Planning a burial at sea checklist

Planning a burial at sea entails a thoughtful blend of logistical precision and ceremonial significance. At Los Angeles Yacht Charter, we specialize in guiding families through every aspect of this poignant journey. Our dedicated team is committed to ensuring that not only the waters are navigated smoothly, but also that every detail surrounding the service is meticulously attended to. With our support, you can rest assured that your loved one will be honored with a serene and dignified ceremony befitting their memory.

What do I need to know before booking a burial at sea Ash Scattering Service?

Making sure you have the administrative and logistical details are important to verify before confirming your burial at sea arrangements. Once you have these details the company can help direct you to the right options. 

Answers to have before booking a burial at sea service

🔲 How many guests would you like to have aboard the boat for the service?

🔲 Do you have a preference on where the scattering will be?

🔲 Get a consensus on a few dates and time your party will be available.

🔲 Do you have the Disposition of Human Remains Permit?

🔲 Decide how much time you will need for your burial at sea service. 

                   To decide on the time needed, think about a few things:

                   -How many loved ones will you be scattering?

                   -How many people will want to speak?

                   -Did you want some time for closure on the sea?

                   -Will you want to offer snacks and or drinks?

What do I need to book a burial at sea service?

Whoever is confirming and paying for the booking, also known as the “charter” will need to be one signing the confirmation documentation online and be coming on board the vessel (able to show ID). 

To finalize the burial at sea service you need:

🔲 Date of service

🔲 Timing of the service 

🔲 How long you would like the service to be

🔲 Form of payment (credit card, debit card, venmo, or zelle)

🔲 Disposition of Human Remains permit, or confirmation of it being provided by the funeral home or crematorium establishment

What needs to be arranged after confirming my burial at sea ash scattering?

Before you partake in your burial at sea be sure to arrange the following, so that on the day everything will run smoothly as hoped for.

🔲 Be sure to have the Los Angeles Disposition of Human Remains Permit ready, with box #16A Indicating a burial at sea

🔲 Invite your guests. Be sure to make the arrival time no later than 15 minutes before departure time so your guests do not miss the service

🔲 Decide if you would like to have the ashes lowered in a basket (available on most vessels) or placed in an decomposable urn (to be purchased)

🔲 Decide if you would like the crew or family member to place the ashes into the basket.

🔲 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 the crew or family member to assist in lowering the ashes into the water

Optional things to arrange for a burial at sea

While not necessary, the following are reminders of things possible to arrange for a burial at sea service if the family would like. Every service can be customized to you and your family just be sure to indicate to the company what your hopes are. 

🔲 A large printed photo (frames and stands not available on board)

🔲 Decide if you would like to have memorial cards 

🔲 Select and download music playlist

🔲 Arrange any food and beverage you would like on the boat for your guests

🔲 Prepare to purchase any additional flowers for throwing into the water (must be biodegradable), to place on the ashes, or as decor (ie: Wreaths or standing sprays)

What to bring on board for the burial at sea?

In the midst of these challenging moments, it’s all too common to overlook important details. To ensure you have everything you need, we suggest assembling all your essentials in the car you’ll be using for the service the day before. This simple step will help you stay organized and avoid any last-minute scrambles, ensuring you have everything you desire at hand during this important time.

🔲  Los Angeles Disposition of Human Remains Permit 

🔲 The remains of the deceased

🔲 Any additional decor (ex: Flowers or photos)