Is Burial at Sea Free?

No, burial at sea is generally not entirely free, as various associated costs can apply, though the U.S. Coast Guard does not charge any fee for conducting the final burial at sea service for eligible individuals.

Understanding the Cost of Burial at Sea

While the concept of burial at sea might suggest a cost-free alternative, the reality is more nuanced. The U.S. Coast Guard provides its service of scattering cremated remains at sea without charge, but this covers only a portion of the overall process. Many other expenses can arise depending on the type of burial, the chosen service provider, and additional arrangements made by the family.

U.S. Coast Guard Burial at Sea Program

The U.S. Coast Guard offers a dignified and free service for eligible individuals. This specific service involves the spreading of cremated remains in ocean waters, performed by Coast Guard vessels during routine operations, which is why there is no direct fee for the final disposition service.

Eligibility for the Coast Guard service typically includes:

• Active duty or honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. armed forces.
• Retired military personnel and their dependents.
• U.S. Merchant Mariners.
• U.S. citizens deemed "persons of prominence" whose burial at sea would be considered a national honor.

Key considerations for Coast Guard burial at sea:

• Cremated Remains Only: The Coast Guard only performs burials of cremated remains. Full-body burials are not part of their program.
• No Family Aboard: Family members typically cannot be present on Coast Guard vessels during the scattering due to operational constraints.
• Documentation: A Certificate of Burial at Sea, noting the exact latitude and longitude of the disposition, is provided to the next of kin.

Other Potential Costs Associated with Burial at Sea

Even when utilizing the free Coast Guard service, or especially when opting for private services, several expenses usually precede the actual scattering:

• Cremation Services: If the deceased is not already cremated, the cost of cremation by a funeral home is a primary expense.
• Urn or Container: A suitable, often biodegradable, urn or scattering tube designed for sea burial is required.
• Funeral Home Services: This can include transportation of remains to the port, necessary permits, death certificates, and coordination of services.
• Private Charter Services: If the deceased does not qualify for the Coast Guard program, or if families wish to be present, private companies offer burial at sea services. These can range from simple scattering services to elaborate ceremonies with family aboard the vessel. Costs vary widely based on location, vessel size, duration, and included amenities.
• Travel Expenses: For family members wishing to attend a private scattering, travel and accommodation costs will apply.
• Legal and Administrative Fees: Fees for death certificates, permits (e.g., from the Environmental Protection Agency - EPA), and other necessary paperwork.

Here’s a comparison of potential costs associated with different burial at sea options:

Types of Burial at Sea

Understanding the different methods of burial at sea helps clarify associated costs and logistics.

Full Body Burial at Sea

Full body burials at sea are much less common and significantly more complex than the scattering of cremated remains. They require specific preparation and adherence to strict regulations.

• Special Preparation: The body must be prepared without embalming or embalmed with formaldehyde-free chemicals, enclosed in a specially weighted and vented casket or shroud designed to sink quickly and remain on the seabed.
• Regulatory Depth: Regulations typically require burial at least three nautical miles from shore and in waters at least 600 feet deep. In certain areas, the depth requirement can be less strict (e.g., 100 fathoms or 600 feet) in designated ocean areas.
• Private Services: These are almost exclusively conducted by private companies specializing in maritime funeral services due to the specialized equipment and regulatory compliance required.

Cremated Remains Scattering

This is the most common form of burial at sea and the only type performed by the U.S. Coast Guard.

• Simplicity: It is generally simpler and less expensive than full-body burial.
• Regulations: Cremated remains must be scattered at least three nautical miles from shore. The container, if used, must be biodegradable.
• Options: Can be performed by the Coast Guard, a private charter where family can be present, or sometimes by family members themselves from a private vessel, provided they adhere to all regulations.

Regulations and Requirements

Regardless of whether the Coast Guard or a private service is used, all burials at sea in U.S. waters must comply with environmental regulations, primarily enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Key regulations include:

• Distance from Shore: All burials at sea (full body and cremated remains) must occur at least three nautical miles from shore.
• Depth for Full Body: For full body burials, the water must be at least 600 feet deep (or 100 fathoms) in certain designated areas, ensuring rapid descent and dispersal.
• Biodegradable Materials: Any container used for remains, whether for full body or cremated remains, must be decomposable or biodegradable.
• Notification: The EPA must be notified within 30 days following the burial at sea. This is typically handled by the funeral home or the service provider.

While the "service" provided by the U.S. Coast Guard for eligible individuals is free of charge, the overarching process of a burial at sea typically involves other significant costs.