We are vetting licensed captains and vessels in Los Angeles now. Tell us your preferred date and we will contact you as soon as a captain is available, or choose a nearby city with boats today.
What to expect in Los Angeles
Your captain meets your group at the dock, takes you to the scattering spot, and gives you time for words, music, flowers or silence. Afterward, the captain records the coordinates of the scattering so your family always knows where it took place. Biodegradable urns and flowers can be ordered from our memorial store and delivered before your service.
Scattering rules in Los Angeles
Captain license
Not needed when the family scatters
Cremated Remains Disposer (CRD) registration
Inside Los Angeles waters
Allowed with conditions
Port of Los Angeles / San Pedro Bay; Santa Monica Bay; Pacific Ocean
Ocean
3+ nautical miles from land
Federal rule. Report to the EPA within 30 days.
The 1966 Supreme Court decree treats the Port of San Pedro inside the breakwater openings as inland waters. Scattering there is allowed only 500+ yards from shoreline, piers and wharves, and only away from shipping traffic. The same decree says Santa Monica Bay is not historic inland water, so it is generally ocean waters and the EPA 3-nm rule applies. There is no national marine sanctuary off LA. Filing goes to LA County DPH Vital Records (313 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles); the county does not handle the cities of Long Beach and Pasadena.
Full California guide: permits, paperwork and sourcesLast checked October 15, 2026. A summary, not legal advice.
Questions families ask about Los Angeles
Are there burial at sea boats in Los Angeles?
We are vetting licensed, insured captains in Los Angeles, CA now. Tell us your preferred date through the contact page and we will reach out as soon as a captain is available, or choose a nearby city with boats today.
How far out do boats go for a burial at sea from Los Angeles?
In the ocean, ashes are scattered at least 3 nautical miles from land under the federal EPA rule, at any depth. From Los Angeles, boats head out to the Pacific Ocean. No permit is needed in advance; the captain reports the scattering to the EPA within 30 days.
Can ashes be scattered in the bay or harbor at Los Angeles?
California allows scattering in bays and harbors from a boat at least 500 yards from every shoreline, with the same paperwork as at sea. Many harbors are too small to be that far from shore anywhere, so most ceremonies are held outside the breakwater or 3 nautical miles out in the ocean.
What do I need to bring for a burial at sea in California?
The Permit for Disposition of Human Remains. Funeral homes and crematories usually arrange it with the county, and it travels with the ashes. Whoever in the family has the right to decide on the ashes (usually the next of kin) scatters them, or names a family member to do it. Your captain will confirm anything else they need before the day.
What can we put in the water with the ashes?
Only things that break down naturally: the ashes, loose flowers or petals, and a biodegradable water urn if you would like one. No plastic, balloons, wreath frames or glass. Biodegradable urns and flowers can be ordered from our memorial store before your service.
How do I book a burial at sea in Los Angeles?
Contact us with your preferred date and group size and we will let you know as soon as a captain in Los Angeles is available. Nearby cities with boats are listed above.