Good news – burial at sea isn’t just for pirates or sailors! Technically, anyone can be buried at sea. So, if you’ve ever considered being buried at sea after a funeral or cremation service in Sandy, UT, your dream isn’t that far off.
When a body is buried at sea, one or two things will happen. A full body will float to the surface in three to four days, upon which it will begin to decompose. The bones will sink under the surface again in about two weeks. It is important to note that sea burials are some of the most environmentally friendly burials possible, as they don’t use embalming fluid, don’t require a crematory fire, and don’t use up space on land.
Sea burials have become increasingly popular among conservationists and those who want a meaningful farewell to their loved ones. While scattering cremated remains is by far the most common form of burial at sea nowadays – full-body committal is also available depending on individual preference and location-specific regulations. For ashes, two options are offered: either dispersing them or using biodegradable urns which deploy their contents before dissolving over time without any damage done to marine ecologies; both provide an unforgettable sendoff for its benefactor.
You can find the full rules and regulations for sea burials under the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA). While the laws around sea burials vary from country to country and sometimes state to state, there are a few that remain the same almost everywhere. For example, all sea burials must be performed at least three nautical miles from shore and must be reported to the EPA within 30 days of completion.
Who can be buried at sea? Anyone! You don’t have to be a military member to be buried in a large body of water. The most common type of burial at sea today is the scattering of cremated remains, but full body committal is also an option. However, there are rules for both full body and cremation burials at sea. Anyone from sailors to fisherman and ocean enthusiasts can be buried at sea with a full body burial. According to federal law, a full body burial at sea can only be completed in an area that’s at least 600 feet deep and at least three miles from shore. Also, a licensed funeral director must be on board the vessel. There are two main ways to bury cremated remains at sea: in a biodegradable urn or by scattering the cremains. Biodegradable urns made for water burials float for a few minutes, then sink into the water and slowly disintegrate. Scattering cremains at sea can be done with a scattering urn or with your hands. 
Do you want to hire a boat for a burial at sea? There are two ways to request a burial at sea: through the Navy or through a civilian charter company. Navy sea burials are only used for sailors who die when a ship is deployed, and the family wishes for their loved one to have a sea burial. Civilian ocean burials are when civilians charter a private boat, hire a funeral director to come along, and bury a loved one on the water.
We are here to answer any questions if you want to learn more about burials at sea or Sandy, UT cremation services. Call or visit us today for more information on what we can do for you in your time of loss or preplanning.
