Considerations for Having an At Sea Burial

White Pine Funeral Services • Oct 19, 2022

White Pine Funeral Services knows that a burial at sea is the preferred choice of some individuals, so we have gathered some basic information about them here.

cremation services in Logan, UT

After an individual passes away, there may be a need to find a way to truly honor their memory, and a sea burial might be the right choice. Whether a full body or ash scattering after the cremation services in Logan, UT, both can offer an opportunity to fulfill a loved one's last wishes and make the experience truly memorable, so keep reading for more information about them. 


What Options Are There 


Burying individuals at sea is an ancient tradition that still appeals to anyone who loves the ocean. Full body burials are one of the choices, but they are more heavily regulated due to EPA rules. 


Navy 


The first option is typically completed when the ship is out for deployment, which means the family cannot be in attendance. However, in most cases, the family will be notified via letter from the commanding officer letting them know the location, date, and time that it took place, as well as if there are any photos. Only individuals who are eligible and their dependents can request this type of burial, and several pieces of documentation will be required, including: 


  • The death certificate 
  • A discharge certificate 
  • A completed form for the burial at sea 


Civilian 



If a civilian wants to be buried at sea, they will have to find a specialized provider; fortunately, many companies offer this. Different sizes of vessels available can accommodate a small number of attendees or a large number to help accomplish this task. 


The event must be at least three nautical miles, and at least 600 feet before the burial can happen. If there are any items going into the water, such as a casket, anything chosen needs to be biodegradable materials. In addition to this, a licensed funeral director also has to be there for the ceremony until the intermit a few tips to follow include: 


  • Wear nonslip shoes, bring a windbreaker, and dress casual 
  • Bring items like sunglasses, sunscreen, or any other personal items necessary 
  • Let the captain know if any physical issues occur from being on a boat 


Check for Regulations 


The EPA has its own set of regulations, and one of the main highlights is not to use any materials that are not decomposable, and a natural fiber shroud wrapped around the body is highly recommended. Wreaths and flowers are recommended and encouraged as long as there are no synthetic or plastic particulates. In addition to all of this, you also must let the EPA know 30 days before the event to get the correct permitting. 


When You Only Want the Best Services for Your Loved One, Our Team is Here to Help 


Having an at-sea burial can be a great way to honor an individual, and with the right preparation and knowledge, this can be accomplished more easily. And if you are considering traditional burial or cremation services in Logan, UT, we can help. We are a local provider and offer experience, compassion, and honesty for all of our clients, so contact us today.


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