Burial At Sea - Considerations and Legalities

If you or a loved-one has close connections with ships and sailing, you may be considering a burial at sea.  This is something you should discuss with your funeral director as they will be responsible for making all the necessary arrangements.  However, if you want to know more about what's involved before you make a decision, here's some useful information.

Legalities

Burials at sea are closely regulated and must comply with the Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981.  A permit for such burials is required and this can be obtained from the Department Of The Environment (DOE).  It should be noted that a permit is usually only granted for people who had a close connection to the sea during their lives, such as fishermen or navy personnel.  However, no permit is required for the scattering of ashes, so this could be another option to consider in the event that you are unable to obtain authorisation for a sea burial.

There are special provisions surrounding sea burials that you should bear in mind.  The DOE will need to see a death certificate confirming that the deceased did not die of any contagious or communicable disease before a sea burial can be authorised.  The deceased's body must not be embalmed so that no toxic chemicals are released into the marine environment, and it must be sewn into a shroud, rather than placed in a coffin or casket.  The shroud must be fabricated of a very strong material and well-weighted so that it sinks rapidly and remains in situ.  Your funeral director from a place like Lee Adam Funeral Services will take care of all the necessary paperwork for you, as well as ensuring that the body is prepared appropriately.

Practicalities

The DOE have designated a number of suitable sites for burials at sea.  To be sure that the body will not be caught up in fishing gear, disturbed by trawlers or pulled close to shore by currents, it must be buried at a depth exceeding 3000 metres.  This means that the burial site will probably be a significant distance offshore, and this could present a logistical challenge.  It's advisable to ask local boat charter operators for advice on a suitable site.  It's important to note that the vessel you use for the sea burial must be a certified commercial boat, fully equipped with a GPS system.  This is to ensure that the deceased is laid to rest at the precise designated location.

When organising a funeral service, it's advisable to hold this on land prior to or following the marine committal.  This avoids problems in the event of choppy waters and takes into consideration that not all the mourners will be experienced sailors.

In conclusion

If you decide to opt for a burial at sea for yourself or a loved-one, it's best to plan well in advance.  Discuss your preferred arrangements with a local funeral director who will be able to further advise you and obtain the necessary permits for you when the time comes.  It's also a good idea to include your wishes in your will, remembering to include the name and contact details of the funeral director you have spoken to.