Honor Your Loved One: Scatter Ashes at Sea

Direct Cremation has overtaken burials as the preferred end-of-life choice of families across the United States. Direct Cremation is far more affordable and offers families the flexibility to arrange for services at time and place of the family’s choosing, especially when honoring the wishes of the deceased. One example of such flexibility is the Scattering of Ashes at Sea.

Scattering Ashes at Sea has become more and more popular among families of the deceased.  Families are increasingly turning to this type of ceremony to bring peace and closure to the family in a serene and soothing environment.

Following the cremation and once you’ve received the ashes of your loved one, you are ready to provide your loved one with the ceremony and serenity that he or she deserves – and most likely requested as part of his or her final wishes.

U.S. federal law allows for the scattering of ashes at sea but certain conditions must be met, including:

  • the use of decomposable flowers and wreaths
  • certain notification requirements
  • ensuring that ashes are scattered at least three (3) nautical miles from shore

To scatter your loved one’s cremated remains (“cremains”) by boat, family and friends board the vessel and travel to the desired location on the ocean. This typically involves chartering a boat with a licensed captain and the trip may last for several hours.

Upon arrival at the desired location, your captain will position the vessel boat into the wind and with enough forward speed to prevent the cremains from being blown back into the vessel. Thus, the ceremony and tribute can begin. The ceremony can range from clergy reciting prayers to family members reciting poetry to a few poignant comments and everything in between.

Family members have the option to scatter the cremains if they so choose. The cremains are placed in the water and allowed to descend into the ocean. Cremation Society of America can help you choose a reputable charter service to ensure that the cremains make it into the ocean properly.

Shortly thereafter, the family and friends are usually handed flowers or even a bouquet that they can toss in along with the cremains to create an area of the ceremony on the water. Your captain can then circle the area while the family and friends take photos and say their final goodbyes.

Our Cremation Society of America advisors can help you arrange the scattering of your loved one’s ashes at sea. CSA has relationships with reputable charter services that have vast experience to provide a dignified and touching at-sea tribute to your loved one. Contact us NOW to order a Direct Cremation and to explore our Scattering of Ashes at Sea services.