Dignified Burials at Sea

There is no functional difference. They're synonymous terms. When you are planning a 'burial at sea,' 'ash scattering at sea,' or 'sea burial,' you're planning the same event. Dignified Burials at Sea provides professional ceremonies for scattering cremated remains in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Los Angeles, departing from Marina del Rey.

To complete an Ash Scattering At Sea, California requires a VS-9 permit (Permit for Disposition of Human Remains) acquired from the facility that performed the cremation, or the mortuary. This permit should cost $12 and is obtainable in a matter of days. If cremation was done outside California or the United States, the provider obtains the permit for $90.00, requiring only an original death certificate. The permit must accompany the cremated remains. Federal EPA regulations require ash scatterings occur at least 3 nautical miles offshore, and anything entering the ocean must be biodegradable.

They travel 3 nautical miles offshore, as required by federal EPA regulations, using a location three miles straight off the Santa Monica Pier. This location is recognizable, intimate and memorable. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes each way from Marina del Rey.

Bring the cremated remains in whatever container the funeral home or cremation facility provided. Families bring flowers of their choice (enough for at least a half dozen to make the basket beautiful, and enough for each family member to throw one or more). The provider supplies the basket for scattering, food and beverage service, and files all required permits. Families may bring photos, music playlists, digital slideshows via Bluetooth, or items that help celebrate their loved one's life.

While funeral homes often sell biodegradable urns, they very seldom act as designed. If designed to float for five minutes then sink, they might not sink at all or might sink immediately when they should float. The provider prefers families bring remains in the original container from the cremation facility, and the provider transfers them into a basket with family-provided flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Families board The Duchess or The Legend at Marina del Rey where the crew meets them. After a safety presentation, the vessel departs for a 45-minute journey to the scattering location. During transit, families are served food and beverages while staff prepares the cremated remains in the flower basket. At the location, the captain positions the vessel and keeps it steady. Families have time to share stories, say prayers, and speak. The captain can help get things started or offer prayers from any denomination. When ready, the basket is lowered to the ocean's surface, and a line tips the contents when the moment feels right. Families can participate as much or as little as they wish. After scattering, families may throw additional flowers and spend more moments with their loved one before returning.

Yes. Captains have prayer books for every denomination and are happy to speak. Captains will often say a few words to help families get started, especially those who feel bashful or shy. However, families typically do most all of the speaking. Captains are capable and willing to help however families need, but the ceremony is theirs to lead.

Absolutely. On both The Duchess and The Legend, families can plug in or Bluetooth their playlist, or stream music using the provider's wifi. Any genre of music is welcome.

Marine wildlife encounters are common, including seals, sea lions, pelicans and sea birds always present. Dolphins appear a great deal of the time, and occasional whales are possible in Santa Monica Bay during ceremonies. These encounters add a profound sense of connection to nature during the memorial.

Morning ceremonies are suggested to ensure calmer ocean conditions. However, afternoon and sunset ceremonies are also offered if preferred. The provider guides families on the best timing for their date.

Families should wear whatever they are comfortable in. Nobody will get wet, and nobody will get ashes blown in their face. The provider offers guidance on footwear, not recommending high heels or spike heels for safety reasons. Families should bring a light jacket or sweater, as it can be cooler on the water.

Yes. Many families bring pictures to create memorial displays, and the provider has easels on board for this purpose. On The Legend, families can also display photo slideshows on a flat-panel screen in the salon by connecting via Bluetooth.