The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI) is removing a rooftop sign displaying its initials.

The sign - which was originally attached to a Christmas float - must come down because it violates Bermuda's Advertising Regulation Act.

Planning Department officers spoke to BUEI officials yesterday about the illegal sign and Director Rudolph Hollis said the sign was to be removed.

BUEI director Ralph Richardson said the sign was to come down this week anyway and had only been placed on the building for the Christmas period.

Mr. Richardson said the sign normally rides atop the BUEI boat parade float but it is moved to the museum after the parade and is the only lights which adorn the building at Christmas.

Bermuda's 1911 Advertising Regulation Act has been credited with keeping the Island free of neon signs and unsightly large advertising billboards.

It has been heralded internationally as well for its forward thinking environmental nature.

Under the Act, commercial signs can be no more than 15 inches high and must not be illuminated from behind.

Similarly, the Act dictates that signs should not break the skyline, which Mr. Hollis said was the case with the BUEI sign.

Mr. Hollis said the Act has some difficulty keeping pace with new technology but applications for signs should normally be cleared with both the Corporation of Hamilton and the Planning Department.