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Good Day All
We are thinking of installing a PVC Grim Reaper sign in one of our caves. The problem with that cave is that it tends to have a lot of marine growth and we are wondering how do those PVC signs cope with that. Does anybody have any experience with them in such environments?
Regards,
Hiszpan
Hey Hiszpan,
I know of a few PVC warning signs that were/are installed in a couple of cave entrances in the Caribbean. Is the cave in question an ocean discharge point for an anchialine cave? These PVC signs do get fouled by marine growth, they are also stained in anchialine caves. Keep in mind there will be staining at where metal bolts are used to fix the sign to a mounting stand, especially in a saline environment. Metal signs have the same problems.
You have a lot of cave in Bermuda, I would imaging the seawater is a little cooler and the marine animal growth different than that of the Caribbean. You will certainly get a few years of service (eight to ten years?) from the sign. Just clean the sign with your hand should you dive the cave. I would resist using an abrasive pad. Check to see if the warning illustration on your sign is or is not a decal. Replacement sign illustrations are easy to obtain. You can have a new sign printed in a local print shop at an reasonable cost.
If your cave site is a significant or popular place and you are having problems there, install the sign and expect to replace it in a decade or less. Some people will respect the sign and the safety message, some will not. Expect to find occasional vandalism.
You also might consider a land-based warning sign. There are pros and cons when considering land warning signs. You can try to turn a land-based warning sign into an educational center. People will stop and read it, and hopefully get the safety and environmental message. Again, you can expect vandalism.
BTW, you should consult with any local landowners or government stewards before you install a cave or land warning sign. They may sign on and help you with this.
I hope this helps.
Jim
They do make clear boat bottom anti-fouling paint. But, that is just a 2 year solution.