Burial at sea is one of the oldest and most revered traditions for honoring the departed, offering a unique and serene farewell that symbolizes freedom, eternity, and a return to the natural world. For centuries, sailors, seafarers, and coastal communities have chosen the sea as the final resting place for loved ones. Today, this practice continues to be a deeply moving and meaningful option for those who feel a special connection to the ocean or simply seek a peaceful and respectful way to say goodbye. Whether performed for practical, spiritual, or emotional reasons, burial at sea carries a sense of beauty and solemnity that few other ceremonies can match.

There are two main types of burial at sea: full-body burials and the scattering of cremated remains. Both forms follow specific guidelines to ensure they are conducted in accordance with maritime laws and environmental considerations. A full-body burial typically involves placing a deceased person's body into the ocean in a weighted, biodegradable casket or shroud. This type of service is most often conducted by military organizations, Burial at Sea but civilians can also arrange for full-body sea burials under certain conditions. In the United States, for example, the Environmental Protection Agency requires that full-body burials take place at least three nautical miles from land and at a depth of at least 600 feet, although in some regions, the minimum depth is greater due to local sea floor topography. The remains must be prepared in a manner that ensures they descend quickly and remain submerged.

Cremated remains, on the other hand, offer more flexibility and are much more commonly chosen for burial at sea. Scattering ashes over the ocean or releasing them in a biodegradable urn is an increasingly popular option that still provides all the symbolic meaning of a sea burial without the complexity and restrictions associated with full-body interments. Families may choose to conduct the ceremony themselves by chartering a boat or hire professional services that handle all arrangements and offer options for attended or unattended scatterings. Some families opt for a small, intimate gathering aboard a vessel, where they can hold a short memorial, read poems or prayers, share memories, and then gently release the ashes into the water. Others may choose to remain ashore while a licensed service provider carries out the ceremony and later provides documentation such as coordinates and time of the burial.

One of the most powerful aspects of burial at sea is its symbolism. The ocean represents both vastness and eternity, making it an especially poignant choice for those who wish to honor the cycle of life and the mysteries of existence. The sea is always moving, always changing, yet constant and enduring—a beautiful metaphor for the human spirit. When someone’s remains are committed to the sea, they are not only laid to rest but also returned to the elements in a natural and harmonious way. For those who have loved the water, worked on it, or found peace near its shores, burial at sea offers a deeply personal farewell that resonates with their life's journey.

In addition to its symbolism, burial at sea offers a sense of calm and connection that is hard to replicate in traditional land-based burials. The setting is peaceful, the sounds of the waves and the wind create a soothing backdrop, and the openness of the ocean allows for reflection and spiritual contemplation. Many families find comfort in knowing that their loved one’s final resting place is a living, breathing part of nature—free from boundaries, protected by the depths, and surrounded by beauty. It is not unusual for those attending a sea burial to feel a profound emotional release during the ceremony, a sense that the soul is being set free.