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Originally Posted by SoCalGal
Yes, it is possible to be buried at sea, but some specific regulations and guidelines must be followed:
Legal Requirements: In the U.S., burials at sea are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which requires that the burial be done at least 3 nautical miles from land and in water at least 600 feet deep. The body must be prepared in a way that it will decompose quickly or be weighted to sink to the seafloor. Internationally, similar regulations might apply, but they can vary by country. In international waters, one typically follows the guidelines of the flag under which the vessel is sailing.
Preparation of the Body: The body must not be embalmed with chemicals that would contaminate the sea. Often, the body is wrapped in a cloth that will degrade or placed in a biodegradable casket. Weights or some form of ballast are used to ensure the body sinks; this could be a steel coffin, or more traditionally, weights attached to the body or the shroud.
Ceremony: Naval and private vessels can conduct the ceremony. If it's a naval ceremony, there are traditional rituals like flag-draping, prayers, and a moment of silence before the body is committed to the deep.
Documentation: You generally need to notify or get a permit from relevant authorities. In the U.S., a Burial at Sea Notification Form needs to be submitted to the EPA. Other countries might require different documentation.
Environmental Considerations: The practice must not harm the marine environment. This includes avoiding burial in marine sanctuaries or areas designated as environmentally sensitive.
Cultural and Religious Practices: Some cultures and religions have specific rituals or beliefs regarding sea burials, which can influence how the burial is conducted.
If someone wishes to be buried at sea, they or their estate should plan ahead, possibly consulting with a funeral director who specializes in such services or directly with maritime services that offer sea burials. It's also wise to inform family members and perhaps include these wishes in one's will or end-of-life planning documents. Source: GrokAI
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Fascinating! Thank you! Reminds me that the blackwater folks go out to where it's around 700ft deep - and I know a lot of those folks, and it would surprise none of them. Most of that diving is done out of West Palm. Some degradable cloth/shroud and a steel 120 and I'd be good to go. A toast or two and dive, dive, dive! Don't need no stinkin rituals. Shall start making inquiries. :-) The sites for all those "authorities" and forms were readily available! Thanks, again!
Come to think of it, though, there *are* stretches where the weather and seas limit those outings. Guess one of those "green Prairie" sorts of things could be a back up plan. . .