Tips For Making The Burial At Sea Florida Ocean Lovers Wish For A Memorable Occasion

By Susan Perry


Generations ago, when deaths occurred on the high seas, bodies were routinely thrown overboard. Storage and decomposition were a problem. Today people choose to be buried at sea for a variety of reasons. Ocean burials fall under the Environmental Protection Agency's jurisdiction. If a loved one has a favorite pond, lake, or river under consideration, contacting state and local authorities is necessary. The burial at sea Florida ocean enthusiasts stipulate is not always easy.

First of all, you have to go far enough away from land that the casket or ashes don't end up drifting onto shore. Three nautical miles is the minimum distance acceptable. Six hundred feet is the minimum depth requirement. Florida is one exception that requires three times that depth in certain areas. You have to keep in mind that the outer continental shelf may make it necessary to go out much farther to reach water that deep.

If you are burying a casket in the sea, there are a number of federal regulations you must follow. No plastics are allowed. There must to be at least six holes drilled into the casket to make sure it sinks, and some extra weight might have to be added. Stainless steel chains have to be wrapped around the casket to ensure that it stays on the ocean bottom.

If you want to bury ashes, you don't have to comply with as many rules. You do have to go out at least three nautical miles, but the depth of water is not an issue. Some people have the idea they want their ashes thrown out of a plane over the water. If you decide to do this, remember that wind is a factor at altitudes and can blow the ashes back on the passengers.

If you want to go out on a boat, there are companies that provide ocean burial services. The fees vary according to how many people will be attending and the kind of ceremony, if any, you want. Burying a casket requires a boat that has the equipment to haul the casket over the side of the boat and lower it into the water. Not every charter will be able to accommodate you.

Scattering ashes in water sounds pretty economical, and it can be if you do everything yourself. It can get expensive though, if you are burying a casket that requires hiring a boat and transporting the remains from the mortuary to a pier or airport. The farther out you need to go, the more expensive it will get.

Burial aboard a naval vessel can be extremely impressive and moving. If this is something your loved one wanted, you need to contact the Naval Mortuary Affairs Office. They handle these proceedings and can tell you whether or not your loved qualifies for such a ceremony. Current and honorably discharged veterans and their families normally qualify.

If you have a loved one that has requested a sea burial, you can fulfill that wish. Preparation, phone calls, and documentation will be necessary however. The effort will be worth it if you know you are making a last wish a reality.




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