of 18 for its operate breathing apparatus course.

    Source: www.accessunlimitedtraining.com.au

  • Kallibr Training lists its breathing apparatus refresher at $225 in Victoria, against $350 for the initial course.

    Source: kallibr.com.au

breathing apparatus questions answered

What is the breathing apparatus unit code?

MSMWHS216, Operate breathing apparatus. It is current on training.gov.au (Release 1) and replaces the older MSAPMOHS216A. Fire sector courses use a different unit, PUAFIR207, written for fire teams. Providers issue a statement of attainment for the unit.

How much does a breathing apparatus course cost?

Across 10 providers, published prices run $239 to $460, as listed on each provider's own page and last checked 10 October 2026. Prices differ by state and by location within a state. Group and on-site prices are not counted in that range.

Is breathing apparatus a licence?

No. The unit states that no licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply at the time of publication. It is a competency, and sites decide whether they require it. Check your site and your state regulator.

Is breathing apparatus training the same as confined space?

No, they are separate units. Confined space entry is RIIWHS202E and breathing apparatus is MSMWHS216. Total Mantra says its breathing apparatus course is generally booked alongside confined space entry training, so check what your confined space course covers before booking twice.

How long is the course?

It depends on the provider. Saferight, Harness Energy, Link Resources, StaySafe Training and Kallibr list a half day or about 4 hours, OHSA lists 6 to 8 hours, Accelerated Training lists 8 hours, and Access Unlimited Training, Coal Train Australia and All Global Training list 1 day.

Will I need a refresher?

The unit sets no expiry. Harness Energy lists an annual refresh for its course and recommends regular refreshers to keep your skills current. Kallibr Training lists a refresher at $225 against $350 for the initial course. Ask your site what it accepts.

Do I need to be clean shaven?

Coal Train Australia and All Global Training both list a clean shaven requirement for their courses. Check your provider's page before you book.

Is there a minimum age or fitness requirement?

OHSA and Access Unlimited Training list a minimum age of 18. OHSA also says the practical work can involve crawling through confined spaces, wearing harnesses and lifting cylinders of about 10 to 15 kg.

Want the full walkthrough? Read our breathing apparatus guide.

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