Business Details
29 Years
experience
Trusted Burial at Sea Services Since 1997
Ashes On The Sea has been a trusted provider of burial at sea services since 1997, offering compassionate and personalized solutions for families. As a family-owned and operated business, we specialize in creating meaningful ceremonies that honor loved ones through attended, unattended, or shore-view services. Our operations are regulated and inspected like traditional funeral homes, ensuring legal compliance and peace of mind for clients. With expertise in full-body burials, memorial reefs, and cremation scattering, we serve locations across California, Oregon, and beyond. Our team prioritizes attention to detail, offering biodegradable urns, photography services, and customizable options to meet individual needs.We hold a Cremated Remains Disposer (CRD) license (CRD 1014) in California, underscoring our commitment to professionalism. Over decades, weve helped thousands of families create healing experiences, emphasizing transparency, no hidden fees, and deep understanding of local maritime regulations. Our services extend to pet memorials and international reef placements, reflecting our dedication to ecological alternatives and global accessibility.
Services
Attended Burial at Sea
Unattended Ash Scattering
View From Shore Service
Memorial Reef Creation
Full Body Burial
Pet Memorial Services
Biodegradable Urns
Cremation Photography
International Reef Placement
Pre-Planning Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of experience in specialized burial at sea services.
- Our family-owned business prioritizes personalized, client-centric ceremonies.
- We hold a California Cremated Remains Disposer license for legal compliance.
- We provide eco-friendly options like memorial reefs and biodegradable urns.
- Our services include coast-to-coast and international accessibility.
Associations and certifications
- Cremated Remains Disposer (CRD) License CRD 1014
What people say
Exceptional service
Compassionate professionalism
Beautiful and meaningful
Perfectly executed
Deeply comforting
Services
Attended Burial at Sea
Our attended burial services allow families to accompany their loved one's remains on a vessel for a personalized ceremony. Options include sail or power boats, with amenities like rose petals, biodegradable urns, and live music. Services accommodate groups of all sizes, with customizable elements to reflect the deceased's personality. We ensure legal compliance and provide guidance on permits and documentation.
Memorial Reef Creation
Transform ashes into artificial reefs that support marine ecosystems. Reefs are deployed in locations like Florida, Italy, and California, with GPS coordinates provided for future visits. The process uses ocean-friendly materials and includes video documentation of reef installation. This service offers a lasting legacy that benefits ocean life while honoring loved ones.
Unattended Ash Scattering
For families unable to attend, we scatter ashes within 30 days of receipt. Clients receive confirmation via email or phone call on the scattering date. This service includes return of death certificates and permits, with options for biodegradable urns or direct scattering. We handle all regulatory requirements for California and interstate services.
Full Body Burial at Sea
We facilitate full-body burials using biodegradable canvas shrouds, meeting U.S. Coast Guard depth requirements. Services are available coast-to-coast, with coordination through funeral homes. Our process eliminates costly metal caskets, offering an eco-conscious alternative while maintaining maritime traditions and legal compliance for dignified sea interments.
Pet Memorial Services
We extend our burial services to pets, offering unattended, attended, and shore-view options. Clients choose from communal or private cremation referrals, with biodegradable urns and keepsakes available. Our team provides compassionate guidance for honoring animal companions, ensuring the same dignity and ecological care as human services.
People
Ken Shortridge
Founder & Captain
Ken Shortridge co-founded Ashes On The Sea in 1997, bringing decades of maritime experience to create healing ceremonies. He emphasizes personalized service and regulatory compliance, ensuring families receive compassionate support during difficult times.
Anya Shortridge
Co-Founder
Anya Shortridge, alongside Ken, established Ashes On The Sea to provide dignified sea burials. Her focus on client care and operational excellence has shaped the company's family-centered approach and commitment to ecological responsibility.
Captain Philip
Lead Captain
Captain Philip oversees vessel operations and ceremony execution, ensuring safety and professionalism. With extensive coastal knowledge, he helps families create meaningful experiences while adhering to maritime regulations and environmental standards.
Questions
What types of burial at sea services do you offer?
We provide attended, unattended, and shore-view services, full-body burials, memorial reefs, and pet memorials with customizable options.
Are your services legally regulated?
Yes, we hold California's Cremated Remains Disposer License CRD 1014 and follow U.S. Coast Guard safety requirements.
Can I scatter ashes internationally?
We offer memorial reef placements in locations like Florida, Italy, and Panama City, with coast-to-coast U.S. services.
How are ashes transported to the sea?
We provide USPS shipping guidelines for unattended services, including packaging requirements and documentation procedures.
Do you accommodate special requests?
Yes, we customize ceremonies with elements like music, flowers, and biodegradable urns to reflect personal wishes.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit cards and provide detailed pricing for all services without hidden fees.
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