Captain’s Service (Unattended Ash Scattering) | Sea Services

Captain's Service

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Captain’s Service (Unattended Ash Scattering)

When it isn’t possible for family members to attend a scattering of ashes at sea in person, our Captain’s Service provides a compassionate alternative. With care and dignity, one of our licensed captains will carry your loved one’s cremated remains on an ocean voyage and perform a respectful scattering ceremony on your behalf.

A Thoughtful and Respectful Service

We understand how important it is to know your loved one is honored properly. Every Captain’s Service is performed in strict compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and carried out with the same respect and attention we would give our own family.

After the service, we provide a Memorial Certificate showing the exact coordinates of the scattering location so you will always know the final resting place of your loved one. Many families find comfort in having this permanent keepsake.

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How It Works

  1. Inquire and Reserve
     You may call us directly or fill out our “Inquire Now” form to begin the process. We’ll review your wishes, confirm scheduling, and provide instructions.
  2. Authorization Form
     Before we can perform the service, families must complete our Burial at Sea Authorization Form. This ensures that everything is legally documented and carried out according to federal requirements.
  3. Preparing and Shipping the Ashes
     If you are mailing cremated remains, they must be sent using USPS Priority Mail Express, the only legal method for shipping ashes. The package should be securely sealed and clearly labeled using the official USPS Cremated Remains Kit (available free of charge at any post office).

    • Ashes may also be transferred directly from your funeral home or crematory to Sea Services.
    • Once received, we carefully safeguard the remains until the scheduled service.
  4. The Service at Sea
     Your loved one’s ashes are respectfully scattered at sea by one of our licensed captains. While families cannot be present onboard for the Captain’s Service, you can be assured the service is carried out with dignity.
  5. Memorial Certificate
     Within a few days, you’ll receive a signed Memorial Certificate with the precise latitude and longitude of the scattering, along with optional documentation of the voyage.

 

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Where We Serve

Sea Services proudly performs Captain’s Services on both coasts of the United States, including:

  • East Coast: New York City, Freeport (Long Island, NY), Boston, New Jersey, Delaware, South Carolina
  • West Coast: Long Beach (CA), Seattle

Pricing & Availability

  • Starting at $350 (New York City and other select ports)
  • Seasonal port schedules may apply — please inquire for availability at your preferred location

A Gentle Alternative

The Captain’s Service is chosen by many families who cannot travel or be present at sea. It offers peace of mind knowing your loved one is honored in a meaningful way, with the ocean as their final resting place.

If you would like to arrange a Captain’s Service, please call us or complete our Inquiry Form

Family

Family Memorial Service (Option 1) 

For families who wish to be present on the water and create their own personal memorial voyage, Sea Services™ provides the vessel, licensed captain, and crew from the port of your choice. You select the time, place, and arrangements, and invite as many guests as you wish to share in this meaningful occasion.

A Personalized Memorial at Sea

We understand that for many guests, a scattering ashes at sea service is a first-time maritime funeral experience. Our team works closely with you to plan every detail with compassion and care, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and memorable day. Whether you envision a simple gathering or a more structured ceremony, we will support your family every step of the way.

After every Family Memorial Service, we also provide a Memorial Certificate documenting the exact latitude and longitude of the scattering location. Many families find comfort in having a permanent record of their loved one’s final resting place.

What to Expect

  • Licensed Vessels & Experienced Captains — All of our captains are carefully selected and fully licensed to conduct memorial voyages.
  • Flexible Group Sizes — From a small, intimate group to several hundred guests, we provide vessels suited to your needs.
  • Safe & Comfortable — Our crews ensure the voyage is safe and respectful for everyone aboard.
  • 100% Private Service — Every trip is reserved exclusively for your family. We never place multiple families together on the same voyage.
  • Personalized Ceremony — Families are welcome to share words, music, flowers, or other personal touches to honor their loved one.
  • Memorial Certificate — A signed certificate with the exact coordinates of the scattering location is provided after each service.

Pricing & Availability

Every family’s service is unique, and costs vary depending on:

  • Group size (from one guest to several hundred)
  • Departure location and seasonality
  • Type of vessel and special arrangements

For current pricing and availability, please call us at 1-888-404-9880. We will listen to your wishes and provide clear guidance on the best options for your family.

A Lasting Memory

Whether your gathering is large or small, Sea Services™ will ensure the experience is carried out with professionalism, dignity, and compassion. Our goal is to provide your family with a safe and memorable day on the water as you say goodbye and honor your loved one in the embrace of the sea.

 Ready to plan a Family Memorial Service? 

More Info

 

 

Family Memorial Service (Option 2)

Gather with loved ones for a private, dignified scattering of ashes at sea. Each voyage is guided by one of our handpicked, licensed captains and lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, giving your family time to reflect, share stories, and say goodbye in a serene setting.

Every Family Memorial Service is 100% private, performed aboard a comfortable, covered vessel, and includes our Proprietary Scattering Urn with freeze-dried flowers, as well as a personalized Memorial Certificate with the exact coordinates of your loved one’s scattering. All services are conducted in full compliance with EPA regulations, providing both dignity and peace of mind.

Families across the country trust Sea Services™ to provide safe, compassionate memorials at sea. Visit our Gallery to view real voyages, and read our Testimonials & Reviews to hear from families we’ve served.

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