SHIPBOARD DAMAGE CONTROL, PERSONNEL PROTECTION, FIREFIGHTING AND CBR-D
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DAMAGE CONTROL MUSEUM
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Breathing Apparatus  
 
Navy Oxygen Breathing Apparatus (OBA), Type B
 
The Type B OBA was developed in 1950 to provide more breathing protection for aircraft carrier personnel. It augmented the Types A-1 and A-2 OBA, which were not available in sufficient quantities in the fleet for support teams working in heavy smoke. It was not designed for hard work or extended involvement in firefighting.

The Type B OBA was lighter in construction, with a two-piece face piece and was designed for respiratory protection of ships’ personnel in emergencies, providing about 20 minutes of breathing air. The breathing bag was rectangular and mounted on the chest. It had a harness and “D” ring for the attachment of a life-line.

As with the Type A-2 OBA, the wearer could change canisters while wearing the apparatus in a toxic or smoke-filled atmosphere.
Image of Oxygen Breathing Apparatus (OBA), Type B
 

For more information, see the Index.