Question 1

What is the difference between a burial at sea and an ash scattering ceremony?

Accepted Answer

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. At Dignified Burials at Sea, we provide professional ceremonies for scattering cremated remains in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Los Angeles, departing from Marina del Rey.

Question 2

What are the legal requirements for scattering ashes at sea in California?

Accepted Answer

California requires a VS-9 permit (Permit for Disposition of Human Remains) is acquired from the facility that performs the cremation, or the mortuary you have made the arrangements with. This permit should cost only $12 and is obtainable in a matter of days from the time of your request. We are licensed by the State of California as a Cremated Remains Disposer (License #1036), and we file this permit with the Los Angeles County Health Department and the State of California after the scattering.
Federal EPA regulations also require that ash scatterings occur at least 3 nautical miles offshore, and anything that goes in the ocean must be biodegradable.

Question 3

How far from shore do you go for the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

What should I bring, and what do you provide?

Accepted Answer

Please bring the cremated remains in whatever container the funeral home or cremation facility provided them in. You do not need to purchase a biodegradable urn, and we suggest not using a biodegradable urn. The family brings the flowers of their choice, (and enough so we can use at least a half dozen to make the basket look beautiful, and enough for each family member to throw one or more flowers on the surface of the ocean after the scattering).

We provide everything else: the basket for the scattering, food and beverage service throughout your time aboard, and we file all required permits. You're welcome to bring photos, music playlists, digital slide-show via Bluetooth, or any items that help you celebrate your loved one's life.

Question 5

Why shouldn't I buy a biodegradable urn?

Accepted Answer

While funeral homes often sell biodegradable urns, these urns very seldom act the way they're supposed to. If they're designed to float for five minutes then sink, they might not sink at all. Or they might sink immediately when they should float.

We prefer you bring the remains in the original container from the cremation facility, and we'll transfer them into our basket with flowers, ( provided by the family) for a beautiful presentation.

Question 6

How does the ceremony work from start to finish?

Accepted Answer

You'll board T(https://www.dignifiedburialsatsea.com/view-duchess)he Duchess (https://www.dignifiedburialsatsea.com/view-duchess)or T(https://www.dignifiedburialsatsea.com/view-legend)he Legend (https://www.dignifiedburialsatsea.com/view-legend)at Marina del Rey, where our crew will meet you. After a safety presentation, we'll depart for the 45-minute journey to the scattering location.

During transit, you'll be served food and beverages while our staff prepares the cremated remains in the flower basket. At the location, our captain positions the vessel and keeps it steady for your comfort. You'll have time to share stories, say prayers, and speak as much as time allows.

Our captains can help get things started or offer prayers from any denomination. We have prayer books for every faith. When your family is ready, we lower the basket to the ocean's surface. A  line is then pulled that is attached to the bottom  to tip the contents onto the water when the moment feels right. You can participate as much or as little as you wish.

After the scattering, time allowing, you may throw additional flowers on the ocean surface and spend a few more moments with your loved one before returning to the harbor.

Question 7

Can your captain say prayers or help lead the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Can we play music during the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. On bothThe Duchess (https://www.dignifiedburialsatsea.com/view-duchess)andThe Legend,(https://www.dignifiedburialsatsea.com/view-legend) you can plug in or Bluetooth your playlist, or you can stream music using our wifi.

You can request whatever genre of music you like.

Question 9

Will we see dolphins, whales, or other marine life?

Accepted Answer

All the time. Seals, Sea lions, Pelicans and sea birds are always present. Dolphin appear a great deal of the time, and the occasional whale is certainly possible in Santa Monica Bay during ceremonies. These encounters add a profound sense of connection to nature during your memorial.

Question 10

What time of day is best for a ceremony?

Accepted Answer

We suggest morning ceremonies to ensure calmer ocean conditions. However, we definitely do afternoon and sunset ceremonies as well if that's what you prefer. We'll guide you on the best timing for your date.

Question 11

What should we wear? Will we get wet?

Accepted Answer

Wear whatever you're comfortable in. Nobody is going to get wet, and nobody will get ashes blown in their face. We do provide guidance on footwear. We don't recommend women wear high heels or spike heels for safety reasons. We suggest bringing a light jacket or sweater, as it can be cooler on the water.

Question 12

Can we bring photos or create displays?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many families bring pictures to create memorial displays, and we have easels on board for this purpose. OnThe Legend,(https://www.dignifiedburialsatsea.com/view-legend) you can also display photo slideshows on our flat-panel screen in the salon by connecting via Bluetooth.

Question 13

Can we have live music or entertainment?

Accepted Answer

OnThe Legend,(https://www.dignifiedburialsatsea.com/view-legend) there's room for live entertainment. We've had families bring Mariachi bands, Dixieland jazz bands, and Bagpipers. You would need to arrange the entertainment, and they would board the vessel with your group, and be part of your passenger count.

Question 14

Do you offer dove releases?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can arrange a white dove release where the doves are released over the water and return safely to their handlers. We don't endanger any nature. The doves return to their cages. This can be a beautiful addition to your ceremony.

Question 15

How many people can attend?

Accepted Answer

The Legend carries up to 41 guests, while The Duchess a maximum of 6 guests, all based on Coast Guard Regulations. The Legend is the only motor yacht in the Marina del Rey Harbor that can legally leave the harbor with more than 12 passengers, and there are only a few that can legally carry more than 6.

Question 16

Why is your service legal when some other charter companies aren't?

Accepted Answer

We operate Professional, Captained, Time/Voyage Charters. You hire us, and we are responsible for everything relative to chartering a vessel.

Some companies operate "bareboat charters" (in an effort to carry more passengers than they are legally allowed), where the charterer (you) becomes responsible for the vessel, crew, fuel, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and any liability.

We hold all proper licensing and certifications:

We are licensed by the State of California as Cremated Remains Disposer. We have Water Taxi Operator and Water Taxi licenses (which are heavily regulated by the LA County Board of Supervisors), and The Legend is inspected annually by the US Coast Guard for more than 1,000 different regulation points.

Question 17

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Marina del Rey is the heart of Santa Monica Bay, which runs from the Palos Verdes Peninsula to Point Dume (about 19 to 20 miles). We serve all of Los Angeles including Santa Monica, Venice, Malibu, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, and surrounding communities. Marina del Rey is the harbor that serves the entire Los Angeles area.

Question 18

What if I can't attend the ceremony in person?

Accepted Answer

We offer unwitnessed ash scattering services for $175. These are carried out with the same dignity, respect, care, and compassion as when families are present. You'll receive a beautiful card signed by the Captain with your loved one's name, exact GPS coordinates, and the date and time of the scattering. We file all appropriate paperwork and send you copies.

Question 19

How much does a burial at sea cost?

Accepted Answer

View our complete pricing.(https://www.dignifiedburialsatsea.com/pricing) The Duchess is $990.00, ( tax included) for up to 6 guests, and The Legend ranges from $1,650.00 to $6,380.00, (tax included) for groups of 7 to 41 guests. Unwitnessed scatterings are $175.

Question 20

Can we return to the location for future memorial visits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Both vessels have the exact GPS coordinates memorialized in their navigation system. We can bring you back to that special location formemorial anniversary events (https://www.dignifiedburialsatsea.com/memorialeventsuggestions)or celebration of life gatherings.

Question 21

Are photo displays, printed pictures, or video slideshows allowed during a burial at sea?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Yes—displaying photos and playing video slideshows during a burial at sea ceremony are not only allowed, but encouraged. They are a wonderful and meaningful way to honor and celebrate the life of your loved one while surrounded by the peace and beauty of the ocean.

We provide a flat-panel TV onboard, ( Legend Only ), for photo or video slideshows, as well as easels for framed pictures or printed photo displays. These personal touches help create a warm, reflective atmosphere and allow family and friends to share memories together during the service.

To Plan a Burial at Sea, call: 800-842-4818

Burial at Sea & Ocean Ash Spreading Services

Professional Water Burials from Marina del Rey Harbor

Serving Los Angeles, Long Beach, Santa Monica, Orange, Riverside, Ventura, San Bernardino Counties and more.

Is It Legal to Scatter Ashes in the Ocean? California Laws & Requirements

Marina Del Rey vs. Long Beach for Burial at Sea

The Problem with Biodegradable Urns for Sea Burial

Honor Your Loved One with a Serene Ash Scattering in Los Angeles

Hear What They Say About Us...