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Nearby on the Southeast & Mid-Atlantic
What to expect in Outer Banks
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 Outer Banks
Captain license
Not settled
None specific to scattering found; possible overlap with funeral service license
Inside Outer Banks waters
Allowed with conditions
Atlantic Ocean via Oregon Inlet or Hatteras Inlet; Albemarle, Roanoke, Croatan and Pamlico Sounds
Ocean
3+ nautical miles from land
Federal rule. Report to the EPA within 30 days.
Sounds are public waterways where state law allows scattering. Cape Hatteras National Seashore requires a park permit for scattering ashes on park land and waters (call Park HQ 252-473-2111); Pea Island NWR and Wright Brothers NM are federal too. Monitor National Marine Sanctuary (wreck site ~16 nm off Cape Hatteras) bans anchoring, stopping or drifting without power inside it - do not hold a ceremony there. Navy danger zones and Harvey Point restricted area in Albemarle/Pamlico Sounds (33 CFR 334.410, 334.412) and Marine Corps danger zones in Pamlico Sound (334.420). Gulf Stream is close off Hatteras, so 3 nm is a short run from the inlets. Dare County (Hyde County for Ocracoke).
Full North Carolina guide: permits, paperwork and sourcesLast checked October 15, 2026. A summary, not legal advice.