Our time in this world is limited, so everyone is encouraged to live life to the fullest and enjoy every second. When our time comes, we will be bothering our loved ones for a final time, which is the funeral. It will be emotional, but many people know what they want after passing, such as getting their ashes scattered.
Scattering a person's ashes is a common practice among many cultures because it's seen as a way to release the soul from the body and allow it to move on to the next life. The amount of people choosing to be cremated after they pass is increasing, and there's no better place to scatter ashes than at sea because there's a sense of peace and calmness when you're out on the water. However, scattering ashes at sea is more challenging than getting a boat and doing so because there are other things to think about. Few people know how this works, so we'll discuss the details in this article.
Knowing Your Local Water Laws
Before you jump into the boat, you must know the local water laws. Different countries and states have laws regarding scattering ashes at sea, and you want to avoid getting in trouble for breaking the law. Depending on the jurisdiction, you may need a permit or license to scatter ashes, so getting in touch with local authorities is necessary.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has laid down rules when scattering ashes at sea, and these include:
You can’t scatter ashes at sea within three nautical miles of shore.
You can’t dispose of your pet’s remains in the sea.
You must use biodegradable materials if the remains are enclosed in an object.
You must request an MPRSA (Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972) permit.
Considerations When Scattering Ashes at Sea
Scattering your loved one's ashes at sea may seem straightforward, but you must consider the following:
Weather
If you have a funeral at sea, the weather plays a big role in your plans. If the weather is too rough, you will not be able to scatter the ashes. The wind may also blow the ashes away, so you must be prepared for that.
You also have to consider where to scatter the ashes. If you want to spread the ashes in deep water, you must have a boat that can handle the waves. Conversely, you must be careful not to pollute the water when scattering in shallow water.
Transportation
Because you'll be scattering ashes at sea, you must consider how you'll get there. A boat will be fine, but there are times when it can be challenging to find a boat that can handle the conditions. You may need to charter a boat or even fly via a helicopter to your destination.
Of course, capacity also matters, especially if you're bringing your family with you. Since scattering ashes at sea are done on the water, you must consider the size of your family and the number of people attending the event. There may be times when you need to charter a larger boat to accommodate everyone.
Condition of the Cremains
When you scatter the ashes of your loved one at sea, you'll need to consider the condition of the cremains. Cremains are dry and can be scattered in any direction. However, if you want to use a biodegradable urn, you must consider the condition of the cremains. They must be moist and wet for this type of urn to work.
Arranging a Water Burial
If you think scattering ashes isn't for you, you can opt for a water burial instead. As the name suggests, water burial is burying the urn containing your loved one's ashes at sea. This is a better option for many people because the ashes won't be separated, meaning you won't have to worry about having any of your loved one's ashes blow away.
However, you must get a biodegradable urn to prevent pollution. Conversely, the urn must also be weighted to prevent it from floating away.
Arranging a Ceremony at Sea
If you're having a ceremony at sea, you'll need to get a permit from the US Coast Guard. The permit will outline how long you can be at sea, how far from the shore, and what you can do on the water. You'll also need to contact the local maritime authority for additional information on how to get a permit.
Working with a Funeral Parlor
A funeral parlor is a business that provides funeral and burial services for the dead and their families. These services can include providing a place for the funeral service, transporting the body to the funeral site, providing a casket or urn, and providing transportation for the family to the cemetery.
Some funeral parlors provide cremation services, and others even help you plan the funeral service. However, you don't just hire the first one you see because you must consider the following:
Services Offered
The first thing you need to consider is the services offered by the funeral parlor. Some funeral parlors provide a wide range of services, while others only offer basic services.
If you want a specific service, make sure the funeral parlor offers it. For example, if you want a traditional funeral service with a casket and burial, ensure the funeral parlor you're considering provides those services.
Location
The funeral parlor's location is vital if you want to hold a funeral service at the funeral parlor or if you want to visit the funeral parlor to view the deceased. Find a funeral parlor that is convenient for you and your family. If you want to hold the funeral service at the funeral parlor, check the funeral parlor's hours to ensure they are open when you need them to be.
If you're planning to spread your loved one's ashes at sea, you must consider hiring a funeral parlor that's in an accessible location. This way, you can avoid paying extra if they ask for it.
Cost
Above all else, you need to consider the funeral parlor's cost. Many funeral parlors charge a lot of money, especially if your loved one's death is unexpected. You also need to be careful of any additional costs that you may be charged. Some funeral parlors charge extra for things like the funeral service, the casket, and the body's transportation. If you're not careful, you may pay more than you need.
Conclusion
Scattering your loved one's ashes at sea is an excellent way to give them a final resting place while honoring their memory. Since this is a personal decision, you must have a good idea of what you want before deciding. What matters is choosing the right funeral parlor for your needs and budget.
Ashes 2 Oceans provides a full service, ensuring that all of the correct procedures and licenses are arranged as part of our top-quality services for ash scattering in California. We provide our services to people across the United States. Ashes 2 Oceans understands how precious your loved one is to you, so we will ensure they get the proper sendoff they deserve. Call 833-226-3377 today to book an appointment!
Comments