We are vetting licensed captains and vessels in Seattle 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 Seattle
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 Seattle
Captain license
Required
Final Disposition of Human Remains Permit (cremated remains disposition permit)
Inside Seattle waters
Allowed
Elliott Bay and central Puget Sound
Ocean
3+ nautical miles from land
Federal rule. Report to the EPA within 30 days.
Allowed on Puget Sound (WAC 308-47A-020). Stay clear of the Elliott Bay ferry terminal and ferry lanes, cruise terminals, Port of Seattle shipping areas, and Coast Guard security zones. Nothing is filed with King County after scattering. Families give their certificate of disposition from the captain to whoever needs it.
Full Washington guide: permits, paperwork and sourcesLast checked October 15, 2026. A summary, not legal advice.
Questions families ask about Seattle
Are there burial at sea boats in Seattle?
We are vetting licensed, insured captains in Seattle, WA 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.
Where are ashes scattered from Seattle?
On Puget Sound itself: Washington allows scattering on the Sound's public waters with no set distance from shore, so there is no long run out to the ocean. Ceremonies in the Pacific Ocean follow the federal rule of at least 3 nautical miles from land.
What do I need to bring for a burial at sea in Washington?
Your written OK for the captain to scatter, with your wishes for where and how. You can write it in your conversation with the captain. If you have it, the cremation paperwork from your funeral home or crematory. 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 Seattle?
Contact us with your preferred date and group size and we will let you know as soon as a captain in Seattle is available. Nearby cities with boats are listed above.