All About Burial at Sea

Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation • July 25, 2022

Have you ever been curious about burials at sea after cremation services in Morrison, IL ? You might be surprised to learn that burial at sea isn’t just for sailors and pirates, but it does come with a lot of rules.

Keep reading to learn more about burial at sea and the accompanying regulations.

What are the rules for being buried at sea? While the laws around sea burials vary from country to country and sometimes state to state, there are a few that remain the same almost everywhere. For example, all sea burials must be performed at least three nautical miles from shore and must be reported to the EPA within 30 days of completion.
Who can be buried at sea? Anyone! You don’t have to be a military member to be buried in a large body of water. The most common type of burial at sea today is the scattering of cremated remains, but full body committal is also an option
What are the EPA Regulations for Burial at Sea? You can find the full rules and regulations for sea burials under the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA). It is important to note that sea burials are some of the most environmentally friendly burials possible, as they don’t use embalming fluid, don’t require a crematory fire, and don’t use up space on land.
Are there rules for full body burial at sea? Anyone from sailors to fisherman and ocean enthusiasts can be buried at sea with a full body burial. According to federal law, a full body burial at sea can only be completed in an area that’s at least 600 feet deep and at least three miles from shore. Also, a licensed funeral director must be on board the vessel.
How do you hire a boat for a sea burial? There are two ways to request a burial at sea: through the Navy or through a civilian charter company. Navy sea burials are only used for sailors who die when a ship is deployed, and the family wishes for their loved one to have a sea burial. Civilian ocean burials are when civilians charter a private boat, hire a funeral director to come along, and bury a loved one on the water.
Are there rules for cremation burial at sea? There are two main ways to bury cremated remains at sea: in a biodegradable urn or by scattering the cremains. Biodegradable urns made for water burials float for a few minutes, then sink into the water and slowly disintegrate. Scattering cremains at sea can be done with a scattering urn or with your hands.
What happens when a body is buried at sea? A full body will float to the surface in three to four days, upon which it will begin to decompose. The bones will sink under the surface again in about two weeks.

Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation is here to help if you want to learn more about burials at sea or Morrison, IL cremation services. Call or visit us today for more information on what we can do for you in your time of loss.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Creating Memorials That Provide Comfort and Inspiration

December 15, 2025

Compassionate support from funeral homes Amboy, IL, helping families create meaningful memorials that offer comfort, connection, and lasting inspiration.

Honoring A Loved One with Direct Cremation Service

December 8, 2025

Saying goodbye to someone you love is one of the most profound experiences a family can face, and during such emotional times many turn to cremation services Morrison, IL for guidance that feels compassionate and clear. Grief can create uncertainty, and it becomes especially important to have caring professionals who can offer structure while ensuring your wishes are honored with sincerity and respect. At Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, we understand the need for patience, warmth, and gentle direction. We believe every tribute should reflect the individuality of the person being remembered, and we support families with steady reassurance as they make meaningful decisions during a difficult moment. Creating Meaningful Moments of Remembrance Honoring a loved one begins with understanding the moments, memories, and qualities that made their life special. Families often find comfort in selecting elements that reflect their loved one’s personality, such as thoughtfully chosen music, heartfelt messages, cherished photographs, or symbolic touches that highlight what mattered most to them. These details bring warmth to the experience and offer a sense of connection for those who gather to remember. Our role is to help families feel supported as they make these choices, creating a setting that encourages reflection, comfort, and togetherness during an emotionally tender time. Guiding Families with Steady and Compassionate Support We understand that planning can feel overwhelming when emotions are strong, which is why supportive guidance matters so deeply. As families sort through decisions, we provide clarity to help them feel grounded and informed. With each step, we answer questions, offer thoughtful suggestions, and provide gentle direction so the process feels less daunting. Many families appreciate knowing they are not alone but instead have a caring partner to help them create a tribute that feels heartfelt and peaceful. For those who wish to explore service options further, more information is available at our service page section. Honoring Every Family’s Needs with Flexibility and Care Every family brings different wishes, traditions, and expectations to the planning process, which is why flexibility can bring comfort. Some prefer a quiet, intimate gathering, while others may want a more structured setting that brings people together to share memories and support one another. Our approach allows families to move at their own pace and choose what feels right for them. When their preferences are honored, families are better able to focus on reflection rather than stress, creating a tribute that feels genuine and aligned with their values. This kind of supportive environment helps the healing process begin naturally. A Thoughtful Approach to Honoring a Life When faced with the passing of a loved one, families often experience a mix of emotions and questions. What should the tribute look like? Which elements reflect their personality best? How can we ensure the farewell feels heartfelt and respectful? This is where having an experienced and compassionate partner becomes invaluable. We help families create a tribute that preserves their loved one’s story while also providing comfort through every decision. Because every life is unique, the details you choose help shape a farewell rooted in love, reflection, and connection. Honoring a loved one is a significant act of love, and choosing supportive professionals can bring comfort and clarity when you need it most. If your family is looking for compassionate guidance while considering cremation services Morrison, IL, we invite you to reach out to Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation so we can help you create a meaningful tribute shaped with care, understanding, and warmth. Our team is here to offer steady support and thoughtful direction, helping your family move forward with peace while ensuring your loved one’s life is remembered with dignity and heartfelt appreciation.