Burial at Sea (U.S.) — Step-by-Step & EPA Guide

A calm, dignified farewell at sea is possible when you follow the U.S. EPA rules and use a fully biodegradable urn. For cremated remains, the ceremony must take place at least 3 nautical miles from land; there is no minimum depth requirement for cremated remains. After a ceremony in U.S. waters, you must submit the EPA report within 30 days.

Download: Biodegradability Certificate (PDF)
Report: File the EPA 30-Day Report online (search: “EPA Burial at Sea report”).

Quick legal basics (U.S. ocean waters)

  • Ceremony ≥ 3 nautical miles from land

  • No depth requirement for cremated remains

  • Use only materials that readily decompose (e.g., natural flower petals)

  • Notify EPA within 30 days after the ceremony

What to bring (packing list)

  • Biodegradable water-burial urn (no plastic/metal/wire)

  • Biodegradability Certificate (printed or on your phone)

  • Death & cremation certificates (copies are fine)

  • Optional: fresh flower petals (no plastic/synthetic décor)

How it works — before, during, after

Before you go

  1. Choose a biodegradable urn suitable for water ceremonies.

  2. Confirm with your captain/charter (or Guest Services if on a cruise) that the ceremony will be ≥ 3 nm from shore.

  3. Keep your documents handy in your carry-on.

On the water (day of)

  • Arrive 10–15 minutes early; a crew member may guide you to a safe, quiet deck area.

  • Gently release the urn; if you wish, scatter natural petals only.

  • Follow crew guidance for wind and footing.

After the ceremony (U.S. waters)

Submit the EPA Burial-at-Sea report within 30 days and keep your confirmation email for your records.

Where this applies (and where it doesn’t)

  • This guide covers U.S. ocean waters under the EPA’s MPRSA general permit (no prior application; only post-ceremony notification).

  • Inland waters (lakes, rivers, bays) are not covered by MPRSA; check state/local requirements.

Email template to your captain/charter

Subject: Burial at Sea with Biodegradable Urn — Date [MM/DD]

Hello [Captain/Operator],
We’d like to arrange a short ash-scattering ceremony at sea using a fully biodegradable urn. We will ensure the ceremony takes place at least 3 nautical miles from shore and we will file the EPA report within 30 days. We’ll bring the biodegradability certificate and death/cremation certificates.
Could you please confirm a suitable time/location on the day and any guidelines we should follow?
Thank you for helping our family create a calm, respectful moment.

Respect for the ocean

We design our urns to release gently and biodegrade completely. Please use only materials that return safely to nature.