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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.