Scattering ashes at sea in California is allowed without an individual permit, provided the remains are scattered at least three nautical miles from land and the ceremony is reported to the EPA within 30 days. From Long Beach, a private ceremony aboard the Cocokai, a 75-foot schooner, takes your family out to that point and gives you the coordinates to keep.
Saying goodbye to someone is one of the hardest things any of us are asked to do. If you are reading this, you may be carrying that weight right now, and looking for a farewell that feels like more than a formality. Take your time. There is no rush here.
How Does a Private Ceremony to Scatter Ashes at Sea In California Work?
The Cocokai is chartered privately for your family alone. There is no shared space, no strangers, and no schedule imposed on your grief. The captain and crew have guided families through this before, and they understand their role: to keep the ceremony steady so you are free to be present, to say what needs saying, and to let the water carry the rest. The Cocokai carries up to 12 guests.
How Is Scattering Ashes at Sea in Southern California, From Long Beach?
Your family is welcomed aboard at Shoreline Village Marina in Long Beach. The Cocokai sails out past the breakwater to open water offshore, beyond the three-nautical-mile line the law requires. The passage matters. Families often tell us that the quiet time on deck before the ceremony, with the horizon in every direction and the gentle roll of the deck underfoot, was as meaningful as the ceremony itself.
When you are ready, the ceremony takes place. Afterward you are given the GPS coordinates of the site, a place you can return to, in person or in memory, for the rest of your life.
Is a Permit Required For Scattering Ashes at Sea in California?
No individual permit or application is required. The EPA issues a general permit under the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act that covers the burial of cremated human remains at sea, as long as its conditions are met. The conditions are short, and they are the reason a ceremony travels well offshore rather than stopping just outside the harbor.
What do California and Federal Law Require?
- Distance from land. Cremated remains must be scattered at least three nautical miles from land (about 3.45 statute miles). Water depth does not matter for ashes.
- California’s shoreline rule. State law sets a minimum of 500 yards from shore for ashes scattered at sea. The federal three-mile requirement is stricter, so it governs an ocean ceremony.
- EPA report. The scattering must be reported to the EPA within 30 days. The EPA provides an online reporting tool for this.
- Flowers and wreaths. Only materials that decompose readily in the marine environment may be placed in the water. Fresh petals and a natural-fiber wreath are appropriate; anything synthetic is not.
Every ceremony aboard the Cocokai is recorded with a GPS position and date, the details an EPA report asks for.
These rules come from federal regulation (40 CFR § 229.1) and California law, and this is a plain-language summary rather than legal advice. If your family’s situation is unusual, your funeral home can help confirm the details.
How Can I Hold a Scattering Ashes at Sea Ceremony in California?
Every family is different, and the farewell should reflect that. Kai Charters offers four service options.
Non-Witness / Unattended
A professional ceremony handled by licensed captain and crew. Compliant with all regulatory reporting on your behalf. As part of the service, we provide a postcard of signed certificate with date, time, and GPS coordinates.
Farewell
A private charter to the scattering site offshore, with a compassionate captain and crew. Includes a standard ceremony script, the GPS coordinates of the site, water and glassware aboard, and marina parking. A simple, dignified goodbye.
Memorial
Everything in Farewell, plus a customizable ceremony script written around your loved one, fresh flower petals scattered alongside the ashes, and a printed keepsake card with the GPS coordinates and the date of the ceremony.
Legacy
Everything in Memorial, plus a floral wreath placed at the scattering site, a framed GPS coordinate certificate, priority scheduling, and a dedicated booking contact to walk with you through every arrangement.
To compare the options in more detail, check our ash scattering service in Long Beach.
Personal Touches, When You Want Them
Some families want the ceremony to carry more of the person it honors. On request, we can arrange:
- Fresh floral displays aboard
- A live violinist to accompany the moment
- Other personal touches meaningful to your family
There is never any pressure to add anything. The ocean and the quiet are often enough.
Why Do Families Choose the Sea in California?
For many people, the ocean is not a neutral choice. It is where a loved one felt most themselves, whether sailing, fishing, swimming, or simply drawn to the water. A ceremony at sea returns them to that place. For others, the appeal is openness: no headstone and no fixed plot to maintain, but a whole horizon to hold the memory and a set of coordinates that belongs to your family alone.
The motion of a boat also offers what a room cannot. The sound of the water and the pace of the passage slow everyone down and make space for grief to move at its own speed.
What to Consider As You Plan Scattering Ashes at Sea in California?
- Who needs to be there? The Cocokai carries up to 12 guests, so a close family group fits comfortably. Knowing your number helps us care for everyone properly.
- What would honor them? A favorite piece of music, a reading, a period of silence, flowers they loved. The ceremony can hold whatever is meaningful.
- How much do you want to arrange yourself? Some families lead the ceremony entirely; others prefer we guide it. Both are right.
- When will it feel right? There is no correct timeline. Some families come within weeks; others wait a year or more.
When You Are Ready, We Are Here
If you are considering scattering ashes at sea in California, there is no need to decide anything today. When the time feels right, reach out and we will walk you through every option with care and without pressure.
Contact us. We are here whenever you are ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far offshore does the ceremony take place?
At least three nautical miles from land, the federal minimum for scattering ashes at sea. The Cocokai goes to open water beyond that line.
Do we need a permit?
No individual permit is required in California or under the EPA’s general permit. The scattering does need to be reported to the EPA within 30 days.
Can we write our own ceremony?
Yes. The Memorial and Legacy options include a customizable script, and you are always welcome to speak your own words. A standard script is available if you would prefer we guide the ceremony.
How many family members can come aboard?
Up to 12 guests. Let us know your number when you reach out.
Will we receive a record of where the ceremony took place?
Yes. Every family receives the GPS coordinates. The Memorial option adds a printed keepsake card, and Legacy adds a framed certificate.
Can we bring flowers or a wreath?
Fresh petals are included with Memorial and a floral wreath with Legacy. You are welcome to bring your own flowers, as long as they are natural and biodegradable.
Can we include music or a reading?
Yes. Bring readings, music, or anything meaningful to your family. A live violinist can be arranged on request.
How long is the ceremony?
The passage out, the ceremony, and the return are held at a gentle pace so no one feels hurried.
Is a memorial at sea appropriate for all ages?
Yes. Family members of all ages are welcome. If anyone has particular needs, let us know and we will make arrangements.
