Burials at Sea aboard Yacht KAVITA: Scattering Ashes at Sea
OUR PRODUCTS: Cremation Urns for Ashes, Scattering Tubs, Biodegradable Urns
Captain’s Service:
Aboard a government documented vessel, the Ceremony of Burial At Sea may be read by the Captain. The reading may include a quote of scripture, a prayer, or meaningful prose. Captain Bill lowering ashes into the sea. KAVITA supplies you with a selection of prayers based on your religion and will issue a legal certificate.
Burial at Sea is the most solemn maritime ceremony. Our procedure for Burial at Sea is based on that deemed appropriate and desirable by the U.S. Navy. Scatterings and Placements of Cremated Remains At Sea are subject to national regulation, state statute, and local government code. Urn placements generally need to occur outside territorial waters that is at least 3 miles from land. Scatterings on the sea surface can occur closer. All regulations require that cremated remains must be handled with the same care and respect as intact remains.
Our Sea Placement / Scattering Service…
A very popular method of scattering in our area is Ocean Scattering. We offer two
Options for this choice:
• Unattended, We provide a respectful, dignified sea scattering service locally in the Atlantic Ocean. We depart port from Narragansett Bay area and travel west a minimum distance of 3 miles as required by US Code. Following the scattering, we will place flowers on the water to mark the spot. We record the exact longitude & latitude coordinates which are provided to you in the form of a certificate suitable for framing. If you wish to attend, Private Charters may also be arranged for an additional fee. Please inquire for current pricing.
• Attended, We provide for a private vessel to take up to 10 attendees out for the scattering service locally in the Atlantic Ocean. You contact with us to coordinate dates, times and directions. Please inquire for current pricing.
Scattering Urns When placing cremated remains or ashes in the water, some people choose to pour them directly into the water. Many people, however have chosen to use urns specifically designed for this purpose. Using a biodegradable urn made specifically for ocean placement reduces the potential for problems with the wind and waves and may make for a much more pleasant experience.
Ocean Scattering:
You should travel at least 3 miles off the coast before scattering. US Code specifies this as the minimum distance from which scattering is permitted. In addition, US Code states that you should report the details of the scattering to the EPA Regional Office. (For your convenience, you may download a copy of US Code here
Turn the boat into the wind when scattering and perform the scattering from the back of the boat. If you are able to drop anchor, this may help in keeping the boat turned into the wind. This will lessen the chances of the remains blowing back on you or the passengers. Also, if you are pouring the ashes directly into the water, get down close to the water to avoid splash back.
You may wish to consider using an urn specifically designed for the water placement or scattering. This option can include biodegradable urns or other urns designed to aid in the scattering process.
Take along some flowers. Following scattering or placement, placing flowers on the water to mark the site can be very memorable. We recommend using rose petals as they work especially well for this.
If you are able, record the navigational coordinates of the spot where the scattering takes place. With current technology, it is very easy to return to the exact spot again at some future special date if you should so wish.
Please exercise all boating safety rules. Nothing would be worse than adding additional tragedy to the grief you are already experiencing because safety rules were ignored. We want the scattering service to be a memorable and safe event for you and your family.
Burial At Sea
[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 40, Volume 12, Parts 190 to 259] [Revised as of July 1, 1996]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 40CFR229.1]
TITLE 40–PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT
CHAPTER I–ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED)
PART 229–GENERAL PERMITS–Table of Contents
Sec. 229.1 Burial at sea.
(a) All persons subject to title I of the Act are hereby granted a general permit to transport human remains from the United States and all persons owning or operating a vessel or aircraft registered in the United States or flying the United States flag and all departments, agencies, or instrumentalities of the United States are hereby granted a general permit to transport human remains from any location for the purpose of burial at sea and to bury such remains at sea subject to the following conditions:
(1) Except as herein otherwise provided, human remains shall be prepared for burial at
sea and shall be buried in accordance with accepted practices and requirements as
may be deemed appropriate and desirable by the United States Navy, United States
Coast Guard, or civil authority charged with the responsibility for making such arrangements;
(2) Burial at sea of human remains which are not cremated shall take place no closer than
3 nautical miles from land and in water no less than one hundred fathoms (six hundred
feet) deep and in no less than three hundred fathoms (eighteen hundred feet) from
(i) 27 deg.30’00” to 31 deg.00’00” North Latitude off St. Augustine and Cape
Canaveral, Florida;
(ii) 82 deg.20’00” to 84 deg.00’00” West Longitude off Dry Tortugas, Florida; and
(iii) 87 deg.15’00” to 89 deg.50’00” West Longitude off the Mississippi River Delta,
Louisiana, to Pensacola, Florida.
All necessary measures shall be taken to ensure that the remains sink to the bottom
rapidly and permanently; and
(3) Cremated remains shall be buried in or on ocean waters without regard to the depth
limitations specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section provided that such burial shall
take place no closer than 3 nautical miles from land.
(b) For purposes of this section and Secs. 229.2 and 229.3, “land” means that portion of the
baseline from which the territorial sea is measured, as provided for in the Convention on the
Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone, which is in closest proximity to the proposed
disposal site.
(c) Flowers and wreaths consisting of materials which are readily decomposable in the marine
environment may be disposed of under the general permit set forth in this section at the site
at which disposal of human remains is authorized.
(d) All burials conducted under this general permit shall be reported within 30 days to the
Regional Administrator of the Region from which the vessel carrying the remains departed.
Report Burials to:
EPA Region 1
Attn: Burial at Sea
or send via email to: Gary Collins, EPA Region 1 Burial at Sea contact
Authorization for the Burial at Sea of Cremated Remains
Date of authorization _____________________________
I/We the undersigned hereby request and authorize Kavita. (Hereby referred to as the “Company”) to take possession of and make arrangements for, the disposition of the cremated remains of _______________________________________________________, (hereafter referred to as the “Deceased” ) in accordance with and subject to: a) the terms and conditions set forth in this Authorization; b) the Company’s Rules and Regulations; and c) any applicable federal, state, provincial or local laws and regulations.
I/We certify, warrant and represent that I/We have the full legal right and authority to authorize the disposition of the remains of the Deceased.
I/We hereby authorize the Company to make disposition of cremated remains of the Deceased at sea in __Atlantic Ocean, New York __ Atlantic Ocean, Florida __Pacific Ocean, California
Other (specify) _____________________Atlantic Ocean, New Jersey __Gulf of Mexico, Florida __ Pacific Ocean, Hawaii
I/We hereby-direct Kavita to disseminate said cremated remains at sea, in accordance with State and Federal Law.
Special Instructions___________________________________________________________________
Dissemination to be witnessed by Family __ Yes __ No
Dissemination to be performed by Family __ Yes __ No
__ Burial at Sea from maritime vessel
Shipped to Kavita via __ * U.S. Registered Mail – __ Other (note)_______________________
*Neither the Company nor Kavita is responsible for any loss or damage of cremated remains shipped via Registered Mail with the United States Postal Service
If no specific instructions are provided herein, Burial at Sea will be performed by the Company, or its agent KAvita, at the discretion and convenience of the Company.
Dissemination consists of the scattering of cremated remains at sea. I/We understand that once the cremated remains of the Deceased are disseminated, they are unrecoverable.
Unless otherwise specifically provided for herein, once dissemination of cremated remains of the Deceased has been performed, Kavita reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to dispose of the container, which contained said cremated remains.
The obligation of the Company and our sea services shall be limited to the disposition of the cremated remains as directed herein. I/We agree to release and hold the Company, Its affiliates and their agents, employees, successors and assigns harmless from any and all loss, damage, liability or causes of action (including attorney’s fee and expenses of litigation) in connection with the disposition of the cremated remains of the Deceased as authorized herein or respect to the Identification of said cremated remains as being those of the Deceased.
_________________________________________ _________________________________________
Signature Print Name Relationship to Deceased Address Telephone Number
MAKE 3 COPIES: ORIGINAL TO SEA SERVICES ~ COPY TO FUNERAL DIRECTOR ~ COPY TO CLIENT Print this form with your browser
Captain’s Service:
Often families cannot venture to sea or attend a scattering ashes at sea memorial service. Our captains bring the cremated remains on an ocean voyage for you. A dignified sea scattering of ashes or burial at sea is performed and documented, with that documentation provided to you. This is our most popular service, with prices beginning at just $495
While the Captain’s Service does not provide for the family or guests to accompany the vessel, specific requests, such as dates or times, special prayers or simple ceremonies are often available. Special planning, however, can add to our costs. Many ports have seasonal demands and schedules vary at different times of the year. You may call us for specific fees at the port of your choice.
Most often, cremated remains are received at our home office via priority mail express US Mail, sometimes directly from the funeral home or crematory. For the specific “Three Easy Steps” to a Captain’s Service™. Call us anytime with your specific wishes, or just to discuss our services. We will work hard to accommodate your desires while insuring the best value.
Family Memorial Services
For those families wishing to plan their own memorial voyage, we provides the vessel and crew, from the port of Newport or of your choice. You select the time, place and arrangements and invite up to 10 guests as you wish. And we can help you plan every detail of this special memorial. As your voyage will be a first-time maritime funeral experience for many of your guests, we will work closely with you to make this a fitting memorial occasion, carefully evaluating your needs and desires to insure a safe, comfortable and memorable day for all.
First-class family services like these vary greatly in every detail. Likewise, their costs also vary considerably. Average costs for a small group range in the $800 to $900 area. Larger groups, special services or trips in the height of the recreational boating season can cost more.
Whether your group is large or small, from one guest to several hundred, with captain and crew have the licensing and experience to provide a safe, and most memorable trip.
Religious Views of Death, Cremation and Burial at Sea
Below for information about different religions’ views of cremation and burial at sea. Gathered from reliable authorities, these essays provide general information. Since views and interpretation of religious customs and law can differ greatly within one’s church, it is most important to seek guidance from a trusted religious advisor.
Eternal salvation, if important to you, should never be based on articles such as these but rather on sound guidance, education and prayer. The choice to bury at sea is never reversible. It is important that proper consideration be given before this choice is made.
We welcome your comments, additions or corrections to the religious material contained on these pages in our pursuit to provide accurate information about these complex and often controversial customs. Please do not hesitate to write to us with your views.
Prayers
Burial at Sea Prayers from the Sea Services Collection
This group of prayers and inspirational poetry has been assembled by the counselors at Sea Services. From traditional to unusual, you will find inspirational words to accompany a sea burial ceremony on this page. You can help us build this free collection by sending us your favorite burial at sea prayers. More Burial at Sea Prayers
Catholic
The Catholic Church, Cremation and Burial at Sea
This essay provided by the Archdiocese of Baltimore states that a Catholic burial at sea be conducted by placing the entire urn on the ocean’s bottom, and not scattering the remains in the water. Sea Services also draws your attention to that fact that cremation, while permitted by the Church, should occur only where the cremation of the body is the only feasible choice. More Catholic Sea Burial Info
Buddhism
In Buddhism, death is not the end of life, it is merely the end of the body we inhabit in this life, but our spirit will still remain and seek out through the need of attachment, attachment to a new body and new life. Where they will be born is a result of the past and the accumulation of positive and negative action, and the resultant karma (cause and effect) is a result of ones past actions. More Buddhism Sea Burial Information
Hindu: The Hindu Faith, Mourning, Burial at Sea and Cremation
For those families living in the United States, Burial at Sea is permitted in the ocean. The emersion of ashes in the sea or Mother Ocean, releases the soul from the bondage of our life here on Earth. Most rites are fulfilled by the family, all of whom participate, including the children, who need not be shielded from the death. More Hindu Sea Burial Information
Jewish:
Orthodox Jewish Funeral and Mourning Customs
Cremation is not allowed in Jewish law because the body was given to us as a gift from G-d who expects us to take care of ourselves and return in the best condition possible.
Reform Jewish Funeral and Mourning Customs
Regardless of the final disposition, whether it is burial or cremation, funerals serve a purpose. The funeral declares that a death has occurred. It commemorates the life that has been lived, and offers family and friends the opportunity to pay tribute to their loved one. More Jewish Funeral Info
Anglican: The Book of Common Prayer – 1662
Although this page contains no modern information, the fascinating details of an Anglican burial at sea in 1662 prove quite interesting. Many religious and seafaring customs from a bygone era, such as a unique use of cannon balls. More Anglican sea burial information
Muslim: Muslim Burial and Funeral Customs
If a person dies on a ship and if there is no fear of the decay of the dead body and if there is no problem in retaining it for some time on the ship, it should be kept on it and buried in the ground after reaching the land. Otherwise, after giving Ghusl, Hunut, Kafan and Namaz-e-Mayyit it should be lowered into the sea in a vessel of clay or with a weight tied to its feet. More Muslim Funeral Information
Selected Prayers
Fisherman’s Prayer: Author Unknown
God grant that I may live to fish, until my dying day, And when it comes to my last cast, I then most humbly pray, When in the Lord’s safe landing net, I’m peacefully asleep, That in his mercy I be judged, As big enough to keep.
Prayer at the Death of Loved One by Edward Hay
Help us, Compassionate God, to let Your ancient and eternal song of death and life be played out in each of us, as we live out our faith that death is but a doorway that opens unto a greater and fuller expression of life, that opens to a final union with You who are life! Blessed are You, Lord of Life, who alone knows the hour of our death and ultimate union with You. Blessed are You, Lord our God, whose messenger is death.
The Twenty Third Psalm
The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green Pastures, he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me, thy rod and staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointed my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Hindu Prayer at Cremation (Addressed to the dead person)
Let your eye go to the Sun; your life to the wind; by the meritorious acts that you have done, go to heaven, and then [for rebirth] to the earth again; or, resort to the Waters, if you feel at home there; remain in the herbs with the bodies you propose to take.
Rig-Veda X, 16,3
Prayer At Time Of Adversity An Inuit Indian Prayer
I think over again my small adventures. My fears, Those small ones that seemed so big, For all the vital things I had to get and reach. And yet there is only one great thing, The only thing, To live to see the great day that dawns And the light that fills the world.
Islam: Verse of the Throne
The Koran refers to God as Rabb al-Alameen, the Lord of all creation (literally “the worlds”). The whole of the cosmos, nature as well as humanity, is created and sustained by God. This notion of God’s sovereignty is expressed in the following “verse of the Throne”:
Allah, there is no God but He, the Living, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep seizes Him. To Him belongs what is in the heavens and in the earth. Who can intercede with Him, except by His permission? He knows what lies before them and after them and they know nothing of his knowledge, save such as He wills. His throne encompasses the heavens and the earth and He never wearies of preserving them. He is Sublime, the Exalted.
Prayer When You Are Depressed By: Dr. Walter L. Weston
God, life seems so bleak and useless right now. I don’t have any energy. I have no ambition to do much of anything. I am really feeling down. I feel “down on” myself and “down on” everyone around me. Even as I pray, I don’t sense your presence. I am going through the motions, knowing that you are still with me.
I know that I am sacred and precious but they are just words right now. I know that my life has been worthwhile, full of many wonderful people and experiences, much happiness and joy. I feel little of this right now. God, all I can do is affirm the goodness of life and try to hold on until the darkness is replaced by your light and love.
Help me to spot the lies that my depressed emotions are telling me. Life is good. I am good. You are good. Grant me hope. My loved ones love me. Life will be beautiful again. Soon, I will see the beauty around me again. Soon, I will again know vitality and purpose, happiness and love. Until then, give me the strength and hope to survive this day.
Help me to smile and laugh, even if just for a moment. Be my strength and salvation. I ask you to restore me and make me whole. Fill me with the Word and the Spirit that I might be recreated anew. I praise and thank you. Amen.
The Mozarabic Prayer Ancient Spanish Liturgy
Jesus, our Master, meet us while we walk in the way, and long to reach the heavenly country; so that, following your light we may keep the way of righteousness, and never wander away into the darkness of this world’s night, while you, who are the Way, the Truth, and the Life, are shining within us; for your own name’s sake.
In You We Put Our Trust Prophet Mohammed 570-632, Founder of Islam
Lord, in you we put our trust. To you we turn in times of need. To you we shall go at the moment of death. Do not allow us to be deceived and misled by the designs of those whose hearts are evil. Forgive us for the evil in our own hearts. You alone are mighty; you alone are wise.
The Infinity Of God From Bhagavad Gita
I see you in all things, O my God. Infinity itself is your creation. And all around are the signs of your infinity: the bursting life of countless plants; the unending song of innumerable birds; the tireless movement of animals and insects.
Nowhere can I see a beginning or an end of your creation.
I see the infinite beauty which infuses the entire universe. You are the king of the universe, and its beauty is your crown and scepter. I bow down in homage and adoration.
You are immortal, imperishable, the summit of all knowledge, the power behind all movement. You designed all things, and set them in motion.
The sun is your eye during the day, and the moon your eye at night. The wind is your breath, and the fertile brown earth is your heart.
By your power all things are created, and by your power they are destroyed. Birth and death are in your hands. I tremble with awe and wonder when I contemplate your power.
As the waters of a river flow to the sea, the path determined by the line of the valley, so we pass through life to death, our destiny mapped out by your will.
Lord, reveal yourself to me. Show me that love, not hatred, inspires your creation. Show me that mercy, not anger, guides my life. I do not ask to understand the mystery of your works; I want only to be assured of your goodness.
Comfort Prayer By Thomas Moore
Your rod and your staff-they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
Come, ye disconsolate, where’re ye languish, come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel. Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish: Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
Joy of the desolate, light of the straying, hope of the penitent, fadeless and pure! Here speaks the Comforter, tenderly saying, “Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot cure.”
Here see the Bread of Life; see waters flowing forth from the throne of God, pure from above. Come to the feast of love; come, ever knowing Earth has no sorrow but heaven can remove.
Prayer for Friends by Jo Ramming
God still sits on the throne. Each of you is going through a tough time right now, but God is getting ready to bless you in a way that only He can. Keep the faith.
This prayer is powerful, and prayer is one of the best gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards. Let’s continue to pray for one another.
Here is the prayer:
Father, I ask You to bless my friends, relatives and buddies. Show them a new revelation of Your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through Your grace. Bless their homes, family, finances, their goings and their comings. In Jesus’ precious name.
Baha Prayer for the Departed By Baha’d’ullah
Glory be to Thee, O Lord my God! Abase not him whom Thou hast exalted through the power of Thine everlasting sovereignty, and remove not far from Thee him whom Thou hast caused to enter the tabernacle of Thine eternity. Wilt Thou cast away, O my God, him whom Thou hast overshadowed with Thy Lordship, and wilt Thou turn away from Thee, O my Desire, him to whom Thou hast been a refuge? Canst Thou de- grade him whom Thou hast uplifted, or forget him whom Thou didst enable to remember Thee?
Glorified, immensely glorified art Thou! Thou art He Who from everlasting hath been the King of the entire creation and its Prime Mover, and Thou wilt to everlasting remain the Lord of all created things and their Ordainer. Glorified art Thou, O my God! if Thou ceasest to be merciful unto Thy servants, who, then, will show mercy unto them; and if Thou refusest to succor Thy loved ones, who is there that can succor them?
Glorified, immeasurable glorified art Thou! Thou art adored in Thy truth, and Thee do we all, verily, worship; and Thou art manifest in Thy justice, and to Thee do we all, verily, bear wit- ness. Thou art, in truth, beloved in Thy grace. No God is there but Thee, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting.
It is only by dying with you that we can rise with You A Prayer by Mother Teresa
Lord, help us to see in your crucifixion and resurrection an example of how to endure and seemingly to die in the agony and conflict of daily life, so that we may live more fully and creatively. You accepted patiently and humbly the rebuffs of human life, as well as the tortures of your crucifixion and passion. Help us to accept the pains and conflicts that come to us each day as opportunities to grow as people and become more like you. Enable us to go through them patiently and bravely, trusting that you will support us. Make us realize that it is only by frequent deaths of ourselves and our self- centered desires that we can come to live more fully; for it is only by dying with you that we can rise with you.
YACHT KAVITA 