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What to expect in Ventura
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 Ventura
Captain license
Not needed when the family scatters
Cremated Remains Disposer (CRD) registration
Inside Ventura waters
Allowed with conditions
Ventura Harbor; Santa Barbara Channel; waters toward the Channel Islands
Ocean
3+ nautical miles from land
Federal rule. Report to the EPA within 30 days.
Ventura Harbor is too small for the 500-yard rule, so scatter in the Santa Barbara Channel, 3+ nm from land for EPA. The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary covers waters around the islands out to about 6 nm. Its discharge rule (15 CFR 922.72) has no exception for cremated remains, so scattering mid-channel outside the sanctuary avoids the question. There are offshore oil platforms in the channel. File with Ventura County Public Health.
Full California guide: permits, paperwork and sourcesLast checked October 15, 2026. A summary, not legal advice.