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 Virginia Beach

Captain license

Not required

Inside Virginia Beach waters

Not settled

Atlantic Ocean via Rudee Inlet; Chesapeake Bay via Lynnhaven Inlet (inside waters)

Ocean

3+ nautical miles from land

Federal rule. Report to the EPA within 30 days.

Shortest ocean run in the area: from Rudee Inlet, 3 nm offshore is roughly a 3-4 nm run (confirm on chart). Boats from Lynnhaven Inlet are in the Bay and must go out past Cape Henry. Avoid the Dam Neck naval firing range and other ranges south of the Bay entrance (33 CFR 334.380, 334.390), Camp Pendleton restricted area and range (334.400, 334.405), and Lynnhaven Roads navy amphibious training/danger zones and Little Creek restricted areas (334.305, 334.310, 334.370). Keep 500 yds from Navy ships.

Full Virginia guide: permits, paperwork and sources

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