What is seasickness?

It may seem like something unique to the sea, but seasickness is just motion sickness that happens on the water. Seasickness happens when your vestibular system, which is a part of the inner ear and helps with coordinating movement with balance, becomes conflicted because of the unusual motion of a being on a boat on the water. 

While seasickness isn’t a regular occurrence, it’s always possible. Most commonly, it affects those prone to migraines, the elderly, pregnant women, and children. Guests know they are experiencing it when they have a slight feeling of discomfort. It can be as minimal as nausea, or could trigger effects such as dizziness, sweating, or vomiting. However, with prevention and awareness it can hopefully be handled. 

Top tips for how to avoid getting seasick aboard your yacht charter

How to prevent seasickness before you come aboard your yacht charter

• Prepare your body for a big day of fun. Get a full night’s rest and a good breakfast so that your body is in top shape for the day.
• Come hydrated! Seasickness and related medications cause dehydration and headaches. 
• Contemplate bringing an acupressure bracelet. This is a totally natural option that can help reduce seasickness. A small button on a cloth bracelet stimulates the P6 point on your wrist. By pressing the small button, just three fingers above the wrist it can alleviate or lessen the effects of motion sickness. 
• Consider seasickness medicine
  • There are over the counter and prescription drugs available that target seasickness. Guests are likely to have heard of the over the counter products such as Dramamine and Bonine. Options such as these require adequate time to take effect (think 24hrs), as the medicine is much more effective if it’s already in the bloodstream. Be sure to take into consideration the effects of the prescriptions and if unsure consult your medical professional.
• Bring items with peppermint and ginger. These natural remedies are known for the ability to sooth seasickness. 
• Bring crackers and blander foods, to help settle the stomach.
• Plan ahead and bring / take anything you may need to alleviate any stress that could impact your day on the water.
• Anxiety is a big contributor to seasickness, so it’s important to get your head in the right mindset. 

How to prevent seasickness while onboard your yacht charter

• Avoid alcohol. It dehydrates the body and can make the inner ear even more sensitive to movement as it impairs your balance.
• Stay hydrated! Seasickness and related medications cause dehydration and headaches. 
• Enjoy the view. Don’t get sucked into reading for long periods of time, unfortunately phones and books can trigger a sensory conflict. Your visual field stays focused and balanced, while the inner ear detects twists and turns, potentially activating nausea.

What to do if you begin to experience the effects of seasickness on board your yacht charter?

• The first thing to do is alert your yacht charter crew. They can help gauge what would be best for you based on your symptoms. 
• Get a great forward looking spot on deck. The fresh air and a view of the horizon helps rebalance your body to the motion of the yacht.
• Clear your mind and focus on the music and good conversation.

Are you considering hosting a burial at sea ash scattering and want to know what to expect. Whether it is your first time on a burial at sea, doing an ash scattering, or working with our company we are happy to answer any questions you may have.

What you need to bring on board

✔️   Disposition of Los Angeles Human Remains Permit

✔️  Ashes

(no urn is necessary, but families are welcome to use a biodegradable urn)

✔️  Any music they would like to have on board. We advise pre-downloading incase there is not a good connection.

What happens once we are at the burial at sea scattering location?

At the scattering location, families are encouraged to express themselves with their chosen words—whether through a heartfelt prayer, a meaningful toast, or a cherished song. The day is entirely tailored to honor your loved one in a way that feels most fitting. Following your personalized service, the ashes are gently scattered, embarking on their poignant journey into the sea. It’s a moment that allows families to bid a serene goodbye of a lifetime.

What do the crew do on a burial at sea ash scattering?

The crew will assist in whichever way the family is comfortable with. Preparing the ashes for release, or setting up memorial displays, the crew is there to help.

Does the crew perform the service at the scattering location? 

Our dedicated crew is available to assist with the respectful lowering of the ashes. Families have the option and responsibility to provide and read any texts or sentiments they wish to be shared during this meaningful moment.

How do we confirm a booking?

STEP 1: Select a vessel

Pick a yacht that can accommodate your guests and is in your preferred style

STEP 2: Confirm Availability

Check availability for your preferred date (text us or fill out a form on the boat page that you like)

STEP 3: Book

Confirm the booking by paying for the service (we will send you a contract via email). All service details will be provided in the confirmation email.

STEP 4: Attend burial at sea service

Let us guide your family through a beautiful service

Burial at Sea Timing

With no special coordinates guests can estimate the following timeline to be the minimum amount of time needed for burial at sea. The booking starts at the time of departure. 

Guests arrive at Dock          (15 minutes in advance of the booking)

Depart

20 minutes* Journey to Scattering Location 🛥️

                              Ashes are placed into the basket 🧺

                               Arrive at Scattering Location

10 minutes Service Words

10 minutes Ashes are Lowered 🌹 

20 minutes* Return to Dock 🛥️

**Please note timing can vary per vessel and departure location.**

How do I plan a burial at sea?

☐ Be sure to have the Los Angeles Disposition of Human Remains Permit

☐ Send out an invitation to those you wish to attend the burial at sea service

☐ Decide if you would like to have the ashes lowered in a basket or placed in an decomposable urn

☐ Select who will lower the ashes. A family member or a member of the crew?

☐ Discuss with family what you would like to happen when the ashes are lowered. Do you want everyone to share a memory? Will someone say a prayer? Does everyone prefer to watch and say their goodbyes in silence?

☐ Decide if you would like to have memorial cards available at the burial at sea service. If so have them made & Printed

☐ Select and have any music that you would like to listen to prepared

☐ Arrange any food and beverage you would like on the boat for your guest. Be sure to check the vessel policy on food and beverage.

☐  If you don’t plan to have a wake on board, arrange a post burial at sea gathering for a luncheon at home or local establishment

Navigating Solutions: Your Extra Help is Just a Click Away!

Give us an email info@losangelesyachtcharter.com or  text 424-328-1417

For the unattended burial at sea you will need to ship the cremated remains to our office. Please check out below all the information you need on ‘How to package and ship cremated remains’.

General Instructions for shipping cremated remains

The United States Postal Service® offers Priority Mail Express® and Priority Mail Express International® service for shipping human or animal cremated remains domestically and internationally.

Cremated remains are permitted to be mailed to any domestic address when the package is prepared as described below and in the referenced postal manuals.

Cremated remains are permitted to be mailed to an international address when the designating country does not prohibit the contents and when Priority Mail Express International service is available to that country. You can verify this by checking the Individual Country Listing in the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM®)

Packaging of cremated remains

You will need a primary inner sift-proof container, cushioning material, and an outer shipping package.

Note: A sift-proof container is any vessel that does not allow loose powder to leak or sift out. There are many options available to store cremated remains — Typically the bag you receive the ashes in should be acceptable inside the external shipping box.

USPS® recommends consulting with a licensed funeral director to help you select the best container.

Inner Primary Container

■ Domestic Shipping: The inner primary container must be strong, durable, and constructed in such a manner as to protect and securely contain the contents inside. It must be properly sealed and sift-proof.

■ International Shipping: A funeral urn is required as the inner primary container. It must be properly sealed and sift-proof.

For a burial at sea, the Los Angeles Disposition of Human Remains Permit must be included inside the package or arranged with Los Angeles Yacht Charter in advance.

Seal and Address the Inner Primary Container 

In the event the shipping label becomes detached from the outer container, the Postal Service™ recommends that you put the sift-proof container in a sealed plastic bag. Then, attach a label with the complete return address and delivery address on the sealed plastic bag and the wording “Cremated Remains.”

Cushioning Material 

For both domestic and international shipping, place sufficient cushioning all around the inner primary sift-proof container to prevent it shifting inside the outer shipping package during transit and to absorb any shock to prevent breakage.

Outer Shipping Package

For both domestic and international shipping, cremated remains must be shipped by USPS Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail Express International Service utilizing either a USPS-produced or customer-supplied shipping package. If using a customer-supplied shipping package, it must be strong and durable to withstand transportation handling.

For convenience, the Postal Service has a Priority Mail Express Cremated Remains box that may be used for domestic or international shipments using the applicable Priority Mail Express service. The Priority Mail Express Cremated Remains box can be ordered online at the Postal Store on USPS.com® and is available as part of a kit.

Before closing and sealing the shipping package, the Postal Service recommends adding a slip of paper with both the sender’s and recipient’s address and contact information inside the package. This extra step will help to identify the sender and receiver in the event the shipping label becomes detached.

Labeling and Markings

To increase the visibility of mailpieces containing cremated remains, the outer shipping box (USPSproduced or customer-supplied) containing cremated remains must be marked with Label 139, Cremated Remains, affixed to each side (including top and bottom). Label 139 is available at the Postal Store on USPS.com or can be obtained at a retail Post Office™ location.

Label 139 (Dimensions: 4″ x 6″)

Address Your Package

Domestic Shipping:

■ A complete return address and delivery address must be used. The address format for a package is the same as for an envelope. Write or print address labels clearly. Use ink that does not smear and include the addresses and ZIP Codes™ for you and your recipient.

■Double check the mailing address, especially the ZIP Code. You can use Look Up a ZIP Code™ on USPS.com.

■ Mailers may generate single-ply Priority Mail Express labels through Click-N-Ship® or other USPS-approved methods.

International Shipping: A complete return address and delivery address must be used. The mailer must indicate the identity of the contents (Cremated Remains) on the required applicable customs declaration form. To determine the applicable required customs form, see IMM Section 123.61.

Note: If available, the cremation certificate should be attached to the outer box or made easily accessible. The sender is responsible for adherence to any restrictions or observances noted by the designating country.

For More Questions:

■ Visit a Post Office to speak with a Sales and Service Associate.

■ Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).

■ FAQs on USPS.com.

■ Video – How to Package and Ship Cremated Remains: https://www.youtube.com/user/uspstv. For postal supplies, visit the Postal Store on USPS.com: https://store.usps.com

How to Package and Ship Cremated Remains – US Post Service Publication 139 (September 2019)

Guests can be invited to attend the burial at sea in whatever way seems most appropriate for your group. Whether that means word of mouth or via a written invitation. Here are some tips on ‘How to invite quests to a burial at sea’ to inspire you!

Printed invitations for a burial at sea

If you would like to send an ash scattering invitation, it can be sent in the mail or online. You can order physical printed invitations online at companies like Tiny Prints, Minted, or Paperless Post. Alternatively, you can easily invite people to the service online as well.

Online burial at sea invitations

Some ways to invite guests to the burial at sea using online resources is to create a private Facebook event that is only visible to the guests you select. If you have all of your invitees emails you can also send an email invitation. Companies like E-vite and Greeting Island have free templates that you easily utilize to create a beautiful design indicating the service details you want to share.

What not to forget on a burial at sea invite

However when you decide to inform your guests about the burial at sea taking place its important to make sure the following details are clear in your invitation:

• The boat pickup location
• The pickup time (as captains and boats are booked on a time allotment it’s important to make sure guests arrive on time or you could run into issues or additional charges)
• The boat name
• Be sure to share your phone number and to receive invitees phone numbers in case you need to check in on someone
• Indicate if there will be gathering afterwards
  

Let spirits fly free with a beautiful dove release service. The dove symbolizes peace, hope, and freedom. As the doves wings flutter into the sky, lose yourself in the serenity of the beautiful burial at sea. Dove releases are a beautiful way to end a burial at sea and Los Angeles Yacht Charter is happy to help families arrange doves so that everything is ready and prepared for them when they board.

How do dove releases work on a burial at sea?

When we arrive at the scattering location, families will have their service and the ashes will be lowered. Afterwards the doves will be brought to the area. The doves are then released, flying above the remains and flocking together and soaring in the sky. The timing of the release can of course always be customized to the families preference.

History of Dove Releases

Dove releases have been used for over 5,000 years. Egyptians started this beautiful practice and it spread across the world, adapting itself to a variety of cultures and eras. There is evidence of dove releases in ancient Greece, China, across the roman empire, and more. Each civilization has their own dove  interpretation, but all highly respect this beacon of light that graces our skies.

Why do people have dove releases at burials at sea?

A dove release can mean different things to families during their service. As the dove is released and begins its journey to some it can feel like they are a part of their loved ones’ next “flight.” For others the doves are a beautiful way of releasing their grief and turning into a beautiful memory. For each group it’s different, and whether the dove release is symbolic or for aesthetic purposes the release is magical to watch and amazes all in attendance.

What do doves symbolize

Grace Peace, Love, Gentleness, Purity, Hope, Spirituality

Dove Meanings to different cultures

Doves are very important in spirituality. Many cultures and religions have dove elements that are important and symbolic. Some examples of doves meaning through a few cultures are as follows.

– Native Americans – While there are of course variations between tribes they were overall thought of as symbols of gentleness and peace. One Cheyenne proverb says “If a man is as wise as a serpent, he can afford to be as harmless as a dove.”

– Ancient Greeks – For the Greeks the dove was a symbol of love, renewal, and immortality.

– Christianity – One of the most prevalent references of the dove release is in the Bible, in the story of Noah. Today the dove continues to represent hope and eternal life.

– Chinese -In China the dove is an important symbol of peace, longevity, faithfulness, love, and the beginning of the spring season.

– Celtic – There is diversity between the Celtic tribes meanings, but overall the dove symbolizes peace and care for all living creatures

Looking for ideas on how to customize a burial at sea to create a unique and one of kind ash scattering that commemorates your departed? Read further to get inspired on what is possible.

Ideas on how to create a moment for the group when spreading ashes at a burial at sea

• Every family member can come to the event with an individual vial of the ashes and then each individual can pour their vial into the sea, or they can pour them into a collective basket which then a spouse or partner can release to show how the departed was a piece of each one of them.
• Was the beloved a fisher? Arrange for the burial at sea to be a fishing trip.
• If the departed was an avid surfer, set up a Hawaiian style paddle out. Fellow surfers and boogie boarders can come out to the water around the boat and watch as the ashes are spread.
• Create memorial stones or shells. Bring a rock or shell for each guest and have them write their name and favorite memory of the departed.
• When the ashes are spread everyone can toss their rock so the ashes are in the company of good memories from loved ones. Or they can be kept by the partner as a reminder of the loved one who had passed.

Burial at sea customization using flowers

• Individual roses or flower leis can be arranged so that each member of the group can have an offering to throw into the water once the ashes are spread.
• The vessel can be decorated with a floral tribute that showcase something your departed loved.

Decor

• Bring a favorite photo of the departed and have it on display.
• Create a memory board with memories from the life of the loved one who is being scattered.
• Did the departed love pirates, Hawaii, a sport team or something specific? Create a themed event where guests can come dressed up and bring a few elements to keep in the decor of the boat.

Food and Beverage

• Bring a favorite food or beverage of the departed for everyone to enjoy. Depending on the vessel you select you can or cannot bring food and beverages on board.
• Arrange for everyone to receive a shot of the loved ones favorite alcohol, followed by one being poured out on the ashes.

Music

• Bring a musician to pay tribute to the lost loved one.A Bagpipe or bugler players adds an additional element to the scattering.
• Prepare a special playlist with songs to play

Beautiful Extras

• Release something beautiful such as doves, ladybugs or butterflies.
• Embrace their community. Were they avid sports fans or in a club with a distinct flag? Bring them wrapped in their favorite thing.
• Paint the sky with bubbles. Allow everyone a means to blow bubbles and have the sky and sea full of your loved ones memory.

After a beautiful burial at sea, the nautical bell is rung and the departed begin their next adventure. From any of our Southern California locations, the ashes begin in the Pacific Ocean and enter the California current, also known as the pacific ocean current. Some parts of the ashes will make the burial area home while other parts could venture south with current going along the equator and onto destinations as far as Asia or Australia. Each journey and individual is different, but through the burial at sea, they become one with the ecosystem of the ocean.

Before booking an Ash Scattering Service:

☐ Find out how many guests you would like to have aboard the boat for the service

☐ Select a location you would like to depart from

☐ Get a consensus on what date and time your party will be available

☐ Select a company that is CFB certified and has coast guard certified vessels and captains

After booking a burial at sea ash scattering provider

☐ Be sure to have the Los Angeles Disposition of Human Remains Permit

☐ Send out an invitation to those you wish to attend the burial at sea service

☐ Decide if you would like to have the ashes lowered in a basket or placed in an decomposable urn

☐ Select who will lower the ashes. A family member or a member of the crew?

☐ Discuss with family what you would like to happen when the ashes are lowered. Do you want everyone to share a memory? Will someone say a prayer? Does everyone prefer to watch and say their goodbyes in silence?

☐ Decide if you would like to have memorial cards available at the burial at sea service. If so have them made & Printed

☐ Select and have any music that you would like to listen to prepared

☐ Arrange any food and beverage you would like on the boat for your guest. Be sure to check the vessel policy on food and beverage.

☐  If you don’t plan to have a wake on board, arrange a post burial at sea gathering for a luncheon at home or local establishment

If you need more information about making overall arrangements after someone has passed away feel free to check references like Consumer Reports, or AARP.

What is a disposition of human remains permit?

In order for the California government to keep track of the deceased, any movement or activities of the remains (such as entering, moving, and or leaving the area) requires a Permit for Disposition of Human Remains. Including burials at sea.

What does a Los Angeles County Disposition of Human Remains look like?

How can I get a disposition of human remains permit?

You can typically collect your loved ones’ permit from the funeral or crematorium establishment that worked with you and it should be included with the service.

Can I use an out of state disposition of human remains permit for a burial at sea in Los Angeles?

If the ashes are from out of the country, state, or the cremation center is no longer able to re-issue the permit because too much time has passed, then a permit will need to be purchased from the Los Angeles Vital Records Office. This can be done by you, a family member or a friend in the LA area.

How to pick up a Los Angeles County Disposition of Human Remains Permit?

The permit can only be picked up in person. However, anyone can pick up the permit on your behalf with the proper paperwork.  The office will need to have the following information and documents to process the permit:

• An original death certificate (or a true copy) or an original transit/burial permit
• The full name (of the deceased)
• Date of birth (of the deceased)
• Date of death
• City, County, and the State of Death

What are the costs for a disposition of human remains permit?

Cost: $12.00 (They accept cash, credit, or check)

Where can I pick up a disposition of human remains permit?

Pickup Location: 

DPH Vital Records Office

313 North Figueroa Street

Room Lobby-1

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Open Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Who can I contact for more information about the disposition of human remains permit?

For More information please reach out to the Vital Records Office directly:

Phone Number  (213) 288-7816

Los Angeles Vital Records Office Website