What Is the Process for Arranging a Full-Body Sea Burial?

The process of arranging a full-body sea burial requires careful planning and adherence to local regulations. Individuals are encouraged to contact a funeral home or crematory specializing in sea burials for guidance and assistance. Although there are portions of the process that can be handled independently, it is important to work with a reputable service to ensure all steps are completed correctly, since burials at sea are subject to multiple state and federal laws. 

The first step in arranging a full-body sea burial is to obtain any required permits and approvals. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established regulations for sea burials that define appropriate locations, reporting guidelines, coffin specifications, burial depths, and other important components. For example, sea burial sites must be at least 600 feet deep and cannot occur within three nautical miles of the shore. All burials at sea must be reported to the EPA within 30 days of the event using an online reporting tool. Additional approvals may be required from the U.S. Coast Guard or local agencies.

After the appropriate permits are obtained, arrangements must be made for a ship or boat to transport your loved one to the burial site. Most reputable funeral homes that specialize in sea burials can acquire a boat as part of their services. Another alternative is to contact local charter boat operators and make arrangements directly. 

If you prefer not to deal with the logistics of planning the burial, you may also contact a charter service specializing in sea burials; there are several of these located across the United States. These companies will typically obtain all necessary permits and work directly with a funeral director to oversee the care of the body as it is transported to the port of departure and, if required by law, during the journey out to sea.

If the person who died served in the military or was the spouse of a veteran, it may be possible to make vessel arrangements with the U.S. Navy or U.S. Coast Guard. 

As with any funeral arrangement, it is important to be mindful of the potential costs. The cost of a full-body sea burial can vary based on the services selected, the burial location, the funeral or crematory service used, fees for permits, boat rentals, flowers, and any other additional components. For the most cost-effective outcome, individuals interested in pursuing full-body sea burials are encouraged to gather estimates from a few potential sources prior to making a selection.

Sources 

“Exploring the Process of Burial at Sea – About Burial at Sea”. Return Home. https://returnhome.com/exploring-the-process-of-burial-at-sea/ 

“Burial at sea”. United States Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/ocean-dumping/burial-sea#instructions 

“How does burial at sea work?” Burial at Sea. https://burialatsea.com/how-does-burial-at-sea-work/