Full Body Burial at Sea Frequently Asked Questions
What time of year are you open for Burials at Sea? We offer year round services.
Description: We perform full body burials on larger vessels out of larger ports such as San Diego, CA, San Pedro, CA, Morro Bay, CA, Marina del Rey, CA, Newport Beach, CA, Monterey, CA, Boston, San Francisco CA, Long Beach, CA, Wildwood, NJ, Miami and others so please inquire. We also offer ash scatterings.
A recent Full Body burial at sea can be seen at: http://www.photoshow.com/watch/KZ4df7gx
What types of boats? Typically power and we offer many different vessels ranging in size from 33 feet to 150 feet and can accommodate up to four hundred people. For safety, all of our boats are fully insured and piloted by a Coast Guard licensed captain & certified crew. An additional fee may apply to travel to specific destinations significantly beyond our south shore of Boston office or outside of our established network. We can typically relocate the proper vessel to any port with advance planning.
Do I need a funeral director? Yes for a full body arrangement.
We are not funeral directors. We are maritime planners and can recommend many funeral directors who are sea burial certified.
What does “Sea burial certified” mean? The funeral director or captain has gone through a detailed training session and is aware and trained on many laws, methods, rules, regulations and safety areas that pertain to burials at sea. It is not a state or federal regulation but more of a “how do deliver a white glove, safe and effective event” type of training achievement.
Do you use a casket? Not a wood or metal one—we use the Atlantic or Pacific Sea Burial Shroud® that we manufacture out of durable organic cotton so that it completely bio degrades in 3-6 months. We believe that if a body is preserved to withstand the rigors of the sea environment in a made solid casket that the likelihood of it being dredged up later is high (As has happened before) therefore we only use ocean friendly organic materials. This shroud can also be used in a place of worship prior to the sea burial ceremony.
Can the family attend? You bet. As we are a private company and not the US Navy we encourage family and friends to attend.
How far to sea do you go? The federal requirement is at least three miles and at least 600’ of water which from Maine to MD can be 35 – 70 miles to sea. Some areas in northern Florida require 1,800 ft of water. We typically exceed all federal requirements.
How does the cannon ball weight system work? We have designed our Atlantic Sea Burial Shroud to have a separate cannon ball chamber from the body. We load the shroud with four oversized cannon balls that weigh almost 40 lbs each which means we exceed the federal requirement of 150lbs. This is important to make sure that the body stays where deployed. After all has biodegraded, the cannon balls create their own reef which fish and marine life appreciate. We also use metal weight.
Will I move around on the ocean floor? We hope not! However, we are not sure about how hurricane force currents could apply.
How long does it take to decompose in the ocean? According to the experts (US Navy, FBI and Funeral directors) about three – six months.
Do I have to be embalmed? Discuss with your funeral director but generally no if there is no inter state transportation or formal viewing or contagious disease situation.
How much does it cost? Will vary from port to port but generally $9,750 for the vessel, crew, professional maritime services, $1,750 for the Sea Burial Shroud, $350 for ballast weight + Crew admin and any catering or other food or refreshments for your guests as we will be to sea for 4-6 hours. We supply waters and sodas.
Can I prepay? Yes, through your funeral home. We are not funeral directors and are not set up for managing deposits over a long period of time. If you want to prepay for a “post need” event next week or next month, of course.
What is Military Free Burial at Sea? Burial at sea is not just a tradition that was practiced by the Navy of old. It is a means of final disposition of cremains and intact remains that is offered to and still utilized by active duty, retired, and honorable veterans of all branches of the United States military. Military Burial at sea services are performed while the vessel is on official maneuvers. Therefore, it is impossible for the family to be present. The family will be notified by the commanding officer of that vessel of the date time, longitude, and latitude of the committal service. Contact the US Government for details.
Reservation Details: A 50% deposit reserves the boat / necessary crew for your date and time for up to six hours. We also have a 98% full pay option. All fees are paid and cleared before departure. All of the arrangements can be made by telephone fax or email. An additional fee may apply to travel to specific destinations significantly beyond our south shore of Boston office. We can typically relocate the proper vessel to any port with advance planning.
DEPOSITS: Booking Deposit required to hold a date & receipt of deposit monies acknowledges POLICY acceptance. 50% Deposit with reservation. 50% Deposit shall be due/payable 3 days before sailing. Most Credit Cards Accepted as well as Pay Pal, bank checks and wires.
Cancellation Policy: See our charter terms on our Resources Page.
WEATHER POLICY: Your safety and enjoyment at sea is our prime area of focus and responsibility. Should poor weather be forecasted or occur during your charter period, the Captain reserves the right to cancel and/or postpone a sailing for the safety of the passengers and crew. Deposits are 100% refundable in this instance.
CHECKS: There will be a $25.00 service charge for any checks returned by the bank.
What is included in the price? Our quoted pricing includes, the vessel, fuel, taxes, soft drinks, quoted time portal to portal (We journey at least three miles from shore) vessel captain, the steering captain and our services for the arrangements, planning and sea tribute, six signed and sealed burial certificates, EPA permit filings, a suggested order of service and an "e-book” of poems and readings you might like to look through and consider for your sea tribute, Eight-Bells End of watch blessing, Ships Horn while circling flower field, Waters, ice and soft drinks are provided.
The quoted price does not include, food, flowers, urns, parking, music, photography.
Do you have available options? Yes for photography, video, catering, music etc. Just ask us and we will send you a price list.
Do you have references? We sure do and are happy to share them from Funeral home recommendations to individual family recommendations.
While at sea, the captain is the sole authority aboard…At sea leadership is very important for the comfort of passengers and the safe running of a vessel while at sea. Social input is always welcome. The captain will be in command at all times of the vessel. What the captain says happens. Enjoy your voyage and be sure to sign the guest book! Restricted Items (What Not To Bring): Not allowed on board: Illegal substances (non prescription drugs & illicit drugs) or weapons of any kind are to be brought aboard the boat.
Violators will be returned to the dock immediately and the trip cancelled without refund.
Are you licensed? Yes, USCG Master Merchant Mariner, 100 Gross Tons, Towing and Sail - Near Coastal,
Is there a bathroom aboard? Yes and we call it a “head”
What happens if Uncle Fred is late because he is lost in finding the dock? The ship departs and sails on time. Our schedule is much like a commercial airliner. We do offer additional unscheduled time on an hourly rate of $200 -$800 per hour based on vessel.
What's for breakfast or lunch? Depending on your package selection, you can bring your own snacks, or hearty box lunches can be provided.
What about Alcohol? Depends on the boat and alcohol licensing
Can we bring music on CD’s on an IPod? You bet—we have a portable system with remote control for playback and we also have available an optional bagpiper-notice is required for scheduling.
Can we take pictures and or video? Yes and we encourage it and the captain will take a family shot for you and we also have photography packages available.
How do we dress for the event aboard? We suggest casual, with a wind breaker, light colored comfortable non slip shoes and you may leave the high heels at home while at sea.
Planning your Trip. Pre Boarding... What to Bring and Do...
Where do we meet the vessel? Exact location to be advised.
How do I get to the boat? Exact location to be advised.
What local accommodations do you recommend? Please contact us for references as we have many suggestions with preferred seating, pricing and more.
Who can I call if I have any questions? Contact our booking office Toll Free at (858) 277-2799 or by e-mail at [email protected] or fill out our online form
Some Questions to ask yourself when selecting a reputable Sea Burial Business
1.What type of boat is being used for your size of family?
2.Is it USCG approved with all the required safety equipment?
3.Are the licensed Coast Guard Captains that are performing your service current with their certifications? Ask for a current copy of their USCG License if you are unsure.
4.Is the Sea Burial business recognized by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) as a responsible business in filing all required paperwork on a timely basis?
5.Does the Sea Burial business work closely with your funeral home or crematory as needed for no extra charge?
6.Does the service have a reference list available of current clients that you can speak with?
7.Will the burial at sea service perform your service at your geographic location of choice?
8.Does the sea burial business perform the sea burial within 48 hours if asked (weather permitting) versus other services taking up to 30 days?
9.Is there someone at the toll free # during business hours when you call or just an answering machine?
10.Is the service member in good standing of the Better Business Bureau or other nationally recognized group or agency?
11.Is the service doing burials at sea full time or as a weekend fill in to typical fishing charters.
12.Ask to see pictures of the suggested vessel and ask if you can visit it.
Ashes on the Sea provides all of the above and more. Call us today toll free at (877) 277-2799 for your burial at sea needs to request a free info pack. -Capt Ken
Booking Office
Ashes on the SEa
PO Box 710693
San Diego CA 92171
©1997-2016 – Ashes on the Sea / New England Burials At Sea LLC. All rights reserved. Patents pending
Description: We perform full body burials on larger vessels out of larger ports such as San Diego, CA, San Pedro, CA, Morro Bay, CA, Marina del Rey, CA, Newport Beach, CA, Monterey, CA, Boston, San Francisco CA, Long Beach, CA, Wildwood, NJ, Miami and others so please inquire. We also offer ash scatterings.
A recent Full Body burial at sea can be seen at: http://www.photoshow.com/watch/KZ4df7gx
What types of boats? Typically power and we offer many different vessels ranging in size from 33 feet to 150 feet and can accommodate up to four hundred people. For safety, all of our boats are fully insured and piloted by a Coast Guard licensed captain & certified crew. An additional fee may apply to travel to specific destinations significantly beyond our south shore of Boston office or outside of our established network. We can typically relocate the proper vessel to any port with advance planning.
Do I need a funeral director? Yes for a full body arrangement.
We are not funeral directors. We are maritime planners and can recommend many funeral directors who are sea burial certified.
What does “Sea burial certified” mean? The funeral director or captain has gone through a detailed training session and is aware and trained on many laws, methods, rules, regulations and safety areas that pertain to burials at sea. It is not a state or federal regulation but more of a “how do deliver a white glove, safe and effective event” type of training achievement.
Do you use a casket? Not a wood or metal one—we use the Atlantic or Pacific Sea Burial Shroud® that we manufacture out of durable organic cotton so that it completely bio degrades in 3-6 months. We believe that if a body is preserved to withstand the rigors of the sea environment in a made solid casket that the likelihood of it being dredged up later is high (As has happened before) therefore we only use ocean friendly organic materials. This shroud can also be used in a place of worship prior to the sea burial ceremony.
Can the family attend? You bet. As we are a private company and not the US Navy we encourage family and friends to attend.
How far to sea do you go? The federal requirement is at least three miles and at least 600’ of water which from Maine to MD can be 35 – 70 miles to sea. Some areas in northern Florida require 1,800 ft of water. We typically exceed all federal requirements.
How does the cannon ball weight system work? We have designed our Atlantic Sea Burial Shroud to have a separate cannon ball chamber from the body. We load the shroud with four oversized cannon balls that weigh almost 40 lbs each which means we exceed the federal requirement of 150lbs. This is important to make sure that the body stays where deployed. After all has biodegraded, the cannon balls create their own reef which fish and marine life appreciate. We also use metal weight.
Will I move around on the ocean floor? We hope not! However, we are not sure about how hurricane force currents could apply.
How long does it take to decompose in the ocean? According to the experts (US Navy, FBI and Funeral directors) about three – six months.
Do I have to be embalmed? Discuss with your funeral director but generally no if there is no inter state transportation or formal viewing or contagious disease situation.
How much does it cost? Will vary from port to port but generally $9,750 for the vessel, crew, professional maritime services, $1,750 for the Sea Burial Shroud, $350 for ballast weight + Crew admin and any catering or other food or refreshments for your guests as we will be to sea for 4-6 hours. We supply waters and sodas.
Can I prepay? Yes, through your funeral home. We are not funeral directors and are not set up for managing deposits over a long period of time. If you want to prepay for a “post need” event next week or next month, of course.
What is Military Free Burial at Sea? Burial at sea is not just a tradition that was practiced by the Navy of old. It is a means of final disposition of cremains and intact remains that is offered to and still utilized by active duty, retired, and honorable veterans of all branches of the United States military. Military Burial at sea services are performed while the vessel is on official maneuvers. Therefore, it is impossible for the family to be present. The family will be notified by the commanding officer of that vessel of the date time, longitude, and latitude of the committal service. Contact the US Government for details.
Reservation Details: A 50% deposit reserves the boat / necessary crew for your date and time for up to six hours. We also have a 98% full pay option. All fees are paid and cleared before departure. All of the arrangements can be made by telephone fax or email. An additional fee may apply to travel to specific destinations significantly beyond our south shore of Boston office. We can typically relocate the proper vessel to any port with advance planning.
DEPOSITS: Booking Deposit required to hold a date & receipt of deposit monies acknowledges POLICY acceptance. 50% Deposit with reservation. 50% Deposit shall be due/payable 3 days before sailing. Most Credit Cards Accepted as well as Pay Pal, bank checks and wires.
Cancellation Policy: See our charter terms on our Resources Page.
WEATHER POLICY: Your safety and enjoyment at sea is our prime area of focus and responsibility. Should poor weather be forecasted or occur during your charter period, the Captain reserves the right to cancel and/or postpone a sailing for the safety of the passengers and crew. Deposits are 100% refundable in this instance.
CHECKS: There will be a $25.00 service charge for any checks returned by the bank.
What is included in the price? Our quoted pricing includes, the vessel, fuel, taxes, soft drinks, quoted time portal to portal (We journey at least three miles from shore) vessel captain, the steering captain and our services for the arrangements, planning and sea tribute, six signed and sealed burial certificates, EPA permit filings, a suggested order of service and an "e-book” of poems and readings you might like to look through and consider for your sea tribute, Eight-Bells End of watch blessing, Ships Horn while circling flower field, Waters, ice and soft drinks are provided.
The quoted price does not include, food, flowers, urns, parking, music, photography.
Do you have available options? Yes for photography, video, catering, music etc. Just ask us and we will send you a price list.
Do you have references? We sure do and are happy to share them from Funeral home recommendations to individual family recommendations.
While at sea, the captain is the sole authority aboard…At sea leadership is very important for the comfort of passengers and the safe running of a vessel while at sea. Social input is always welcome. The captain will be in command at all times of the vessel. What the captain says happens. Enjoy your voyage and be sure to sign the guest book! Restricted Items (What Not To Bring): Not allowed on board: Illegal substances (non prescription drugs & illicit drugs) or weapons of any kind are to be brought aboard the boat.
Violators will be returned to the dock immediately and the trip cancelled without refund.
Are you licensed? Yes, USCG Master Merchant Mariner, 100 Gross Tons, Towing and Sail - Near Coastal,
Is there a bathroom aboard? Yes and we call it a “head”
What happens if Uncle Fred is late because he is lost in finding the dock? The ship departs and sails on time. Our schedule is much like a commercial airliner. We do offer additional unscheduled time on an hourly rate of $200 -$800 per hour based on vessel.
What's for breakfast or lunch? Depending on your package selection, you can bring your own snacks, or hearty box lunches can be provided.
What about Alcohol? Depends on the boat and alcohol licensing
Can we bring music on CD’s on an IPod? You bet—we have a portable system with remote control for playback and we also have available an optional bagpiper-notice is required for scheduling.
Can we take pictures and or video? Yes and we encourage it and the captain will take a family shot for you and we also have photography packages available.
How do we dress for the event aboard? We suggest casual, with a wind breaker, light colored comfortable non slip shoes and you may leave the high heels at home while at sea.
Planning your Trip. Pre Boarding... What to Bring and Do...
- Soft sole shoes that are comfortable are suggested for the best safety aboard the boat. Don’t forget your camera, sunscreen, sun glasses and other personal objects. Soft sided coolers are the best and easiest to move around the vessel decks. Windbreaker/sweater and light duty rain gear in the event storms roll in.
- Please bring your snacks and beverages. (Unless otherwise specified in your event package). Please inquire about Beer and wine as several vessels have cash bar’s onboard ad BYOB may not be available. If BYOB is allowed, cans are welcome, bottles while underway are not. Hard liquor is saved for dockside for everyone's safety and enjoyment later post cruise.
- Any known or potentially unknown medical conditions should be reported to the captain before disembarking so as to not spoil the trip for the others; such as pregnancy, bad backs/necks and or susceptibility to sea sickness.
Where do we meet the vessel? Exact location to be advised.
How do I get to the boat? Exact location to be advised.
What local accommodations do you recommend? Please contact us for references as we have many suggestions with preferred seating, pricing and more.
Who can I call if I have any questions? Contact our booking office Toll Free at (858) 277-2799 or by e-mail at [email protected] or fill out our online form
Some Questions to ask yourself when selecting a reputable Sea Burial Business
1.What type of boat is being used for your size of family?
2.Is it USCG approved with all the required safety equipment?
3.Are the licensed Coast Guard Captains that are performing your service current with their certifications? Ask for a current copy of their USCG License if you are unsure.
4.Is the Sea Burial business recognized by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) as a responsible business in filing all required paperwork on a timely basis?
5.Does the Sea Burial business work closely with your funeral home or crematory as needed for no extra charge?
6.Does the service have a reference list available of current clients that you can speak with?
7.Will the burial at sea service perform your service at your geographic location of choice?
8.Does the sea burial business perform the sea burial within 48 hours if asked (weather permitting) versus other services taking up to 30 days?
9.Is there someone at the toll free # during business hours when you call or just an answering machine?
10.Is the service member in good standing of the Better Business Bureau or other nationally recognized group or agency?
11.Is the service doing burials at sea full time or as a weekend fill in to typical fishing charters.
12.Ask to see pictures of the suggested vessel and ask if you can visit it.
Ashes on the Sea provides all of the above and more. Call us today toll free at (877) 277-2799 for your burial at sea needs to request a free info pack. -Capt Ken
Booking Office
Ashes on the SEa
PO Box 710693
San Diego CA 92171
©1997-2016 – Ashes on the Sea / New England Burials At Sea LLC. All rights reserved. Patents pending