Understanding the Federal Guidelines That Govern Sea Burial — and How We Handle Every Detail So Your Family Doesn't Have To
One of the most common questions we receive at Serene Sea Burials is a simple one: "Is this legal?" It is a fair question, and the answer is a clear yes — ash scattering and burial at sea is a fully legal practice in the United States, governed by federal law and overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency. In fact, it is one of the most carefully regulated and environmentally considered forms of final disposition available.
What makes sea burial truly accessible for families is this: when you work with Serene Sea Burials, you do not need to understand any of the regulations yourself. We handle every legal requirement, every piece of documentation, and every notification on your behalf. You are free to focus entirely on your loved one.
Burial at sea is regulated under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act — commonly known as the MPRSA, or the Ocean Dumping Act. This federal law, enforced by the EPA, establishes the rules for what may be placed in ocean waters and under what conditions.
For cremated remains specifically, the regulations are straightforward and designed to protect both the ocean environment and the dignity of the process. The EPA has created a clear, permissive framework for ash scattering — one that recognizes it as a natural, environmentally sound practice when conducted properly.
"The Environmental Protection Agency allows cremated remains to be scattered at sea without a permit, provided all federal guidelines are followed — including distance from shore and post-scattering notification."
There are a small number of federal requirements that must be met for a sea burial to be fully compliant. We follow every one of them, every time — without exception.
The EPA requires that cremated remains be scattered no closer than three nautical miles from the nearest shoreline. This ensures that remains are deposited in open ocean waters and do not wash back to shore. Every Serene Sea Burials voyage travels well beyond this boundary. We navigate to a respectful distance where the water is deep, open, and undisturbed.
Federal guidelines prohibit the disposal of non-biodegradable materials in ocean waters. This means no plastics, no synthetic materials, and no items that could harm the marine environment. Flowers, wreaths, and other tributes brought aboard must be made of natural, biodegradable materials. We guide every family through these details in advance so there are no surprises on the day of the ceremony.
After a sea burial is completed, federal law requires that the EPA be notified within 30 days. This notification includes specific information: the date of the scattering, the location (latitude and longitude), the number of deceased, and the name of the vessel. This is one of the requirements that families most often do not know about — and one that we handle completely on your behalf.
We record the precise GPS coordinates of every scattering. We file the EPA notification accurately and on time. You receive a copy of the completed documentation for your records.
After the service, Serene Sea Burials provides each family with a complete set of documentation that confirms the burial was conducted in full compliance with federal law. This includes:
This documentation is meaningful beyond its legal purpose. Many families keep it as a lasting record — a quiet confirmation that their loved one's final wishes were honored with care, professionalism, and full legal compliance.
In addition to federal law, some states have their own guidelines regarding ash scattering and burial at sea. In North Carolina, we operate in full accordance with all applicable state regulations. Our team stays current with both federal EPA requirements and any state-level guidance so that families never have to worry about whether something has been overlooked.
From the moment you contact us to the day you receive your documentation, every legal detail is managed by our team. You will never be handed a form to fill out or a requirement to track down on your own.
Grief does not leave room for paperwork. The last thing a family should have to navigate in the days surrounding a loss is a set of federal filing requirements they have never heard of. That is precisely why we built our service the way we did — to absorb every administrative and legal responsibility completely, so that the only thing families need to bring is their love for the person they are saying goodbye to.
We have conducted sea burials for families across North Carolina and beyond. Every one of them has been completed with full EPA compliance, detailed documentation, and the kind of quiet professionalism that a meaningful farewell deserves. We are proud of that record — and we intend to keep it.
If you have questions about the process, the regulations, or how to get started, we welcome you to reach out. There is no obligation, and no question is too small. We are here.
Whether you are planning ahead or navigating a loss right now, our team is ready to answer every question — with no pressure and no obligation.
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