What is the Proper Way to Scatter Ashes at Sea?
Losing a loved one makes for a tough time, and honoring their life and memory requires some thoughtful planning. If they didn’t leave end-of-life directives, choosing a traditional burial or cremation is a deeply personal choice. Many people prefer cremation as an affordable and eco-friendly option, but what do you do with the ashes afterward? For many families, scattering ashes in the ocean is a beautiful and meaningful way to say goodbye.
With some recommendations, we’ll help you plan a successful (and legal) burial at sea, memorializing someone special.
What is a Burial at Sea?
A burial at sea, often referred to as an ocean ash ceremony, ash scattering at sea or sea scattering, involves the respectful dispersal of cremated remains into the ocean. It can be a solemn and symbolic way to honor the life of a loved one who had a special connection to the sea or simply desired this final resting place.
Plan Ahead for a Ceremonial Ocean Scattering
Before holding a sea burial ceremony, it’s essential to do some research and plan ahead. If you are using your boat, checking for weather is vital to ensure safe boating conditions. Familiarize yourself with Florida’s laws and regulations governing ocean cremation ash scatterings. For example, Florida has no laws restricting human ash releases. Still, the EPA has burial at sea laws such as scatterings being permitted only three miles or more from shore, which must be reported to them within 30 days.
Laws may vary by state. If you reside somewhere other than Florida, please check with the appropriate state agency.
Notify the EPA After Scattering Ashes
How to Throw Ashes in the Ocean
Scattering a loved one’s cremains is a lovely way to say goodbye, especially if the deceased is a Navy veteran, avid fisherman or a lover of all things marine. There are several ways to decant ashes without a problem.
Here are a few suggestions on how to release ashes and make your burial at sea go smoothly:
Use an Ocean-Friendly Biodegradable Urn
You can opt for a water-soluble urn or container to efficiently deliver ashes to the water without physically spreading them. Federal maritime regulations dictate that every object used during the ceremony, including flowers and wreaths, must be biodegradable. Before getting on the boat, transfer the cremains into the eco-friendly urn. Once the ceremony commences, simply drop or safely place the natural urn into the water to slowly decompose and release the ashes into the sea.
Use a Scattering Urn
Scattering urns are usually cylinder or tube-like containers. They are designed to help people scatter ashes away from themselves and others to avoid ash blowback. Look for a scattering urn with an open and close locking mechanism. Scattering urns allow loved ones to control the scatter, especially if keeping some to release elsewhere or take home is a concern.
Use an Eco-Friendly Ice Urn
An extremely eco-friendly option is an ice urn, which contains the departed’s ashes frozen inside. Frozen urns can be custom-ordered online or created by the family. You can include biodegradable objects such as flowers and cremains in the ice float urn. This gentle process allows families to gracefully place their loved one’s ashes into the ocean, offering a peaceful and environmentally conscious farewell.
Cast Ashes into the Wind by Hand
Ashes are not harmful and can safely be handled without disposable gloves. You can bring gloves along to keep your hands clean, but once ashore, you must ensure they return to the dock for proper disposal. Ensure guests are standing upwind and sprinkle ashes into the sea as close to the water surface as possible to minimize blowback.
If you or someone in your group would rather not touch the cremains, you may bring a small trowel or cups to disperse with.
Charter Boats Specializing in Ocean Ash Ceremonies
Whether you own a boat or love the sea, hiring a private charter experienced in ash scattering ceremonies will take the planning and coordinating burden off you. Charter companies knowledgeable about the process and Federal laws can provide guidance and support to ensure a respectful experience for everyone involved. Charter boat companies offer safe marine travel, allowing you and your family to focus on each other and the dearly departed. Charters may also offer add-ons such as refreshments, a memorial certificate, ocean-friendly containers, biodegradable materials and videography.
What to Say While Scattering a Loved One's Ashes
During the ash release, it is the ideal time to reflect on the life of your loved one. Share meaningful quotes, poems or prayers that celebrate the departed. Discuss their love of the ocean or their years of military service. Invite others to share their memories and their impact on those around them.
How you honor your loved one is up to you. You may opt for a moment of silence, make a speech or have several speakers. You can play music during the ceremony or watch a prepared slideshow. If you’ve booked a charter boat and are uncomfortable speaking, you may request that the Captain provide a heartfelt tribute on your behalf.
