Full Body Burial at Sea

Burial at sea of a full body is available. Private individuals can arrange for a burial at sea through several companies. In this case the family can be present on the boat for the burial. If the individual to be buried is a veteran or active duty service member the Navy offers free burial at sea. Civilians cannot attend the ceremony.

There are regulations regarding burials at sea. The body can be wrapped in a shroud or placed in a casket. If it is in a casket the casket must have holes drilled in it to allow it to sink. It must be weighted. Burials at sea must be done at least three nautical miles from shore and the water must be at least 600 feet deep. The US Enviromental Protection Agency is in charge of these regulations.