With a Direct Cremation arranged online with Cremation Society of America, you can arrange for your loved one to be cremated without having to leave your home yet preserving the dignity of your loved one. Direct Cremation is ideal during these days of pandemic because you can arrange your loved one’s Direct Cremation without ever leaving your home. Also, once you receive your loved one’s Cremains, you can wait until after the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted to hold a memorial service for your loved one. With a funeral or burial in the current climate, you don’t have the option to wait for an opportune time to gather family and friends in large groups.
Despite governmental “quarantine,” “shelter in place” and “social distancing” directives, an end-of-life service that you can still arrange is Scattering of Ashes at Sea.
Following Direct Cremation and once you’ve received the ashes of your loved one, you are ready to provide your loved one with the ceremony and serenity that he or she deserves – and most likely requested as part of his or her final wishes.
U.S. federal law allows for the scattering of ashes at sea but certain conditions must be met, including:
- the use of decomposable flowers and wreaths
- certain notification requirements
- ensuring that ashes are scattered at least three (3) nautical miles from shore
To scatter your loved one’s cremated remains (“cremains”) by boat, family and friends board the vessel and travel to the desired location on the ocean. This typically involves chartering a boat with a licensed captain and the trip may last for several hours. Keep in mind that current COVID-19 guidelines will limit the number of family and friends allowed to come aboard the vessel. Further, all attendees will need to practice social distancing and wear personal protective gear such as masks, etc.
Upon arrival at the desired location, your captain will position the vessel boat into the wind and with enough forward speed to prevent the cremains from being blown back into the vessel. Thus, the ceremony and tribute can begin. The ceremony can range from clergy reciting prayers to family members reciting poetry to a few poignant comments and everything in between.
Family members have the option to scatter the cremains if they so choose. The cremains are placed in the water and allowed to descend into the ocean. Cremation Society of America can help you choose a reputable charter service to ensure that the cremains make it into the ocean properly.
Shortly thereafter, the family and friends are usually handed flowers or even a bouquet that they can toss in along with the cremains to create an area of the ceremony on the water. Your captain can then circle the area while the family and friends take photos and say their final goodbyes.
Our Cremation Society of America advisors can help you arrange the scattering of your loved one’s ashes at sea. CSA has relationships with reputable charter services that have vast experience to provide a dignified and touching at-sea tribute to your loved one. Contact us NOW to order a Direct Cremation and to explore our Scattering of Ashes at Sea services.
Please stay safe and healthy during this pandemic. Together, we will overcome and thrive.
Create a meaningful sendoff for your loved one with our Sunset Scattering Tube Urn. Simply remove the outer lid and you will see the perforated lid to be opened. This urn helps to provide a nicer presentation when ocean scattering.
The Midnight urn is crafted of Aluminum. The urn has a beautiful hand-painted finish. This urn has a top-opening with a secure threaded lid.
This urn was designed for families to scatter the ashes of their loved ones with ease and dignity. Simply place the urn in the water and watch as it floats away. The urn will begin dissolving and release your loved ones ashes in the gentle ocean currents. This urn is 100% biodegradable.
Blue Newport Urn is crafted from aluminum. The urn has a beautiful hand-painted finish. This urn has a top-opening with a secure threaded lid. Newport Urn comes in blue or red.