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Information about Ash Scattering and Burials at Sea by New England Burials at Sea founder and captain, Brad White.

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Ash Scatterings Over the Sea by Air Now Available

Thursday, November 17th, 2011

CONTACT: Brad White, New England Burials At Sea tel: 877.897.7700, email: Oceanburial@aol.com

“Burial At Sea Air Scatterings” Offered Through New England Burials at Sea LLC

1953 Cessna Specially Fitted for Air Scatterings

1953 Cessna Specially Fitted for Air Scatterings

Marshfield, MA — New England Burials At Sea, (NEBAS) has recently launched an additional “burial at sea air scattering” service to help bring closure to families who wish to honor their loved ones with final flight ash scattering by plane over the sea.  New England Burials At Sea LLC, (NEBAS) offers burial at sea scatterings by plane or ocean vessel, eco-friendly full body sea burials and pet burial at sea.

 The vast majority of cremations may never have a proper, dignified “celebration of life” burial ceremony. Many client families have either a commercial, military or sport enthusiast pilot in the family who loved flying.

Company founder Captain Brad White recently announced this new service air scattering now offered at NEBAS – The New England Air Scattering™ – a memorial ash scattering by a specially fitted 1953 high wing Cessna airplane piloted by a decorated Koren war pilot Ev Cassagneres of Connecticut with over 65 years of flight experience and who personally knew Charles Lindbergh and his family. Pilot Cassagneres is also a well respected and published author on the topic.

Ash Scatterings by Plane
Capt Brad White (left) and Pilot Ev Cassagneres (Right)

White said, “Pilot Cassagneres has developed a special in flight procedure for an all-at-once unattended scattering of cremated remains that can be geo-targeted over a special coordinate selected by the family from New York to Maine.” White added, “Pilot Steve Goyette of Massachusetts has been flying for over 35 years and often flys his authentic military low wing airplane which is a North American L – 17 War Bird from Rhode Island to Maine and is experienced in air acrobatics. Pilot Goyette is equipped to take passengers to witness and view the air deployment alongside Pilot Cassagneres.”

“In addition, we can station a vessel at a certain water based location near the intended air flight scattering path that the plane can fly over while dipping it’s wings in a full respect final air tribute salute while in full radio contact with the boat or ground so the family can hear the pilot’s reading of the final Captain’s prayer.”

NEBAS burials at sea are legal, approved per U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and EPA regulations and are easy to plan. For ash scatterings, NEBAS voyages out three nautical miles and the family scatters their loved ones cremated remains with a customized sea tribute service and returns to port all within about three hours.

All ash scattering rates include an official parchment sea and or air burial certificate marking the latitude and longitude of a loved ones’ final resting place and start at $495.00. Air scatterings are more.

Passenger-ready vintage military aircraft lets people watch the ash scattering from the air along side the aircraft.

NEBAS is the best known company in the nation for sea burials that uses only properly insured and licensed captains with current USCG certifications that only employ clean, safe and up to date vessels from Maine to Miami as well as San Francisco to San Diego. Vessels vary from vintage Maine down east style to sport or luxury level vessels accommodating up to 400 people.

According to Capt. White, “We are the best fully licensed and insured professional air scattering operation in the U.S., and the only one in New England, using a precise method of ash scattering by air.  We can now offer a proper ‘Air Burial At Sea’ which is a truly great and final tribute to a loved one, especially one who loved flying.”

With a team that has over one hundred years of combined flying experience, White is proud to announce these new affiliations to continue the significant growth rate of the company by further expanding NEBAS services.

About NEBAS

New England Burials At Sea LLC, (NEBAS) offers burial at sea scatterings by plane or ocean vessel, eco-friendly full body sea burials and pet burial at sea.  The company has been serving families from Maine to Miami since 2006.  NEBAS is recognized by the EPA, US Navy, U.S.C.G. and many funeral homes and crematories.

Burial at Sea Services offered include: Private Ash Scattering Cruises with family; Unattended Ash Scattering –Captain’s service; Full Body Ocean Burials –With family; Ceremonies for Pets’ Ashes as well as Memorial Cruises to the same coordinates on future anniversaries.  Through their Belated Burial at Sea (www.belatedburial.com), NEBAS helps bring closure to families who wish to honor their loved ones with a memorial ash scattering that pays tribute to a loved one for whom a family may not have already held a committal service.

NEBAS offers a unique Concierge Program specifically for families traveling to the New England area for NEBAS services.  The company has partnered with the pet friendly Fairmont Battery Wharf Hotel,  Rowe’s Wharf Water Transport Company, Winston Flowers and CityView Trolley company of Boston to help ensure NEBAS guests are as comfortable as possible during their time of grief and mourning – and one simple phone call handles it all.

The company also designed and manufactures in MA the Atlantic Sea burial Shroud®.

For more information or images, visit http://www.NewEnglandBurialsAtSea.com, or call toll free New England Burials At Sea, Capt Brad White at 877-897-7700 or direct at (781) 834-7500, email OceanBurial@aol.com.

  ©2005-2012 New England Burials at Sea LLC, All rights reserved. Patents pending.

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New England Burials at Sea for Pets featured on NECN

Friday, July 29th, 2011

New England Cable News.com(NECN: Peter Howe) – Living in a corner of the world so defined by its coasts and bays, many New Englanders dream, after their deaths, of the simple majesty of being burined at sea, or their remains scattered to the waters.

That’s something that’s helped Captain Brad White here to build over the last six years a booming business — New England Burials at Sea LLC — that, after many special requests, he’s just formally expanded to include burials of family pets at sea.

“What I’ve found is that when people pass away, and they’d like to be buried at sea, they want to go with Fluffy, or Fido,” said White, himself an owner of three Belgian barge dogs, called Schipperkes, bred to serve as watchdogs, chase off water rats, and work the horses that would tow barges down Belgian canals.

“People that have their dog or cat with them — or parakeet, or even horse, as we’re starting to do equine horse burials at sea — we find that people get closure when they see the cremated remains travel off into the water behind the vessel,” White said.

Working off his 33-foot sportfish picnic boat, White Cap, or other vessels, White and his colleagues set an informal altar to hold an urn of remains before they are scattered and use a Plimoth Plantation antique handbell to ring “eight bells,” the nautical end-of-watch signal. Services start at around $95 for pets and $395 for humans for a simple 20-minute ride out to the three-mile federal waters limit to dispose of ashes, and can include more involved services with videography, flowers, and other services. White, who used to handle product development and store openings for the high-end Sharper Image, has even designed a biodegradable canvas shroud for full-body animal burials at sea. As with a human version, it is weighted down with cannonballs made by the same factory that makes them for the U.S.S. Constitution in Charlestown, also known as “Old Ironsides,” to ensure the body sinks, and the shroud itself decomposes along with the body in three to six months. Bear in mind, it requires substantial government approvals to do this — a Coast Guard license as a master captain to take people to see, plus an Environmental Protection Agency permit to dispose of bodies in federal waters. Through partners in ports along the East Coast, he’s offering at-sea burials to customers from Maine to Miami.

Two numbers that give an indication of how big a business this could become: Every year about 2.5 million people die in America, but it’s estimated probably 11 or 12 million pets do. At the same time, over the last 25 years, estimates of how many Americans choose to have their bodies cremated have risen from 12 to 15 percent to now as many as 60 percent. With more and more families spreading across the country, interring remains in a cemetery family members would have a hard time travelling to visit may be less emotionally meaningful than a ceremony placing the ashes for eternity at a special place. For someone who keeps the ashes of a beloved pet in an urn, choosing to have those ashes scattered in the sea when their own ashes go there too just may have a special appeal.

“It’s beautiful,” White says. “When the cremated remains go in the water, they leave here from Boston or Cape Cod, they go up to Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, over to Europe … ”

With videographer David Jacobs.

Article originally posted at www.necn.com

Posted in News Room, Pet Burials At Sea, Press Releases | No Comments »

Burials at sea, now available for pets.

Friday, July 29th, 2011 
July 5, 2011 3:15 PM By Kaivan Mangouri, Globe Correspondent

New England Burials At Sea, which runs mourners out into the ocean to scatter the ashen remains of loved ones, is now extending its services to those who want a marine memorial for their beloved pets. Company founder Brad White said pet burials at sea resulted from his own interests as a dog lover.

“We are enlarging it. Pets are people too,” White said. “People want a dignified last wish and final chapter for their pets.”

White, who has several dogs, also founded Midnight Pass, a company that manufactures beds, strollers, and other pet-related products. His contact with other owners led to the pet burial at sea services.

“We get many requests to scatter the cremated remains of pets alongside the remains of the pet parent,” White said of many of his ocean burials. “We know how much we love our pets, and in today’s transient society, many owners don’t want to exhume pet remains when they move.”

White offers pet burials starting at $95. After the the ashes are scattered into the ocean, there is usually a poem reading, and then flowers or wreaths are placed in the water. Owners receive a sea burial certificate, which, White said, often helps to bring some closure if they cannot make the trip themselves.

Most of the pet burials are unattended, although he performed one that had 40 people in attendance.

Nearly 40 percent of deaths resulted in cremations in 2009, according to the Cremation Association of North America, double the amount in 1985 – a rise that some in the funeral business attribute to the green movement. The figure is expected to grow to nearly 60 percent in the next 15 years.

Although he does not want to think of it, when the time comes for his 12-year-old Schipperke dogs, White intends to bring them out to the ocean.  “I would prefer to scatter their remains because they love being on the boat,” White said. “It’s in their blood and in my blood.”

Link to original article: www.boston.com/Boston/businessupdates/…/index.html and Your browser may not support display of this image. Sea burial company extends service to departed pets. Kaivan Mangouri can be reached at kmangouri@globe.com.

 

Posted in News Room, Pet Burials At Sea | No Comments »

Answers to Burial at Sea Frequently Asked Questions for your Pet

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011
Answers to Burial at Sea Frequently Asked Questions for your Pet

 

What time of year are you open for Burials at Sea? We offer year round services.

 

Description: We offer ash scatterings and will perform full body burials on larger vessels out of larger ports such as Boston, Hyannis, Wildwood, NJ and others so please inquire.  (Burial Shroud is required).

What size pets can be buried at sea?  From a bird to a horse.

Can I get a deal if I have you scatter two pets at the same time?  Yes, we offer packages.

 

What types of boats?  Typically power and we offer many different vessels ranging in size from 33 feet to 150 feet and can accommodate up to four hundred people. For safety, all of our boats are fully insured and piloted by a Coast Guard licensed captain & certified crew. An additional fee may apply to travel to specific destinations significantly beyond our south shore of Boston office or outside of our established network. We can typically relocate the proper vessel to any port with advance planning. 

Do I need a funeral director?  No you do not.

 

We are not funeral directors nor do we own a crematory.  We are maritime planners and can recommend many Pet Crematories in your general area.

Do you use a casket?  We typically scatter ashes, “Cremated remains”.  IF asked to do a full body “non cremated” animal —we use the Atlantic Sea Burial Shroud® that we manufacture out of durable organic cotton so that it completely bio degrades in 3-6 months. We believe that if a body is preserved to withstand the rigors of the sea environment in a made solid casket that the likelihood of it being dredged up later is high (As has happened before) therefore we only use ocean friendly organic materials.  This shroud can also be used in a place of worship prior to the sea burial ceremony.

How does the cannon ball weight system work?  We have designed our Atlantic Sea Burial Shroud to have a separate cannon ball chamber from the body.  We load the shroud with four oversized cannon balls that weigh almost 40 lbs each which means we exceed the federal requirement of 150lbs.  This is important to make sure that the body stays where deployed.  After all has biodegraded, the cannon balls create their own reef which fish and marine life appreciate.

Can the family attend?  You bet and prices do vary by port.

How far to sea do you go? At least three (3) miles to sea.  We typically exceed all federal and state requirements and go farther for full body burials to 600’ + of water (Typically 25-50 miles form shore).

How long does it take to decompose in the ocean?  According to the experts (US Navy, FBI and Funeral directors) about three – six months.

Does my pet have to be embalmed? No, not possible. 

How much does it cost?  Will vary from port to port but generally:   

We know that pets are also beloved members of any family and we treat their ash scattering ceremonies with deep respect and seriousness.

At this time we scatter ashes for pet burials at sea.  Please inquire about special Pet Shrouds made from Organic Cotton for full body burials.

Rates for Pet Ash Scattering Ceremonies can be found on our Rate & Options page at www.NewEnglandBurialsAtSea and prices start at just $95.00 for ash scatterings.

Pet burial services include a Burial Certificate marking the time, date, latitude and longitude  of the ash scattering ceremony.  Please email a photo of your pet to Captain Brad White before the charter if you wish to include your pet’s picture on the certificate free of charge.

Ash Scattering for Pets (Unattended Ceremony): $95.

Ash Scattering for Pets (Attended Ceremony with family):  $995 for up to six from our local port.  Up to $2,495 for up to 30 people.

Please contact Captain Brad for rates by port regarding Attended Ash Scattering Ceremonies for Pets.

Can I prepay?  Yes, if your pet is in declining health.

 

Reservation Details: Payment is required prior to departure.  If the family wishes to attend, and they are encouraged, a 50% deposit reserves the boat / necessary crew for your date and time for up to three hours. All of the arrangements can be made by telephone fax or email. An additional fee may apply to travel to specific destinations significantly beyond our south shore of Boston office. We can typically relocate the proper vessel to any port with advance planning. 

DEPOSITS: Booking Deposit required to hold a date & receipt of deposit monies acknowledges POLICY acceptance.  50% Deposit with reservation. 50% Deposit shall be due/payable 3 days before sailing. Most Credit Cards Accepted as well as Pay Pal, bank checks and wires.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation Policy: Day of sailing 25% refundable, within three days of sailing 35% of deposit is refundable. Within 4-14 days of sailing 50% refundable, within 21 days of sailing 75% refundable, within 30 days of sailing 100% refundable

 

WEATHER POLICY:  Your safety and enjoyment at sea is our prime area of focus and responsibility. Should poor weather be forecasted or occur during your charter period, the Captain reserves the right to cancel and/or postpone a sailing for the safety of the passengers and crew. Deposits are 100% refundable in this instance.  If the charter has commenced and poor weather eventually rolls in, a mutually acceptable pro rated cost adjustment share of the total fee will be charged, with a minimum fee of $250.

The We Promise 100 % SATISFACTION GUARANTEE POLICY: We guarantee your complete satisfaction, if you are not pleased; the Captain will make it right to your liking. We promise.

CHECKS: There will be a $25.00 service charge for any checks returned by the bank.

What is included in the price?  Our quoted pricing includes, the vessel, fuel, taxes, soft drinks, quoted time portal to portal (We journey at least three miles from shore) vessel captain, the steering captain and our services for the arrangements, planning and sea tribute, six signed and sealed burial certificates,  a suggested order of service and an “e-book” of poems and readings you might like to look through and consider for your sea tribute, Eight-Bells End of watch blessing, Ships Horn while circling flower field, Waters, ice and soft drinks are provided if a family attends. 

The quoted price does not include, food, flowers, urns, parking, music, photography.

 

Do you have available options?  Yes for photography, video, catering, music etc.  Just ask us and we will send you the current list.

 

Can we visit the burial site at sea on the anniversary of my Pet’s birthday or date of death?  You bet for a full body burial area as they do not move.  Please note that a pet’s cremated remains will travel and you can see the chart of travel on our website if you want to get an idea as to how cremated remains do travel the oceans with currents.

 

Do you have references? We sure do and are happy to share them from Funeral home recommendations to individual family recommendations.

While at sea, the captain is the sole authority aboard…At sea leadership is very important for the comfort of passengers and the safe running of a vessel while at sea. Social input is always welcome. The captain will be in command at all times of the vessel. What the captain says happens. Enjoy your voyage and be sure to sign the guest book!  Restricted Items (What Not To Bring): Not allowed on board: Illegal substances (non prescription drugs & illicit drugs) or weapons of any kind are to be brought aboard the boat.

Violators will be returned to the dock immediately and the trip cancelled without refund.

 Is the vessel Handicap Accessible? Yes, within limits—and many larger vessels are fairly easy to board (allow an extra half hour at boarding). 

Are you insured?  Yes by a top rated company.

Are you licensed?  Yes, USCG Master Merchant Mariner, 100 Gross Tons, Towing and Sail – Near Coastal, License # USA 000012723, Mariner # 2724307

If I choose to come aboard

 

Is there a bathroom aboard?  Yes and we call it a “head”

What happens if Uncle Fred is late because he is lost in finding the dock and our family is attending?  The ship departs and sails on time.  Our schedule is much lime a commercial airliner.  We do offer additional unscheduled time on an hourly rate of $200 -$800 per hour based on vessel.  Be sure to ask us about our “Door to shore®” livery program to help alleviate that type of situation in getting all passengers to the and from the vessel safely and on time.

What’s for breakfast or lunch? Light refreshments are provided.   Depending on your package selection, you can bring your own snacks, or hearty box lunches can be provided.

What about Alcohol?  Responsible Beer and wine consumption are allowed and within reason and ask details if the ship has a cash bar or if BYOB…

Can we bring music on CD’s on an IPod?  You bet—we have a portable system with remote control for playback and we also have available an optional bagpiper-notice is required for scheduling.

 

Can we take pictures and or video? Yes and we encourage it and the captain will take a family shot for you and we also have photography packages available.

How do we dress for the event aboard?  We suggest casual, with a wind breaker, light colored comfortable non slip shoes and you may leave the high heels at home while at sea. 

Do I need to bring any special gear? Please see What to Bring for more specifics on personal clothing and gear needs.   

 

Do people generally get sea sick?  No if they follow our sea tradition instructions.

  • If I am prone to getting sea sick, what should I do?  We recommend you consider staying and viewing from shore as when one person gets sick, others may too.  You can view through supplied binoculars and we will call you via cell phone when we start.  You can listen to what we are doing.  Or, visit our how to prevent sea sickness page and try your best!  The White cap has a very steady platform and takes the gently waves nicely.  We usually do not have any issues. . If you get woozy while boating, we recommend checking with your Doctor first and taking Dramamine at least 2 hours before departing the dock if you want it to work. It will not work if you wait and take it while underway. Wrist bands and behind the ear devices also work–check with your pharmacist should for your particular preventative situation.

 

Planning your Trip. Pre Boarding… What to Bring and Do…

  • Soft sole shoes that are comfortable are suggested for the best safety aboard the boat. Don’t forget your camera, sunscreen, sun glasses and other personal objects. Soft sided coolers are the best and easiest to move around the vessel decks.  Windbreaker/sweater and light duty rain gear in the event storms roll in. The weather can changed quickly here in New England.
  • Please bring your snacks and beverages. (Unless otherwise specified in your event package). Please inquire about Beer and wine as several vessels have cash bar’s onboard ad BYOB may not be available.   If BYOB is allowed, cans are welcome, bottles while underway are not. Hard liquor is saved for dockside for everyone’s safety and enjoyment later post cruise.
  • Any known or potentially unknown medical conditions should be reported to the captain before disembarking so as to not spoil the trip for the others; such as pregnancy, bad backs/necks and or susceptibility to sea sickness.

 

Where do we meet the vessel?  Exact location to be advised.

How do I get to the boat? Exact location to be advised.

What local accommodations do you recommend? Please contact us for references as we have many suggestions with preferred seating, pricing and more.

 

Who can I call if I have any questions? Contact our booking office Toll Free at (877) 897.7700 or by e-mail at

OceanBurial@aol.com.  Boat direct 781.834.7500.

Can I contact the boat directly? Yes. The mobile vessel phone on the captain’s belt is (617) 966-1986. The vessel also monitors VHF channel 16.

Some Questions to ask yourself when selecting a reputable Sea Burial Business

  1. What type of boat is being used for your size of family? 
  2. Is it USCG approved with all the required safety equipment?
  3. Are the licensed Coast Guard Captains that are performing your service current with their certifications? Ask for a current copy of their USCG License if you are unsure.
  4. Is the Sea Burial business recognized by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) as a responsible business in filing all required paperwork on a timely basis?
  5. Does the Sea Burial business work closely with your funeral home or crematory as needed for no extra charge? 
  6. Does the service have a reference list available of current clients that you can speak with?
  7. Will the burial at sea service perform your service at your geographic location of choice?
  8. Does the sea burial business perform the sea burial within 48 hours if asked (weather permitting) versus other services taking up to 30 days?
  9. Is there someone at the toll free # during business hours when you call or just an answering machine?

10.  Is the service member in good standing of the local Chamber of Commerce or other nationally recognized group or agency?   

11.  Is the service doing burials at sea full time or as a weekend fill in to typical fishing charters.

12.  Ask to see pictures of the suggested vessel and ask if you can visit it.

New England Burials At Sea provides all of the above and more.  Call us today toll free at (877) 897.7700 for your burial at sea needs to request a free info pack. -Capt Brad White

Booking Office

New England Burials At Sea LLC

Captain Brad White – Founder
PO Box 489, 149 Old Main St
Marshfield Hills, MA 02051-0489, Toll Free: (877) 897.7700
Phone: (781) 834.7500, Fax: (781) 834.0113, Cell; 617.966.1986 Email: OceanBurial@aol.com

 

©2006-2011 – New England Burials At Sea LLC. All rights reserved. Patents pending

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Burials at sea, now available for pets.

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

Burials at sea, now available for pets.

July 5, 2011 3:15 PM     By Kaivan Mangouri, Globe Correspondent

New England Burials At Sea, which runs mourners out into the ocean to scatter the ashen remains of loved ones, is now extending its services to those who want a marine memorial for their beloved pets. Company founder Brad White said pet burials at sea resulted from his own interests as a dog lover.

“We are enlarging it. Pets are people too,” White said. “People want a dignified last wish and final chapter for their pets.”

White, who has several dogs, also founded Midnight Pass, a company that manufactures beds, strollers, and other pet-related products. His contact with other owners led to the pet burial at sea services.

“We get many requests to scatter the cremated remains of pets alongside the remains of the pet parent,” White said of many of his ocean burials. “We know how much we love our pets, and in today’s transient society, many owners don’t want to exhume pet remains when they move.”

White offers pet burials starting at $95. After the the ashes are scattered into the ocean, there is usually a poem reading, and then flowers or wreaths are placed in the water. Owners receive a sea burial certificate, which, White said, often helps to bring some closure if they cannot make the trip themselves.

Most of the pet burials are unattended, although he performed one that had 40 people in attendance.

Nearly 40 percent of deaths resulted in cremations in 2009, according to the Cremation Association of North America, double the amount in 1985 – a rise that some in the funeral business attribute to the green movement. The figure is expected to grow to nearly 60 percent in the next 15 years.

Although he does not want to think of it, when the time comes for his 12-year-old Schipperke dogs, White intends to bring them out to the ocean.  “I would prefer to scatter their remains because they love being on the boat,” White said. “It’s in their blood and in my blood.”

Link to original article:   www.boston.com/Boston/businessupdates/…/index.html

and  Sea burial company extends service to departed pets. 

Kaivan Mangouri can be reached at kmangouri@globe.com. 

Posted in Ash Scattering, Pet Burials At Sea, Press Releases | No Comments »

NEBAS Expands to Meet Green Burial Demand

Monday, January 3rd, 2011

Funeral Home News December 12, 2010

New England Burials At Sea LLC expands services, boats and people as the demand for Green Burial Increases

Captain Brad WhiteMARSHFIELD,MA— Capt. Brad White, founder of New England Burials At Sea (NEBAS), now offers affordable, personal memorial ash scattering and full body burials at sea services from Maine to Miami. Recognized by the EPA, US Navy, USCG and many area funeral homes and crematories, New England Burials At Sea is also building a network of approved and Quali-fied Sea Burial Certified™ captains on the east and west coast of the USA.

The service takes up to 400 people three miles off shore (25-75 miles off shore for a full body committal) on an inspected vessel for private ash scatterings by a licensed U.S. Coast Guard Captain, along with selected clergy if desired, to respectfully attend to a loved one’s final wishes. The company ensures a loved one a fi nal resting place at sea, while relieving family of significant financial burdens in their time of distress.

NEBAS offers year round, cost effective, attended or unattended traditional ash scattering memorial cruises and complete full body eco friendly sea burials. Sea burials are performed casket-free using an organic shroud, and per USCG regulations, presided over by the captain as well as a funeral director for full body committals.

New England Burial at Sea Vessel The company uses 28 different vessels from 30’ to 115’ for up to 400 passengers from Maine to Miami. All vessels are clean, current and have the latest safety gear. Vintage vessels dating back to 1935 are also available for the nostalgia crowd. “Mainers like lobster boats for their final ride,” said Capt. White

Captain Brad White has been navigating Massachusetts Bay for more than four decades. He has U.S. Coast Guard certifications in RADAR, GPS, Auxiliary sail, towing,SCUBA, CPR, First Aid and Rescue and Sea Survival. He is USCG licensed, insured, based out of Marshfield, MA andhandles the east coast with approved contract affiliates in other parts of the USA.

Ash Scattering At Sea with New England Burials at SeaThe trained crew conducts a dignified and well planned memorial service that can becustomized to specific needs, wishes, religion or taste. If preferred, a family member or other designated person may conduct all or part of the ceremony. Ocean friendly wreaths, florals,catering, music, poems, readings, prayers, bagpipers, Taps, military cadre and other options are also available.

Bag Pipes Available for Ash Scattering CeremoniesAt the close of the service, loved ones receive a commemorative distinguished keepsake burial certificate, indicating the date, time, depth and exact latitude and longitude of the ceremony so that area can be visited at a later date.

Requests can be accommodated within 24-48 hours,depending on the weather or season. The service maybe attended or unattended and viewed from the shore. Photography of the service is also available as well as alive video feed that can be simulcast worldwide to family members not able to attend. They can easily log on from anywhere in the world to watch the event.

Burying people at sea since 2006, White has been impressed by very steady growth. He now offers a tuition reimbursement program to interested seasoned mariners who need to acquire their required captain’s credentials for immediate employment into this growing business.“Cremations across the USA will top 60% nationwidein 2020,” said White. “And where will all those cremated remains end up? People prefer the ocean as they can always visit the water and see their loved one.”

“Themed events from Grateful Dead sing-alongs to Irish wakes, Viking burial requests as well as star studded sea burials happen frequently,” said Captain White.Burial At Sea scattering of ashes service are also availablefor beloved pets.  The company has hosted eventsfor 400 passengers with full food, band and planningand some groups have seen their family member off complete with a hail of ship’s cannon fire, farewell horns, bagpipers and floral champagne toasts.

Captain White mentioned, “We have seen an incredible up surge in families who want a true “green” ocean burial where their deceased family member may have had an affinity to the sea. Some families don’t want their loved one to be embalmed and truly want a naturalat sea burial service. Many people come home to the sea from their retirement homes,” added White.“Typically, people say, ‘I did not know you could legally do this,’ and want to know where to find the services or how to plan it,” said White.

Full body burials at sea use the company’s exclusive organic Atlantic Sea Burial Shroud which is hand tailoredby size and color by US Navy veterans on demand andthey are weighted down with 150 lbs. of official cannonballs smelted by the same maker of cannon balls for America’s oldest commissioned warship, Old Ironsides. For more information, visit the website at www.NewEnglandBurialsAtSea.com

or contact New England Burials At Sea LLC,
Toll Free: (877) 897-7700 or (781)834-0112,
cell: (617) 966.1986 or
via email Ocean-Burial@aol.com.

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Year Round Services Now Available

Saturday, June 20th, 2009

New England Burials at Sea is now offering year-round services for ash scatterings at sea, and full body burials at sea in selected areas. Because of seasonal considerations, the rates may be slightly higher, but the same respectful, and memorable services will be provided. Please contact me if you have any questions about.

-Captain Brad

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What is Military Free Burial at Sea?

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

Burial at sea is not just a tradition that was practiced by the Navy of old. It is a means of final disposition of cremains or intact remains that is offered to and still utilized by active duty, retired, and honorable veterans of all branches of the United States military.

Military Burial at sea services are performed while the vessel is on official deployment maneuvers. Therefore, it is not possible for the family or civilians to be present.

The family will be notified by the commanding officer of that vessel of the date time, longitude, and latitude of the committal service. You can contact the US Government Military Affairs for details.  We can also consult and assist during your time of need if you wish.

-Captain Brad

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Where do the ashes go once they are in the water?

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

Cremains (ashes) typically find their way to the warm ocean currents of the northerly traveling Gulf Stream. The Gulf Stream is the western boundary current of the N. Atlantic and transports significant amount of warm water (heat) poleward.

The core of the Gulf Stream current is about 55 miles wide and has peak velocities greater than 5 knots or 6+ mph.

-Captain Brad

currents_route

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Selecting a Reputable Sea Burial Business

Saturday, June 13th, 2009
Some Questions to ask yourself in selecting a reputable Sea Burial Business
What type of boat is being used for your size of family? Is it USCG approved with all the required safety equipment?
Are the licensed Coast Guard Captains that are performing your service current with their certifications? Ask for a current copy of their USCG License if you are unsure.
Is the Sea Burial business recognized by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in Boston as a responsible business in filing all required paperwork on a timely basis?
Does the Sea Burial business work closely with your funeral home or crematory as needed for no extra charge?
Does the service have a reference list available of current clients that you can speak with?
Will the burial at sea service perform your service at your geographic location of choice?
Does the sea burial business perform the sea burial within 48 hours if asked (weather permitting) versus other services taking up to 30 days?
Is there someone at the toll free # during business hours when you call or just an answering machine?
Is the service member in good standing of the Local Chamber of Commerce or other nationally recognized group or agency?
White Cap Charters Burial At Sea provides all of the above and more. Call us today toll free at (877) 897.7700 for your burial at sea needs to request a free info pack.
-Capt Brad White

 

What to be careful of in selecting a burial at sea provider:

 

New England Burials at Sea LLC is a licensed and insured company who owns and sub leases vessels from Maine to Miami for 1 – 400 passengers for at sea burial events.

 

What to be careful of in selecting a burial at sea provider:   Stay away from boat brokers who simply act as the facilitator to put a buyer (you) and seller (Boat charter)  together to make a transaction happen no matter what the required cultural formality, legality or requested family wishes and details may be.  Brokers are a dime a dozen.  They can be ruthless to just “get the order.”  Be careful and wary of the “low ball” boat brokers who will not actually participate in your actual event at sea.  They are just there to sell vessel time and are most probably not properly licensed and insured to actually run your event, nor do they want to.  Brokers do not discuss your family needs or conduct your actual sea tribute.  When an event is not timed properly and you use more vessel time than you need you might be surprised to get back to the dock and be presented with an additional invoice for $600+ or more for unplanned “Sea time”.  They do not file the proper permits as required by Federal and State law.  No warranty, no guarantee, nothing in the way of client family support.  You typically show up at the dock and the broker simply points you to your vessel.  Brokers just book the boat and are done with it once the payment clears.  They can be nice as pie when you inquire about a booking but do nothing in the way of putting together your sea burial tribute together and we mean nothing.  This is especially problematic during an actual at sea ash scatterings when the vessel may not be positioned properly because there are no experienced people aboard running the event and that can result in “ash blow back” or the “station wagon effect” when Uncle Chuck’s cremated remains become airborne and flow back up to the boat deck or stick to your sweater.  And what if someone drops or prematurely spills the urn—are they insured for that?  No.  If you are seeking a full body burial at sea is the broker going to follow the very strict US Navy guidelines required or the many hours of planning time between funeral home, family, church, vessel and crew?  Most probably not

 

Why we do what we do at New England Burials At Sea LLC  

 

First, we handle all of the details as this is our full time business.  We are the experts.  We help you plan your event during your difficult time of need.   We have the vessel and crew ready, equipped, clean and welcoming to your group when you board.  We are recognized by the US Navy, US Coast Guard and the EPA.  We are recommended by and used by hundreds of funeral homes across America. Having been approved by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice in –Westerville, OH, we train funeral directors in continuing education in class room settings on the proper procedures during sea burials.  Plain and simple we are the go to company for sea burials. 

 

Our company operates year round providing cost effective, attended or unattended traditional ash scattering memorial cruises and complete full body casket free sea burials using our eco friendly burial shroud per USCG regulations, presided over by the captain and a funeral director for full body committals, serving all faiths with personalized services. 

 

For ash scatterings, we voyage out three nautical miles, scatter ashes with a customized sea tribute service and return to port.  All sea burials include an official parchment sea burial certificate marking the latitude and longitude of your final resting place.  We now use 31 different vessels from 30’ to 115’ for up to 400 passengers from Maine to Miami.  All vessels are clean, current and have the latest safety gear. 

 

We include waters and sodas.  Your family is welcome to bring munchies and beer and wine if you wish (if the vessel does not have a cash bar aboard).  We also have very nice box lunch catering available.  You can do your own photography or we can provide.  We are very flexible. 

 

A 50% deposit books your day and time.  We accept all credit card and personal checks or money orders. 

 

The price includes, the vessel, fuel, taxes, soft drinks, up to three hrs portal to portal the steering captain and our services for the sea tribute arrangements, six signed and sealed burial certificates, filing with the EPA, a suggested order of service and an “e book” of poems and readings you might like to look through and consider for your sea tribute. We also include an eight-bell end of watch blessing & ship’s horn farewell while circling the ocean flower field after the scattering.  While planning, please take advantage of our no cost in house concierge service that can assist with hotel, dining, flowers, city and airport transportation services.

 

The price does not include optional food, flowers, urns, parking, or music.  

 

Options for slight additional cost: Taps or favorite song(s) or both, Door to shore livery service, simulcasting world wide with internet logins (summer 2011) , water urns, bag pipers, extra certificates, catering, 10 GA cannon Salute send off $15.00, Single flower $5.00, Plump rose petals $45, select hand picked Sea Flowers $100, Ocean Friendly Sea Wreath $145.00.  Bagpiper for 2 hours $300 (Abundant “tune” library), custom nautical memory chart™ (11” x 14”) an official NOAA Nautical chart of the exact area showing committal location $100, Sea Memory Bottles™$15 each.  Photo show with music up to 75 candid’s create a 3-5 minute long photo show with online access taken by a professional photographer $475.00 with optional reprints available.

Some Questions to ask yourself in selecting a reputable Sea Burial Business

1.       What type of boat is being used for your size of family? 

2.       Is it USCG approved with all the required safety equipment?

3.       Are the licensed Coast Guard Captains that are performing your service current with their certifications? Ask for a current copy of their USCG License if you are unsure.

4.       Is the Sea Burial business recognized by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) as a responsible business in filing all required paperwork on a timely basis?

5.       Does the Sea Burial business work closely with your funeral home or crematory as needed for no extra charge? 

6.       Does the service have a reference list available of current clients that you can speak with?

7.       Will the burial at sea service perform your service at your geographic location of choice?

8.       Does the sea burial business perform the sea burial within 48 hours if asked (weather permitting) versus other services taking up to 30 days?

9.       Is there someone at the toll free # during business hours when you call or just an answering machine?

10.   Is the service member in good standing of the Local Chamber of Commerce or other nationally recognized group or agency? 

11.   Does the Burial at sea services complete all of your permits and filings for you?

12.   Does the sea burial service offer a “Door to shore®” livery service if needed?

13.   Is the sea burial business properly insured on land as well as at sea?

New England Burials At Sea LLC provides all of the above and more.  

  

 

Trust us as hundreds of families do each year—we guarantee it.

 

Call us today toll free at (877) 897.7700 or email OceanBurial@aol.com, for your burial at sea free info pack. Captain Brad White 

 

Posted in Ash Scattering, Full Body Ocean Burials, How to select a burial at sea provider | No Comments »

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