Getting buried at sea or burying someone at sea invokes a belief of eternality just like the vast horizons of the sea. Whether it is a full body burial or scattering ashes at sea, burial at sea is calming to both the bereaved and hopefully the spirit of the deceased.
Many people think about being buried at sea and give up the thought as they cannot find answers to some questions. The top questions that are on many people’s minds when they think about it are;
- Who can be buried at sea?
Contrary to popular belief it is not only navy personnel and navy veterans who can be buried at sea. The interesting fact is that the navy will even bury civilians who are family members or who work in the Military Sealift Command. If the naval commander feels that a civilian is worthy from his work to the country, the person can also be buried at sea by the navy.
Other citizens can also arrange to be buried at sea if they can affordable burial at sea. The Environmental Protection Authority regulates burial at sea.
2. Does cremation have to be done before burial at sea
The fact is that cremated ash scatterings at sea are done more frequently than full body sea burials. Both cremated ashes and full body remains can be disposed at sea under the EPA burial at sea regulations.
Full body disposals are less frequent perhaps due to the costs and efforts involved. An ash scattering is preferred as it simply involves carrying ashes out to the sea and letting them fly in the wind over the sea.
3. What kind of boat will I get?
The choice of a boat will depend among other things the number of people attending the burial, the kind of remains that are being disposed and the burial site. If you are looking to dispose remains 120 miles offshore while carrying 20 people, it will mean hiring a bigger boat.
4. How much will it cost?
Costs vary with what kind of service you need. Price for unattended ash scattering can be as low as $275 while costs for a full body burial will go up to $25,000 depending on where the body is to be buried.
5. What documents and permits are needed?
Depending on the state, a copy of the death certificate will be needed and a copy of the burial permit from the civil authorities. The burial services provider can help get these documents faster.
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