Did You Know You Could Be Buried at Sea?
When you think “burial at sea,” your mind might jump to a Viking ship ablaze. This would be an epic way to go, but that’s more myth than reality (sorry to disappoint).
At Good Grief, we believe part of easing end-of-life logistics is knowing your options. Burial at sea is one of them, and yes, it’s possible in many U.S. states. It just comes with specific rules around distance, permits, and preparation.
What Is a Sea Burial Today?
There are two primary versions:
Full-body burial at sea: The body is placed in a weighted shroud or biodegradable casket/casket alternative and released far offshore (at least three nautical miles out).
Ash scattering at sea: Cremated remains are scattered in the ocean beyond the required boundary. These can be attended (with family present) or unattended (without family present).
No flaming pyres, no longships, just a return to the water.
Federal Regulations: What the EPA Requires for Sea Burial
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates sea burials under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA). The key rules include:
Distance from shore: Must be at least three nautical miles from land (for the general permit). Also there is a depth requirement: the most common standard is in waters at least 600 feet deep
Weighted container or shroud: Ensures the body sinks without floating- for full body burial only.
Reporting requirement: The burial site (coordinates) must be reported to the EPA within 30 days. The 30-day reporting system ensures sea burials are safe, legal, and environmentally sound.
Permitting: The general permit covers many routine burials; special permits may be needed in certain jurisdictions or under unusual conditions.
Restrictions on materials: Caskets must be of biodegradable material, and all components must be compliant so they don’t pollute.
These requirements create logistical and cost hurdles, making it hard for families to DIY it, but they also ensure that sea burials are carried out responsibly.
State-by-State Reality: It’s Not Uniform
As you might have gathered from the section above on regulations, sea burial availability and rules vary a lot from state to state and it’s rarely as simple as just taking a boat offshore.
Here’s what complicates things:
Funeral director requirements: Some states (like Maine) require a licensed funeral director to coordinate or even secure the burial permit. Families can’t just bypass that step.
Transit permits: Before you even reach the dock, you’ll need the death certificate filed and a burial-transit (or disposition) permit to move the body legally. If crossing county or state lines, additional authorizations may apply.
Multiple jurisdictions: Once you’re offshore, federal EPA rules kick in, but coastal waters may still be under state or Coast Guard oversight. That overlap can add confusion.
Logistical limits: States with narrow coastlines or long distances to reach the required 3+ nautical miles offshore may make sea burial logistically difficult or expensive.
Environmental and shipping restrictions: Marine zones, shipping routes, and state environmental laws may prohibit or complicate burials in certain areas.
Why DIY Is Risky
Technically, families can apply the EPA’s general permit rules themselves, but “do-it-yourself” sea burials carry major risks:
You’re responsible for ensuring the shroud or casket is weighted and compliant.
You must handle all paperwork (death certificate, transit permits, EPA reporting within 30 days).
If anything is mishandled (distance, documentation, or body preparation) you could be in violation of state or federal law. Please don’t get arrested for dumping grandma illegally.
In short: while sea burial is feasible in some places, it’s not universally easy or practical everywhere. Working with an experienced funeral director or licensed sea burial providers ensures you meet every requirement and avoid legal or logistical pitfalls.
Burial at sea costs
If you want a full-body sea burial (with shroud/casket, weighted container, deeper water, longer vessel time), you could expect costs to be in the $5,000–$10,000+ range.
Here is what that cost will likely cover:
Vessel fuel, crew time, and travel distance.
Permit, regulatory compliance, and paperwork.
Depth, weather conditions, and how far offshore.
Biodegradable materials and proper weighted systems.
Missing infrastructure in some regions (you may need to bring your own vessel or arrange transport).
Final Thoughts: Planning Ahead Matters
Sea burial is one of those options that sounds simple in theory, but in practice, it comes with layers of regulation, permits, and cost. The truth is, if it’s meaningful to you or your loved one, it is possible. But it’s not something to leave unplanned.
At Good Grief, we care about making sure people know their end-of-life choices before they’re in crisis. Whether it’s scattering ashes quietly offshore or arranging a full-body sea burial, the key is preparation. Planning ahead can save your family thousands of dollars, prevent legal headaches, and ensure your final wishes are carried out with dignity (and without Coast Guard fines).
Bottom line: Burials at sea are real, and legal… but they’re best approached with forethought and professional guidance. If the ocean calls to you, and you are shore this is how you want to go put it in writing now. We encourage you to seas the day!