Ash Scattering at Sea

About This Charter

When a family wants to return someone to the water, it should be unhurried and it should be done properly. This is a private two-hour charter out of Sebastian Inlet for scattering a loved one’s ashes at sea — just your family aboard, no other parties, no schedule pressing on you.

Captain Richard Ladrew holds a United States Coast Guard Master credential and has run these waters his whole life. He will take you out past the three-nautical-mile line that federal law requires for scattering cremated remains, hold the boat steady and quiet while you say what you need to say, and bring you back in. If you would like to circle the spot afterward, or sit for a while, there is time for that.

Bring whatever you want with you — readings, music, photographs, fresh flowers, your own officiant or clergy. Some families want a full service on the water. Others want ten quiet minutes and the engines off. Both are right, and Captain Richard will follow your lead rather than run a script at you.

You will receive a printed certificate afterward recording the date and the GPS coordinates of the location, so the family has a place to return to.

What’s Included

• Private two-hour charter — your family only, up to 6 guests
• USCG-licensed Master captain
• Run beyond the three-nautical-mile line as federal law requires
• Time on station with the engines off for your service
• Printed certificate with the date and GPS coordinates
• The EPA notification filed on your behalf within 30 days
• Bottled water and ice aboard

A biodegradable urn is not included. We are glad to tell you what works and where to find one.

For Veterans and Their Families

Burial at sea is a long tradition in the sea services, and veterans and their families are always welcome aboard. If you would like a flag folded and presented on the water, or time set aside for honors, tell us when you book and we will arrange the day around it.

What the Law Requires

Scattering cremated remains at sea is permitted under a general permit issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. No advance application is needed, but there are rules, and we follow them:

• Three nautical miles. Cremated remains must be scattered at least three nautical miles from shore. We run past that line every time.
• Nothing that does not break down. Only readily decomposable materials may go in the water. Fresh flowers and wreaths are fine. Plastic, synthetic wreaths and non-degradable containers are not.
• Reporting. The EPA must be notified within 30 days of the scattering. We file that for you, so it is one less thing on the family.

These rules apply to cremated remains. Full-body burial at sea has stricter requirements and is a different service — please call to discuss it.

Common Questions

How far in advance do we need to book?

Usually not far. We know families are often working to a short timeline and we will do our best to fit you in, weather permitting. Call and we will find a day and a tide that works.

How many people can come?

Up to six guests. The boat is a 26’ Avenger bay boat with room to move around and a stable platform to stand on.

Can we bring flowers?

Yes — fresh flowers and petals are welcome and they are the right thing for this. Please leave plastic wrapping, ribbon and synthetic wreaths ashore.

What if the weather turns?

We will not take a grieving family out in conditions that make the day harder than it already is. If the forecast is wrong for it we will reschedule, at no cost to you.

Do we have to be there?

No. Some families are out of state or not able to travel. If you would rather we carry out the scattering on your behalf, we will do it with the same care and send you photographs, the coordinates and the certificate afterward. Please call to arrange it.

Where do we meet?

Sebastian Inlet State Park, Melbourne Beach. Pickup from other locations may be possible depending on where you are staying — just ask.

Do you work with funeral homes?

Yes. If your funeral director or crematory is making the arrangements, have them call us directly and we will coordinate with them.