Answers to Burial at Sea Frequently Asked Questions for your Pet

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