All burial at sea vessels

What is the best time for scattering ashes at sea?
To scatter ashes at sea it is best to do it before 12:00 pm, because the water is then the calmest. Alternatively, sunset time can also be smooth.

What days of the week can I book a burial at sea?
Our at sea burial services are available seven days a week. Please contact us for pricing and availability.

How long is a scattering ashes at sea service?
Our burial at sea / ash scattering service takes about one hour.

Do I need an urn for a burial at sea / scattering ashes at sea?
Urns are not necessary for an ash scattering. Guests are welcome to bring biodegradable urns to release if they wish.

What paperwork do I need for scattering ashes at sea?
To perform a scattering ashes at sea service we need to receive the Los Angeles Disposition of Human Remains Permit. This can be received from the Los Angeles cremation facility or picked up at the Los Angeles Vital Records office by yourself or by request from Los Angeles Yacht Charter.

How much does an burial at sea cost?
Pricing is based on departure location and guest count.

Where do burials at sea / scattering ashes at sea services go?
Our services go three nautical miles off the coast.

Are children included in the guest count?
Yes, children are included in guest counts. Children are also required to wear life jackets on yachts.

Are refreshments included in a burial at sea?
Refreshments are not included in the pricing. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drink. Burials at Sea boats of 35+ have liquor licenses and can not have external alcohol brought on board.

What type of clothing should I wear to the burial at sea?
Attire is up to your group, however layers are advised as it can be windier and colder on the water than on land.

How soon in advance do I need to book a burial at sea / ash scattering?
Our bookings are based on a first come first serve basis. To make sure your preferred date and time is available it’s best to confirm the date and time as soon as possible.

Am I expected to tip the captain and crew at a burial at sea?
Gratuity is not included in the price and while not required it is always greatly appreciated. Any tips provided are split between the captain and crew.

What if it rains at a burial at sea?
All of our boats have an interior or covered area where guests can stay dry and comfortable.

How to customize a burial at sea?
A burial at sea ceremony can be customized to your needs. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages, play music, bring flowers and add decor. Please read ‘How to customize a burial at sea’ for inspiration.

Can we have more than one person scatter the ashes at sea?
Ash scatterings are customized to each group. If your family would like to have multiple guests place the ashes in the sea we can help arrange this.

Is it legal to scatter ashes in the ocean?
Yes, it is legal to scatter ashes in the pacific ocean. However, there are some regulations that need to be taken into account when arranging an ash scattering at sea service. Los Angeles Yacht Charter has an official Cremated Remains Disposal Certificate. For example all ash scattering at sea services need to take place at least three nautical miles off shore.

Can you scatter ashes anywhere at sea?
The scattering of ashes at sea is allowed in California and the rest of the United States. However, there are some regulations placed by the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that the environment is not disturbed. For example, ashes have to be scattered at least three nautical miles offshore. Hence why, scattering ashes from a pier or at a beach is absolutely prohibited.

Are your captains licensed to do a burial at sea?
All of our captains are officially licensed under the California state law to provide professional yacht charter and burial at sea services. Our captains have been selected through an extensive training program and will always stand for the safety of our passengers. Our captains are also experienced in hosting burial at sea/ ash scattering services and will do what it takes to make you feel comfortable during the burial at sea ceremony.

Do you have a license to scatter the ashes at sea?
Los Angeles Yacht Charter is fully licensed to provide burials at sea and ash scattering services. For over 10 years we have had an official Central Registration Depository Licence which is needed in order to be able to provide scattering services.

How do you scatter ashes at sea in California?
The scattering of ashes at sea in California can be done by booking a yacht charter through a certified company. At Los Angeles Yacht Charter we have an official Central Registration Depository Licence which allows us to perform burial at sea services for the community.

How much does it cost to scatter ashes at sea?
The costs of a burial at sea can vary based on the guest count, boat preference and location preference. Please scroll to the top of the page to see some options.

What to say while scattering ashes at sea?
Before a scattering at sea ceremony it’s always nice to think about what is the best way to commemorate your loved one. It could be a speech, toast, prayer or story. For inspiration think about the life of the deceased, some great experiences you have shared, or a prayer that has meaning to the deceased or the family.

How does an unattended burial at sea work?
On our unattended burial at sea services we perform a traditional ash scattering service on your behalf. The boat will venture out 3 nautical miles before the captain will gently release the ashes into the sea followed by a traditional sailor’s goodbye. After the services we will send a certificate with the details of the ash scattering including official coordinates (latitude and longitude) of the services.

Will I get seasick on a burial at sea?
Seasickness differs from person to person. To prevent sea sickness it’s best to go out in the morning when the water is the calmest. If you are still afraid that you might get seasick then you could take a motion sickness pill in advance of the charter. Please consult your local pharmacist for more information.

What if I get seasick on a burial at sea?
If you or one group members do get motion sickness, please inform one of our experienced captains. He or she will then take action accordingly.

What is a full body burial at sea?A full body burial at sea is where a body is placed into a special full body burial at sea casket and then buried in the ocean. The casket is heavier than a normal casket and has holes in it so that it can fill up with water, sink and stay at the bottom of the ocean.

What happens to a body after burial at sea?
After a burial at sea the ashes will find their place within the great Pacific. Some parts will make the service spot home, while others will go with the currents around the world. After a full body burial at sea the body will sink to the bottom of the ocean and disintegrate within the special casket.

Are human ashes bad for the ocean?
As long as Environmental Protection Agency measures are followed, to ensure that the environment is not disturbed then ashes are not bad for the ocean environment.

Can you put flowers in the ocean?
All burial at sea services at Los Angeles Yacht Charter come with rose petals included. Guests are also welcome to bring additional flowers as decor or to add to the ceremony. Since flowers are bio degradable it is allowed to throw flowers in the ocean as a part of the ceremony.

How many bodies are there in the ocean?
It’s unclear how many burials at sea have taken place in the past. Burials at sea are as old as people sailing the seas and the exact number of bodies buried in the ocean is therefore impossible to know.

What do you call a burial at sea?
A burial at sea can refer to an ash scattering or a full body burial at sea. Both are services that place the deceased into the pacific as a final resting place. At Los Angeles Yacht Charter we provide all both full body and ash scattering services.

Is burial at sea legal in the US?
Burials at sea are legal in the US as long as some regulations are taken into account. For example ashes need to be scattered at least three nautical miles off the coast. In addition, the chartering company providing the service needs to have an official licencing to be able to provide ash scattering at sea services. At Los Angeles Yacht Charter we are in accordance with all regulations needed to be able to provide a burial at sea service.

Can a veteran be buried at sea?
At Los Angeles Yacht Charter we are honored to have provided many burials at sea services to veterans. To arrange special military treatments from the government please contact the veterans office of your loved ones branch of the military.

Can you request a burial at sea?
You can always request a burial at sea. If it is your final wish to have a burial at sea you can define it in your advance directives or inform a family member who can arrange it.

What is a bareboat charter?

- A bareboat charter is a vessel that is leased by the owner to another person (a “charterer”) for a period of time without a captain or crew;
- A bareboat charter is a vessel that is considered a recreational vessel and may not be subject to Passenger Vessel inspections by the United States Coast Guard;
- Once the charterer takes possession of the vessel, the charterer becomes entirely responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel and its passengers;
- The owner of the vessel is generally not responsible for any collision, personal injuries, and wages for the crew
- The charterer is responsible for the vessel’s crew, fuel, insurance, any maintenance and repairs, and any liability associated with use and possession of the vessel;
- The charterer must have the option of selecting and paying crew and may discharge the master or any crew member without referral to the owner;
- The owner may require general levels of proficiency for the crew that is retained based on federal statutes; and
- Charterers and passengers are solely responsible for making sure they understand and agree to the terms of any bareboat charter agreement.