EPA Compliance
Every ceremony is conducted in full compliance with federal environmental regulations — because honoring your loved one should also honor the ocean.
Our Commitment to Compliance
Serene Sea Burials operates under the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) and files all required documentation with the EPA within 30 days of each service. We hold ourselves to the highest standard so you never have to worry about regulatory details during such a personal moment.
Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act
All of our services are conducted in full compliance with the MPRSA, the federal law governing the disposal of materials at sea. This ensures that every ash scattering ceremony meets strict environmental standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
EPA Filing Within 30 Days
After every service, we file a detailed report with the EPA within 30 days. This report includes the departure port and state, type of remains, water depth and sink rate, distance from shore baseline, and the exact latitude and longitude coordinates of the scattering location.
3+ Nautical Miles Offshore
Per EPA regulations (40 CFR 229.1), all ash scatterings must take place at least three nautical miles from shore. Our captain ensures every ceremony exceeds this minimum distance, providing both legal compliance and a serene open-ocean setting.
Biodegradable Materials Only
We are committed to environmental stewardship. Only biodegradable materials — including natural wreaths and fresh flowers — are used during our ceremonies. All non-biodegradable items are removed from the vessel and properly disposed of on land.
U.S. Coast Guard Certified Captain
Every voyage is led by a U.S. Coast Guard certified captain who is trained in both maritime safety and EPA compliance protocols. You can trust that your loved one's ceremony is in professional, capable hands.
Conservation-Focused Practices
We believe that honoring loved ones can coexist with protecting our planet. Our conservation-focused approach ensures that each ceremony has minimal environmental impact on marine ecosystems while providing a meaningful farewell.
EPA Documentation
After every ceremony, we submit a comprehensive report to the EPA that includes the following data points:
- 1Departure port and state
- 2Type of remains scattered
- 3Water depth at scattering site
- 4Sink rate of materials
- 5Distance from shore baseline
- 6Exact latitude and longitude coordinates
Every family receives an official Certificate of Sea Burial with the exact GPS coordinates and date of their loved one's ceremony.
Questions About Compliance?
We're happy to walk you through our process and answer any regulatory questions.