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 Hampton

Captain license

Not required

Inside Hampton waters

Not settled

Hampton Roads, Chesapeake Bay (inside waters); Atlantic Ocean beyond Cape Henry

Ocean

3+ nautical miles from land

Federal rule. Report to the EPA within 30 days.

Hampton Roads and the Bay are inside waters; the EPA permit does not apply there. To reach 3 nm of ocean, boats run out the Bay mouth past Cape Henry and Fort Story; rough estimate about 18-22 nm each way (confirm on chart). Many nearby military areas: Fort Monroe firing range and restricted area (33 CFR 334.350, 334.360), Plumtree Island Air Force test area (334.340), Langley AFB Back River restricted area (334.275), Norfolk Naval Base / Willoughby Bay restricted area across the Roads (334.300, entry needs Navy permission). Keep 500 yds from Navy ships (33 CFR 165.2025).

Full Virginia guide: permits, paperwork and sources

Last checked October 15, 2026. A summary, not legal advice.