A Final Journey to Eternal Peace: Understanding What to Expect During a Sea Burial Ceremony

When it comes to honoring a loved one’s final wishes, sea burial ceremonies offer a unique and meaningful alternative to traditional funeral services. Choosing a sea burial offers a unique and serene way to say farewell to a loved one. The calming presence of the ocean provides a tranquil environment for reflection and remembrance. Many families find comfort in the natural beauty of the sea, which creates a peaceful and eternal resting place. For families considering this option, understanding the step-by-step process can help ease concerns and ensure a dignified farewell.

Understanding the Legal Requirements and Preparations

Before any sea burial ceremony can take place, several important legal requirements must be met. The EPA has issued a general permit under the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) to authorize the burial of human remains at sea, including full-body burials and release of cremated remains. The MPRSA general permit authorizes the transportation and burial at sea of non-cremated and cremated human remains in ocean waters under specified conditions.

The most critical regulation is the distance requirement. Placement of human remains in ocean waters within three nautical miles from shore, i.e., the ordinary low water mark or a closing line drawn on nautical charts across the openings of bays and rivers. Cremated remains shall be buried in or on ocean waters of any depth provided that such burial takes place at least three nautical miles from land. For full-body burials, additional depth requirements apply, with burial at sea of non-cremated human remains at locations at least three nautical miles from land and in ocean waters at least 600 feet deep.

The MPRSA general permit for burial at sea does not require an application or prior notice to EPA. The permit does, however, require EPA notification within 30 days of the burial. This makes the process more accessible for families while ensuring proper documentation.

Choosing Between Attended and Unattended Services

Families have two primary options when planning a sea burial ceremony. When you hire a burial at sea service, you will be provided with multiple options to choose from based on your specific needs. This type of ash scattering means the family will not attend the ceremony. For those who prefer to be present, An offshore memorial service is comparable to an attended disposal at sea. Friends and relatives may share brief stories and memories or formally honor their loved ones during the ceremony.

Companies like Burials at sea Suffolk County, NY offer both options, allowing families to choose what feels most appropriate for their situation. Arranging a sea burial with Eternal Peace Sea Burials is a straightforward and compassionate process. We begin with an initial consultation where you can discuss your needs and preferences with our team.

What to Expect During an Attended Ceremony

For families who choose to be present, the ceremony typically follows a structured yet flexible format. Most generally the burial at sea service ceremony tend to be short – around 7 minutes or so. This is not to say that services cannot be much longer. We will coordinate with you before the yacht departs to determine the length of your interned service and time events to fix comfortably with the charter time frame.

The ceremony itself is often informal and deeply personal. The services tend to be very informal, although on some charters have made arrangements for clergy to attend. Generally a poem is read and a few stories are told by the family members. It is a time to celebration of the loved one’s life and usually very uplifting with laughter as funny stories are told.

The actual release of cremated remains is a poignant moment. The cremains are released in the ocean and they have the tendency dissipate quickly leaving a trail of rose petals floating on the ocean surface. There are many ways that the cremains may be released but generally it is by the use of a basket with rose petals or by mean of using a biodegradable urn.

Transportation and Vessel Considerations

The choice of vessel is an important aspect of planning. To take the body of the departed person or the cremated remains out in the sea, you will need to hire a charter boat. Once the boat has taken you to the burial site, you can go on with the funeral ceremony. Make sure the service you hire can accommodate the number of guests you want to invite to the ceremony. A professional service may have helpful features such as a platform in the back for easier movement of a casket into the sea.

Generally charters are 2 hours in length. Because we leave from many city’s and locations with the harbors it takes a different amount of time to reach the actual scattering location. As well, some family will extend the charter duration for an additional hour or more to include a sightseeing trip since the whole family is together.

Personalizing the Ceremony

One of the most meaningful aspects of sea burial ceremonies is their flexibility for personalization. With an attended scattering, you can also design your own memorial service, with music, speakers and more that can all be done at sea. It all depends on your loved one and how your family wants to plan a ceremony.

Flowers and wreaths consisting of materials that are readily decomposable in the marine environment may be placed at the burial site. This allows families to include meaningful floral tributes while respecting environmental regulations.

Environmental and Spiritual Benefits

Many families choose sea burials for their environmental benefits. Eco-friendly sea burials also minimize environmental impact, aligning with the values of those committed to preserving nature. Whether it’s the serene environment or the environmental considerations, a sea burial provides a thoughtful and respectful way to honor the memory of the deceased.

We believe that the ocean offers a peaceful resting place for the souls of departed loved ones, providing comfort to the grieving family. Not only is a sea burial more affordable than a traditional burial, but it is also environmentally friendly.

Working with Professional Services

Given the complexity of regulations and logistics, most families benefit from working with experienced professionals. At Eternal Peace Sea Burials, we understand the profound significance of saying goodbye to a loved one. Located in the serene regions of Nassau County and Queens, NY, our company specializes in providing dignified sea burial services.

Our experienced team at Eternal Peace Sea Burials is committed to upholding the traditions and values associated with sea burials. We guide families through every step, ensuring the process is as smooth and comforting as possible. From selecting the perfect spot along the coast of Queens County to planning a personalized ceremony, we handle all aspects with sensitivity and professionalism.

Understanding what to expect during a sea burial ceremony can help families make informed decisions during a difficult time. Whether choosing an attended or unattended service, the ocean provides a serene and eternal resting place that honors both the deceased and the natural environment. With proper planning and professional guidance, these ceremonies can offer comfort, closure, and a meaningful tribute to a life well-lived.