In Los Angeles County, California, there are several legal requirements that must be met in order to scatter ashes at sea. The first requirement is that the ashes must be scattered at least three nautical miles from shore. This is to ensure that the ashes are dispersed in an area that is not used for swimming, fishing, or other activities that could be disrupted by the presence of ashes.
The second requirement is that the ashes must be scattered in an environmentally safe manner. This means that the ashes must be scattered in a way that will not harm marine life or damage the environment. This would require a vessel, and preferably a properly licensed vessel to take you out to a location 3 miles offshore.
The third requirement is that a permit must be obtained from the Los Angeles County Health Department. This permit will ensure that the scattering of ashes is in compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations. The simplest way to acquire the permit is through the facility that performed the cremation as long as the cremation was done in California. That facility is able to create the permit very quickly, typically in a few hours at a cost of $12.00. An emailed copy is sufficient. This permit is brought onboard the vessel you choose to assist your family with the scattering. Companies that hold a CRD License are properly licensed by the State Of California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau to perform the service of Disposing Of Cremated Remains. This properly licensed company will file the permit with the Health Department and the State of California after the scattering with the exact GPS Coordinates of the scattering.
The fourth requirement is that the ashes must be scattered in accordance with any additional rules or regulations set forth by local authorities. The specific regulations may vary depending on the location of the scattering, so it is important to check with local authorities to ensure compliance.
It is also important to note that scattering ashes at sea is not allowed in national marine sanctuaries, such as the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary or the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. These areas have additional laws and regulations in place to protect the marine environment and its inhabitants, which means that ashes cannot be scattered in these locations.
In summary, scattering ashes at sea in Los Angeles County California requires that the ashes be scattered at least three nautical miles from shore, in an environmentally safe manner, with a permit obtained from the Los Angeles County Health Department, and in accordance with any additional rules or regulations set forth by local authorities. It is important to check with local authorities and ensure that the scattering is not taking place in a national marine sanctuary or any other protected or restricted area.
Using a properly licensed company by the State Of California will insure compliance and provide the comfort of a professional service dedicated to and specializing in this very personal service at what is typically an emotional time for families.