Understanding Burial at Sea

What Families Should Know

For many people, a burial at sea offers a peaceful and meaningful way to honor the life of someone they love. Military veterans, ocean lovers, or those who requested sea scattering increasingly opt for this option in Southern California.

As part of our mission to educate the public about end-of-life choices, the San Diego Memorial Society wants families to understand the most common questions about burial at sea.

Is It Legal to Scatter Ashes at Sea?

Yes. California allows scattering cremated remains at sea, provided regulations at both state and federal levels are followed.

Authorities require cremated remains to be scattered at least three nautical miles from shore. In addition, authorities must receive reports about the burial or scattering, and many licensed providers document the exact GPS coordinates of the ceremony, so families have a permanent record of the location.

What Should Families Bring?

Every burial at sea is unique, but families often choose to bring:

Flowers or loose petals that are environmentally friendly
Favorite music
Readings, poems, or prayers
Photographs
Small keepsakes for sharing during the ceremony (non-polluting items only)

Many families also invite clergy, military chaplains, or celebrants to conduct the service. Others prefer a quiet gathering where family members share memories and reflections.

The Meaning of “Eight Bells”

If you’ve attended a maritime or naval memorial service, you may have heard the tradition of Eight Bells.

During a sailor’s watch, sailors rang the ship’s bell every half hour. Thus, eight bells signified the completion of that watch. Consequently, the ringing of eight bells honors someone whose watch has ended and whose duties are complete. This moving tradition remains part of many burial-at-sea ceremonies.

Learn More About Burial at Sea

Planning a burial at sea can bring up many practical questions, from understanding California’s legal requirements to deciding what to include in a meaningful ceremony. The San Diego Memorial Society encourages families to educate themselves about all available options before making final arrangements.

The following guides, provided by JADA – The Queen of San Diego Burials at Sea, offer clear, helpful information for families considering this form of disposition:

How Ash Scattering at Sea Works in California
Discover California regulations, the federal three-nautical-mile requirement, required reporting, and how to document GPS coordinates for the final resting place.
https://burialsatseasandiego.com/blog/california-ash-scattering-permit-guide.html
What to Bring to a Burial at Sea
Discover thoughtful ideas for planning a meaningful ceremony, including flowers, readings, music, photographs, and other ways families can personalize the experience.
https://burialsatseasandiego.com/blog/what-to-bring-burial-at-sea.html
The Eight Bells Naval Tradition
Explore the history and symbolism of the maritime tradition of “Eight Bells,” a moving tribute often included in military and nautical memorial services.
https://burialsatseasandiego.com/blog/eight-bells-naval-tradition.html

These resources are offered as educational references to help families better understand one of the many end-of-life options available. The San Diego Memorial Society does not endorse any particular funeral provider, but we are pleased to share information that helps consumers make informed decisions about funeral and memorial planning.