How to Scatter Ashes at Sea
Scattering ashes at sea is a beautiful way to honor the life of a loved one and return the ashes to the earth, in a place that’s meaningful for them and you. There are a few things to keep in mind when scattering ashes at sea and some important steps to take before embarking on the trip. Here's a few things to keep in mind when planning to scatter ashes at sea.
Check the laws
The first thing to do when planning to scatter ashes is to check your state laws regarding ash scattering. Some states have very specific laws about scattering ashes, while others are more lenient. In addition to state laws, you'll need to be sure you're in accordance with the EPA guidelines regarding burial at sea, which include the following stipulations:
- You cannot spread human remains within 3 nautical miles from the shore.
- You cannot spread the ashes of non-human remains (for example, pet remains).
- You cannot place the ashes in a container that is not decomposable (such as a plastic or metal urn); the urn must decompose in the marine environment.
These are federal guidelines for scattering ashes at sea, so they're incredibly important to abide by. The EPA also has a guide for a burial at sea, in case you're worried about other guidelines you might be missing.
Check the container
As mentioned in the EPA guidelines, it's important to use a container for the ashes that will decompose in the marine environment. For those who prefer to place the urn into the ocean and let it naturally dissolve and scatter the ashes, you should ensure the container you're placing the ashes in is decomposable. This typically includes biodegradable materials such as bamboo, wicker or paper. You do not need to use a container – you can always spread the ashes by hand or by shaking them out of the container.
Watch the wind
When scattering ashes at sea, you should keep an eye on the wind. Ensure the ashes will be dispersed in the water and not blown back towards you or your guests. The best way to do this is to keep the urn close to the water's surface and let go when the wind is blowing away from you. Be sure that you're scattering the ashes in the direction of the wind, not against it (and not towards any guests).
Release the ashes
Once you've reached the scattering location and have checked the wind direction, it's time to release the ashes. If you're scattering them from a charter boat, the captain will likely have a platform or other designated area for scattering the ashes. Once you're ready, it’s time to spread the ashes. If you are scattering the ashes by hand, open the urn and release the ashes into the water. If you are scattering the ashes by letting the urn dissolve in the ocean, place the biodegradable urn into the water – check with your boat’s captain about when it’s okay to do this and what location of the boat you should be using to do this. Be sure to do this quickly so the wind doesn't have a chance to disperse them in an undesired direction.
Scattering ashes at sea is a beautiful way to honor a loved one -- just be sure to follow the proper steps and guidelines to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Do you need a permit to scatter ashes?
In addition to following state and federal laws, you may need a permit to scatter ashes in some cases. For example, if you're scattering the ashes of a loved one on national park land, you will need to obtain a permit from the National Park Service, depending on the location. Other places where you might need a permit to scattering ashes include:
- Wilderness areas
- Beaches
- Lakes
- Rivers
If you're unsure whether or not you need a permit to scatter ashes, it's always best to err on the side of caution and find out before scattering ashes. You can easily find out permit requirements by contacting the office of the area where you're interested in scattering ashes. If you're unsure who to contact, you generally should contact the Parks & Recreation services for the county where you're trying to spread ashes.
How much does it cost to scatter ashes at sea?
If you're scattering ashes on your own, the cost is likely to be minimal. The only real cost you'll incur is the price of transportation to get to the location where you'll be scattering the ashes. However, if you're scattering ashes with a charter company, the cost will be higher. On average, charter boats for scattering ashes cost between $500 and $1000 and typically require you to book a minimum amount of time. The cost will vary depending on the size of the charter boat, the length of time for which you're chartering it, and any extra services the charter company might offer (such as scattering the ashes for you or conducting services).
If you're planning an ash scattering ceremony, sending out invites is an important way to keep everyone in the loop. You can easily send out invites by setting up a memorial website on Ever Loved. On your memorial website, you can share important details about the scattering ceremony, as well as any other information you want to share with friends and family. You can also use your memorial website to collect RSVPs, so you know how many people to expect. Creating a memorial website is easy and it's a great way to keep everyone informed about your scattering ceremony, and more.
