Scattering Ashes at Sea: Rules, Services and How It Works

In the United States you can scatter cremated remains at sea without applying for a permit, as long as you are at least three nautical miles from land and you report it to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) within 30 days. Some families hire a captain to do it for them, some charter a boat and attend, and some use their own vessel.

The federal rule is short, but a few details catch people out, including what counts as an acceptable container and what to do if you want to scatter from the shore.

What are the rules for scattering ashes at sea?

Ocean scattering falls under an EPA general permit issued under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act. It is written into federal regulation at 40 CFR 229.1. The conditions are:

• Distance: cremated remains must go no closer than three nautical miles from land, in ocean waters of any depth.
• No advance permit and no fee. The general permit applies automatically.
• Report within 30 days. Use the EPA's online Burial at Sea Reporting Tool, or contact the EPA Region where the vessel carrying the remains departed.
• Flowers and wreaths: only materials that decompose readily in the marine environment. Plastic or metal flowers and wreaths are not allowed.
• Human remains only. Pet ashes cannot be mixed with cremated human remains under the permit.

The permit covers anyone transporting human remains from the United States for burial at sea, and anyone who owns or operates a US-registered or US-flagged vessel or aircraft.

Can you scatter ashes from a beach, pier or lake?

Not under the federal permit. It only applies from three nautical miles out, so anything closer to shore is a matter of state and local rules. Some beaches, piers and harbors restrict it. Contact the local parks, harbor or beach authority before you plan anything.

Lakes, rivers and other inland waters are not covered by the EPA ocean rule either. The EPA says states may have their own requirements, so contact your state environmental or health agency and whoever manages the shoreline.

What kinds of sea scattering service are there?

Prices vary widely by coast, season, boat and group size, and we did not find a reliable national price survey, so get written quotes from two or three providers. If a funeral home arranges the service, the FTC Funeral Rule gives you the right to an itemized price list.

What should you ask a provider before you book?

• Who is the captain, and are they licensed and insured to carry passengers?
• Who files the EPA report, and will you get a copy?
• What is included: boat time, number of guests, flowers, a container, a certificate with coordinates?
• What happens if the weather is bad? Is there a fee to reschedule?
• Can you bring your own container, music or readings?
• What is the total price in writing?

Our guide to professional scattering services compares the main kinds of provider, and burial at sea explains full-body burial, which has extra rules.

What containers and flowers can go in the water?

You can simply pour the ashes and take the container home. If you want the container to go into the water, the EPA says it must not contain plastic of any kind, float or otherwise add to marine debris. It should break down or dissolve in a fairly short time.

For the ceremony, loose petals from real flowers are the safest choice. Skip wreaths with wire, foam or plastic, ribbons, balloons and photographs.

Cremated remains are mostly bone fragments, white to gray, and coarse rather than powdery. The Funeral Consumers Alliance advises asking the crematory to process ashes that will be scattered into fine particles. See scattering urns and scattering tubes for container options.

What is the step-by-step timeline?

1. Collect the ashes from the crematory or funeral home. Ask them to process the remains for scattering and to divide any portion you want to keep.
2. Choose the type of service and get written quotes. Book early if you want a particular date or a large boat.
3. Pick a date with a backup. Weather decides whether boats go out, so allow a second day.
4. On the day, stand with the wind at your back or side, pour close to the water, and ask the captain to note the coordinates.
5. File the EPA report within 30 days and keep a copy with the coordinates. Save the location so relatives can return or visit by map.

There is no legal deadline to scatter, so you can wait for the right season or until distant relatives can travel. Our scattering ashes guide covers timing and the day itself, and where you can scatter ashes covers land and inland water.

What to do next

1. Decide which type of service suits your family and budget.
2. Request written quotes and ask the questions above.
3. Confirm who files the EPA report and get the coordinates afterward.
4. If anyone wants a keepsake, ask the crematory to divide the ashes before the day. See dividing ashes among family.