There are many ways to scatter a loved one’s ashes, but one of the most beautiful and peaceful ways is to do it in the ocean. The vastness of the sea can provide a sense of comfort and peace, knowing that your loved one’s ashes are part of something much bigger.
There is something incredibly special and unique about the ocean, and it is a place that holds a great deal of meaning for many people. Scattering ashes in the ocean ensures that the loved one is always close to us and that their spirit will live on forever.
Today, let's look at ways to make spreading your loved one's ashes in the ocean easier. Here is how you can best go about it.
Ensure the Service Has the Necessary Permits
When you lose a loved one, you want to honour their memory in the best way possible. For many people, this means scattering their ashes in the ocean. While this can be a beautiful and moving experience, it's essential to understand the maritime laws governing this process.
Generally, before you can spread a loved one's ashes in the ocean, you'll need to obtain a permit from the Coast Guard. This permit is free of charge and is valid for one year.
It's also a good idea to check with your local marina or harbour master to see if there are any additional regulations you need to follow.
Ashes 2 Oceans has the necessary permits, and they’ll make the process easier so that you no longer have to worry about learning the pertinent laws for dispersing the cremains in the ocean.
Attended or Unattended
There are pros and cons to both choices. If the scattering is attended, family and friends can witness the event and say their final goodbyes. This can be a healing experience, and it can also be nice to have people there for support.
On the other hand, an attended scattering can be more expensive, as you may need to hire a boat or charter a plane. It can also be more logistically complicated, as you need to coordinate everyone’s schedules.
If the scattering is unattended, you may feel like you have more freedom to scatter the ashes in a special place for yourself and your loved one. This can be a more intimate experience and may be less expensive as you won’t need to hire a boat or charter a plane. However, you may also feel like you need support from family and friends and may not have anyone to witness the event.
If you want loved ones to attend the dispersal virtually, Ashes 2 Oceans’ custom package can schedule a Zoom or FaceTime live stream so they can view it from their homes.
It's Time to Start Making Preparations
Once you have decided whether you want an attended or unattended scattering, it’s time to start making preparations. If you are having an attended scattering, you must coordinate with your family and friends to choose a date and time that works for everyone.
Then, it's time to book a service. You will also need to purchase an urn or container to hold the ashes. If you are having an attended scattering, you may want to buy an urn that can be used as a decoration in your home after the event.
If you have an unattended scattering, you may want to purchase a biodegradable urn that will decompose along with the ashes. You can find biodegradable urns made of paper, bamboo, or salt.
When you are ready to scatter the ashes, Ashes 2 Oceans can help disperse them in a respectful way. You may want to say a few words or read a poem. You may also want to release balloons or butterflies. Whatever you do, make sure that you do it with love and respect.
How to Scatter the Ashes
As we've discussed, one of the most popular ways to scatter ashes is in the ocean. There are many reasons why people choose to scatter ashes in the ocean, but one of the most common is because it is seen as a way to return a loved one to nature.
There are a few different ways that you can scatter ashes in the ocean. One way is to pour the ashes into the water. Another way is to use a biodegradable urn that will dissolve in the water, releasing the ashes. You can also use a special device to disperse the ashes over a large area.
When scattering ashes in the ocean, it is essential to be respectful of the environment and of other people who may be nearby. Make sure that you are not scattering ashes in an area that is protected or that could be harmful to marine life. You should also be aware of the wind direction and ensure that the ashes are not blown back onto shore. Ashes 2 Oceans will ensure everything is safe, ethical, and not harmful to the environment.
However, it's essential to know that the wind can blow the ashes back towards the shore. For this reason, it's best to scatter the ashes from a boat or other floating platform. This will ensure the ashes are carried away from the shore and out to sea.
The Bottom Line
Spreading your loved one's ashes in the ocean is a beautiful and unique way to honour their life and memory. Releasing their ashes into the vastness of the sea is a symbolic gesture of letting go and can be very therapeutic for the grieving process. If you are considering this option, check out our process here and some answers to our frequently asked questions to learn more!
If you are looking for reliable funeral services, we can help you. At Ashes 2 Oceans, we provide a unique nautical service to honour loved ones that have passed while holding the highest regard and respect of the trust required to conduct a celebration of life on your behalf.
Our services offer a way for those not located near the ocean or without access to a vessel to still honour and commit a loved one's remains to the ocean via a scattering of ashes at sea. Contact us today to learn more.
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