SF1346

This legislative bill in Minnesota requires that all permit holders involved in harvesting or destroying aquatic plants using scuba diving equipment must adhere to specific safety protocols. The bill modifies existing laws to:

1. Check if scuba diving equipment will be used when issuing permits for aquatic plant management. If so, the permit applicant must provide a recent safety survey report conducted by a qualified professional, detailing safety practices, equipment, and training.

2. Introduce stricter regulations and safety standards for commercial diving operations, including the requirement for divers to be certified and to use specific safety equipment such as a buoyancy control device.

3. Prohibit the issuance or renewal of permits to anyone who has had significant safety violations related to scuba diving within the past two years or a person related to such a violator through business or other significant common factors.

4. Require the development and distribution of an information sheet to employers and permit applicants explaining the scuba diving safety requirements.

The aim is to enhance safety for those involved in underwater work related to aquatic plants and environments.