Pre-Planning Your Burial at Sea

A thoughtful plan today. Peace of mind for tomorrow.

Planning your own farewell is an act of love. It spares your family from difficult decisions, and it ensures your wishes are carried out with dignity, care, and clarity. Sea Services will guide you—quietly and professionally—so everything is arranged exactly as you intend.

Why people choose to pre-plan

• Relief for loved ones: Your wishes are known and documented; there is no guesswork in a tender moment.
• Control and personalization: Choose your preferred location, attended or captain-led service, and meaningful touches.
• Clarity and order: The legal, logistical, and maritime details are handled for you—properly and on time.

Price confidence: Lock in today’s service approach and avoid last-minute scrambling.

 

Your service options

Family Memorial Service (Attended)
You invite family and friends to join a private 1.5–2 hour voyage. Our licensed captain and crew provide a calm, unhurried setting to scatter ashes, share memories, and say goodbye together. Included: our proprietary scattering urn with freeze-dried flowers, and a personalized memorial certificate with exact GPS coordinates.

Captain’s Service (Unattended)
When attendance isn’t possible, a licensed captain scatters the ashes on your behalf with the same care we would give our own family. We complete required EPA filings and send your memorial certificate with the precise coordinates of the resting place.

 

What makes Sea Services different

• Nationwide coverage with 100+ carefully vetted captains and vessels across both coasts.
• EPA compliance and reporting completed for every scattering—no exceptions.
• Proprietary Scattering Urn (included) that allows a gentle, controlled release and helps prevent windblown ash.
• Personalized Memorial Certificate mailed after the service with name, date, and GPS coordinates.
• Comfortable, Coast Guard–approved vessels—typically covered from sun/rain and with onboard restrooms.

Real proof and real voices: View recent voyages in our Gallery and read Testimonials & Google Reviews from families we’ve served.

 

How pre-planning works (step by step)

1. Start the conversation
   Reach us by phone at 1-888-404-9880 or submit the Inquire Now form. We’ll answer questions, note your preferences, and outline next steps.
2. Complete the Burial at Sea Authorization Form (required)
   This document authorizes Sea Services to perform the scattering in accordance with federal and state requirements. We’ll provide the form and help you complete it.
3. Coordinate your cremation arrangements
   We’ll confirm details with your funeral home or cremation provider so they know exactly how and when to release the cremated remains.
   • If ashes will be mailed to us when the time comes, they must be sent via USPS Priority Mail Express using the official USPS Cremated Remains Kit (free at post offices).
   • Your provider may also deliver directly to our designated captain, depending on location. We will set this up with them.
4. Choose attended or captain-led service and preferred location
   We’ll record your preferred port(s) and season. For attended services, we’ll note accessibility needs, music, readings, or other wishes. (Plans can be updated later.)
5. We keep everything on file
   Your plan—including authorization form, service type, location preferences, and provider contacts—is securely stored. When the time comes, your family or provider contacts us and we carry out your wishes as written.
6. On the day of service
   • Family Memorial Service: A 1.5–2 hour private voyage (30–45 minutes out, ~30 minutes at a serene location, 30–45 minutes return).
   • Captain’s Service: Respectful, captain-led scattering performed with EPA compliance. After either service, we mail your Memorial Certificate with coordinates, and we file the EPA report on your behalf.

 

Frequently clarified details

• Privacy: All memorial charters are 100% private; we never combine families.
• Vessel comfort: Covered seating is typical; most vessels include a restroom. Please share any mobility concerns so we can select the right boat.
• Changes to your plan: Plans can be updated—location, attendees, readings, urn choice—simply contact us and we’ll revise your file.
• Documentation: Authorization form and EPA reporting are required; we provide and manage both.

Keepsakes: Our proprietary urn and flower petals are included. You’ll receive a memorial certificate with exact coordinates after the service.

 

You’re not alone in this

Many people tell us that pre-planning brings peace: “Everything will be handled, just as I asked.” If it would help to see what a service looks like, please visit our Gallery. If you’d like reassurance from other families, read our Testimonials & Reviews.

 

Begin your plan

• Call 1-888-404-9880 to speak with a caring coordinator, or
• Complete the Inquire Now form and we’ll contact you.

We’ll listen. We’ll put it in writing. And when the time comes, we’ll carry out your wishes with care, legality, and respect.