California Funeral Law as it relates to Burial at Sea
To legally advertise and scatter ashes off the coast of California, a person must be licensed through the California Department of Consumer Affairs. This is called a Cremated Remains Disposer license or CRD. This is in addition to any licenses issued by the Coast Guard. Our license number is CRD 399.
When inquiring about scattering ashes in California waters, you should always ask a company for copies of their CRD license and annual inspection report issued by the Funeral Bureau to show that they are current. To check if someone is licensed, you can use the Department of Consumer Affairs License Lookup form
We have found that many California boat companies advertise burial at sea illegally, which means that they are not following all the legal requirements put in place for your protection by the CA Department of Consumer Affairs. While some of these boats may be less expensive, unfortunately they are ignoring the law.
Interesting Facts:
When inquiring about scattering ashes in California waters, you should always ask a company for copies of their CRD license and annual inspection report issued by the Funeral Bureau to show that they are current. To check if someone is licensed, you can use the Department of Consumer Affairs License Lookup form
We have found that many California boat companies advertise burial at sea illegally, which means that they are not following all the legal requirements put in place for your protection by the CA Department of Consumer Affairs. While some of these boats may be less expensive, unfortunately they are ignoring the law.
Interesting Facts:
- Captains are licensed through the United States Coast Guard.
- Boats less than 5 gross tons are licensed through the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Boats over 5 gross tons are documented through the United States Coast Guard.
None of the above 3 licenses legally allow for burial at sea in California waters.
