Burials at Sea - The Law

NEW Coffin Regulations from 19 February 2024 
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-get-a-licence-for-a-burial-at-sea-in-england

Before the Burial at Sea can take place:-
   You Need to have given consent for a  HTA (Human Tissue Authority) DNA sample to be taken prior to MMO Burial at Sea Licence       Process can commence. We are authorised to carry out the consent process - "inlife" or from a qualified next of kin

   You must obtain a licence for a burial at sea  from MMO (Marine Management Organisation) .

   You must also make sure that the body of the deceased:-
isn’t embalmed
is lightly dressed in biodegradable material
has a durable identification tag with the details of the funeral director
You must make sure the coffin is built correctly and is compliant with the  MMO Specification (new rules from 19 February 2024).

The body and coffin may be inspected by MMO before the burial. -  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-get-a-licence-for-a-burial-at-sea-in-england

In Order to apply for an MMO Burial at Sea Licence you must be in possession of the following certificates:
Death Certificate
Freedom From Infection Certificate
Coroners Form 103 ( Out of England Certificate)
A signed DNA sample consent form (required for The Needles site only from 1 October 2023*)

* DNA sample consent form - Consent to take deep muscle DNA sample from the deceased must be provided by the person in the highest qualifying relationship to the deceased prior to their death. The person obtaining consent, Mamarine.com Llp has completed the consent training provided by the Human Tissue Authority. 

Ashes Scattering and the Law

You don’t need a licence or permission to scatter ashes at sea after a cremation :
There are no explicit regulations or legislation in Great Britain that restricts the disposing of human cremated ashes. 
They can be scattered or buried in land that you own ie your garden or on land where you have obtained permission of the land owner. 
Similarly Ashes Scattered at Sea do not require a licence or permission
( it is expected that any scattering will be discrete so as not to cause offence or inconvenience to the other water users and the public at large),

There are no explicit laws covering the scattering Ashes in UK

Considerations
Ashes Scattered in your own garden
Your house or garden may not always be in the family's possession so future generations may not be able to gain access to pay their respects.
Family plot or grave
Scattering of Ashes (or burial of the ashes) on a family plot or grave may be a last wish of a person but no all all Crematories allow this. 
Do seek permission first.

“Hello John
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!! 

For enabling us to give My Mum and Dad
such a lovely send-off on Monday! 

All your planning really paid off! Mandy “
“Dear John
thank you so much to you and your team for making our day so special. 
all the best
Claire”
“Thank you for sending me that and, on behalf of myself and my family, thank you so so much for all your work in
helping us fulfil my grandad's final wishes. It was such a perfect send off - poignant but not depressing - and
exceeded all our expectations. Joseph”

How to Arrange a Burial at Sea

From being notified of the death (usually from the Funeral Directors) we take full
responsibility for obtaining the MMO licence though our MMO online account. including completing the HTA Consent Form with the most appropriate next of Kin.
Download PDF

Coffin 
Requirements

The coffin and any inner liner must be made of natural, non-toxic materials.They must both be able to withstand any impact and be able to carry the body.
Download PDF

Delivery to 
Sea

Our support team is here to make sure things runs smoothly, so you can get on with other things. Our aim is to provide the best service we can for all our burials at sea.
Download PDF

Send us a message

Have a question? We’re here to help. Send us a message and we’ll be in touch. 

Share by: