Burial at Sea: Biodegradable Urn Rules & EPA Guide (U.S.)

Saying Goodbye at Sea with a Biodegradable Urn

When a family tells me, “They loved the water—can we say goodbye at sea?” I feel the tenderness in that question.
The good news is: yes, you can. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows burials at sea—both full-body and cremated remains—if a few simple rules are followed.

This is a caring overview, not legal advice. Always double-check local requirements.

👉 Planning a cruise ceremony? Visit our Cruise-Approved Biodegradable Urns guide.

The Heart of the Rule (Plain Words)

• Cremated remains: You may scatter or place them in ocean waters at any depth, as long as you are 3 nautical miles or more from land. Within 30 days, you must notify the EPA (there’s an online form).

• Full-body (non-cremated) burial: Must take place at least 3 nautical miles from shore and in waters 600+ feet deep (some Florida areas require 1,800 feet). The remains must sink rapidly and permanently (weighted shroud or casket).

• After any burial at sea: File a 30-day notice to the EPA Region your vessel departed from.

⬇️ Download EPA Worksheet (PDF)

What’s Not Allowed

• Within 3 nautical miles of the coast (any burial at sea).

• Non-human remains (pets) under the EPA permit.

• Non-decomposable items: plastics, wires, foam, metal wreaths, artificial reefs, glitter/confetti.

• Balloons or fireworks as a delivery method.

Use only biodegradable urns and natural petals or wreaths. 🌿

Ocean vs. Lakes & Rivers

EPA rules apply to the ocean only. Lakes, rivers, and bays fall under state law—and some states prohibit scattering in inland waters. Always check with the state environmental or health agency.

Step-by-Step: Cremated Remains at Sea

1. Choose the place & time
   Early or late in calm light, away from swimmers/docks. Captains can confirm the 3-mile line.

2. Bring eco-kind elements

   • A biodegradable water urn that floats briefly, then sinks and dissolves.

   • Biodegradable petals or native stems.

   • A short reading, prayer, or song.

3. Hold the moment
   Say their name. Three slow breaths. One memory. Set the urn on the water; let petals follow like a blessing.

4. Leave no trace
   Pack out all packaging; return the shoreline to peace.

5. File the 30-day notice
   Use the EPA online form or your region’s contact.

Friendly FAQs

Do we need a permit ahead of time?
No. The EPA’s general permit covers sea burials if you follow the rules and file within 30 days.

How far is 3 nautical miles?
About 3.45 statute miles / 5.56 km from the low-water line or across bay openings. Captains know how to measure this.

Can we scatter in a bay or lake?
Those are inland waters → state rules apply.

What materials are allowed?
Biodegradable urns, natural flowers/wreaths. No plastics, foam, wire, or metal.

Full-body burial differences?
Must be 3+ miles offshore, 600+ ft deep (1,800 ft in some Florida zones), and weighted to sink rapidly.

Where do we file the 30-day report?
At the EPA Burial at Sea Reporting Tool.

A Note for the Day Itself

I’ve stood on quiet decks and empty piers with many families. What I always remember is the pause—the way water and light seem to hold you while love does its work.

Rules can feel intimidating, but they mostly come down to care:
🌊 Go far enough.
🌿 Leave no trace.
💙 Let the ocean carry what words can’t.

Ready for Peace of Mind?

If your charter or cruise asks for it, our Cruise Ceremony Kit includes:

• Biodegradable urn

• Certificate of Biodegradability (PDF included)

• EPA worksheet & instructions

• Optional biodegradable petals

✨ Shop the Cruise Ceremony Kit and arrive calm, prepared, and supported.