Burial at Sea Resources & Checklists

At Pachamama, we know that planning a farewell at sea can feel overwhelming—between cruise line rules, EPA reporting, TSA guidelines, and preparing your family for the ceremony. This page gathers everything in one place: clear checklists, official resources, and gentle guidance so you can focus on the moment, not the paperwork.

Downloadable Worksheet

Plan with confidence using our EPA Burial at Sea Worksheet (PDF).
✔ Step-by-step checklist
✔ Space to note coordinates & ceremony details
✔ Links to EPA online reporting form

👉 Download EPA Worksheet (PDF)

Quick Cruise & EPA Basics

  • 3 nautical miles: All ceremonies must take place at least this far from land (U.S. waters).

  • EPA report within 30 days: Families (or the vessel) must file a Burial-at-Sea notification online.

  • Biodegradable only: Urns, flowers, wreaths—everything must decompose naturally.

  • Cruise lines require coordination: Guest Services usually helps schedule time & location; many ask for a biodegradability certificate.

Learn more:
👉 Cruise-Approved Biodegradable Urns
👉 Burial at Sea – EPA Step by Step Guide

Traveling with Ashes (TSA Guide)

  • Carry ashes in your hand luggage only.

  • Use a container that is X-ray transparent (our urns are fragile & intended for the ceremony—carry ashes in a TSA-approved temporary container).

  • TSA agents cannot open the container; bring a copy of the cremation certificate.

👉 Traveling with Ashes – TSA Guide

Preparing for the Ceremony

Packing List

  • Biodegradable urn (sealed & ready)

  • Biodegradability certificate (printed or saved)

  • Death & cremation certificates (copies)

  • Natural flower petals (optional, no plastics)

  • Small towel & wipes for after the release

👉 How Long Do Biodegradable Urns Float?

Sharing Ashes Among Loved Ones

Some families choose to divide ashes among several urns:

  • Keepsake urns for children, siblings, or close relatives.

  • One main urn for the ceremony, smaller urns as personal mementos.

  • This allows multiple goodbyes across time and place.

👉 Sharing Ashes Among Loved Ones

Templates 

Guest Services Email (Cruises)

Subject: Ash-Scattering Ceremony at Sea – Reservation [#]

Hello Guest Services Team, We are sailing on [Ship Name] on [Date] and wish to arrange a biodegradable urn ceremony at sea. We will bring all certificates and follow your guidelines. Could you kindly confirm the process and location? Thank you for helping us create a respectful farewell.

EPA Report Reminder
Set a calendar reminder for 30 days after the ceremony to submit your EPA notification.

Respect for the Ocean

Every Pachamama urn is handmade from sustainable, biodegradable materials. They float briefly, sink gently, and dissolve completely, leaving no trace but love.