What You Need to Know About Burial at Sea

Burial at sea refers to both cremated and non-cremated remains. Funeral homes, cremation providers, charter boats, and the military all may have options and information to consider. But first, let’s start with the history and legal requirements.

History of Burial at Sea

Burial at sea ceremonies have been in practice for as long as there have been seaworthy vessels from which to conduct them. From Sir Francis Drake’s memorial at sea in 1596 to Robin Williams’ 2014 ash scattering ceremony in San Francisco Bay, it’s a tradition that has brought comfort and closure to bereaved families from all walks of life for centuries. Modern ceremonies can be as complex as the Navy’s or as simple as a family scattering. 

Legal Guidelines for Burial at Sea

Before you plan a burial at sea, you should understand the rules set out by the Environmental Protection Agency. Here are some of the EPA’s rules about burial at sea:

Any type of burial at sea must take place at least three nautical miles from shore.

For non-cremated remains, the ceremony must take place in waters at least 600 feet deep. Cremated remains may be scattered in waters of any depth.

All materials released into or over the water must be readily biodegradable.

The ceremony must be reported to the EPA within 30 days of its taking place.

The EPA leaves governance up to each state. For example, under California law, ceremonies may also take place in navigable rivers and inland waterways (including the San Francisco Bay) as long as they take place at least 500 yards from shore.

Whether your cremation plan includes scattering ashes in the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean, or heading another meaningful waterway for yourself or a loved one, there are a few things you’ll need to consider when making the arrangements.

Attended vs. Unattended Services

An unattended burial at sea involves staff scattering remains without family or friends in attendance. This is usually more cost-effective than the alternative, and can be a good solution for tight budgets or cases where family members may not be able to travel to the area or choose not to be aboard. For those who choose cremation without a service, the unattended service may be the most appropriate option.

An attended service, on the other hand, allows family members to participate in the burial at sea in person and conduct the rest of the memorial service on the vessel itself. Unattended scatterings are usually about half the cost of attended ones. The total cost will vary depending on the number of passengers in attendance. Ask your direct cremation provider or funeral home for the cost and the total number of passengers allowed aboard.

Rules About Containers for Sea Burials

For non-cremated remains, you may choose to bury your loved one at sea either in an EPA-compliant casket or wrapped in a shroud, sail, or other type of cloth. 

For cremated remains, you may choose to scatter your loved one’s ashes by hand or release them into the water within a biodegradable container. Most memorial charters can accommodate both, but take care to check their guidelines before hiring to be sure.

Burial at Sea Ceremony Ideas

Whether you are arranging prepaid cremation services for yourself, or arranging a service for a loved one now, the details of the ceremony itself will depend on your own and your family’s preferences, any special rules or guidelines required by the charter boat, and whether this is in addition to other memorials or a funeral.

Create a Memorial Theme

Create a theme for the ceremony. Particularly if your service will not be a religious one, a theme can be a great way to add an even more personal touch to the proceedings. The things your loved one cared for the most in life often offer excellent inspiration for how to celebrate their memory after they’ve passed on.

Choose Symbolic Flowers and Biodegradable Keepsakes

Choose flowers or memorial objects with special significance. Though lilies may be traditional, you may choose to include your loved one’s favorite flowers instead if you find it more meaningful. Other personal objects, such as photos or paper keepsakes, may also be released into the water during the ceremony, as long as they are biodegradable and do not contain any chemicals that could be harmful to marine life.

Create Memorial DIY Crafts for Scattering

For some families, it may be comforting to spend time together prior to the memorial service, creating memorial objects such as wreaths, bouquets, or paper cranes or boats to release in honor of their loved one’s memory. Writing notes or letters to your dearly departed loved one to be released during the ceremony may also bring a sense of peace.

Include Memorial Poems, Songs, or Prayers 

Include prayers, poems, prose, or songs that speak to your loved one’s beliefs and interests. “Alone I Will Not Be” by Captain Chad Theesfeld is a traditional choice, but feel free to include readings from any religious texts that reflect your family’s faith or literature that may have held a special place in your loved one’s heart. Some families choose a secular ritual that helps them mark the transition.

Choosing a Cremation Provider

While a burial at sea does not have to involve cremation, many choose a simple cremation because it makes for easier planning process and ceremony. You can arrange a direct cremation and a burial at sea ceremony separately, or work with your funeral home or direct cremation provider to consider your options. Asking friends and family for referrals, checking online reviews, and comparing prices and services are all good ways to be a savvy funeral consumer.

Direct cremation is a popular option for many families because it is more affordable, opens flexibility for scheduling a memorial, and is a convenient option if families live far apart.

Prepaid cremation plans are an option for those who’d like to take the burden off their families and make their wishes clear. But whether or not you choose a prepaid cremation, planning ahead (and writing it down) will mean smoother sailing for family members after you are gone.

Tulip Cremation offers a simple and dignified direct cremation service at an affordable price. Our Family Care Team is available 24/7 to answer any questions. Just call (844) 942-4909 — or, if you prefer, you can arrange online any time, day or night.