Running the pump on a fire scene can be one of the most challenging jobs in the fire service. Competent pump operators must know the basic principles of hydraulics, the specifications and capabilities of their apparatus and its quirks (aka "features"), the specifications of other apparatus in the department, how to determine friction loss, departmental standard operating procedures/guidelines, how to read the gauges and troubleshoot problems, and where to find everything on the rig.

Many departments have ranked or titled personnel, known as chauffeurs, drivers, or engineers, who are responsible for all apparatus operations. These departments may be very strict about qualifying members to drive; they may require state or local certification or even commercial driver's licenses.

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