Ash scattering rules, state by state

Every scattering follows a federal rule at sea, and each state adds its own: who may scatter for a living, which bays and lakes are allowed, and what paperwork follows. Here is what we’ve confirmed for the places our captains sail.

The federal rule (every ocean)

At least 3 nautical miles from land. Distance is measured from the shoreline, or from a line across the mouth of a bay or river, so waters inside a bay are not "ocean" under this rule.

Any depth for cremated remains. (Full-body burials need at least 600 feet of water, and 1,800 feet off parts of Florida and the Gulf.)

Only decomposable flowers and wreaths. No plastic. An urn may go in the water only if it sinks, has no plastic and breaks down.

Report to the EPA within 30 days of the scattering using the online Burial at Sea reporting tool. There is no fee.

Bays, sounds, rivers and lakes are outside this rule. The state decides what is allowed there.

By state

California

Captain license: Not needed when the family scatters

Bays and inland waters: Allowed with conditions

14 cities

Connecticut

Captain license: Not settled

Bays and inland waters: Not settled

1 city

Florida

Captain license: Not required

Bays and inland waters: Not settled

23 cities

Hawaii

Captain license: Not required

Bays and inland waters: Not settled

4 cities

Illinois

Captain license: Not settled

Bays and inland waters: Not settled

1 city

North Carolina

Captain license: Not settled

Bays and inland waters: Allowed with conditions

3 cities

South Carolina

Captain license: Not required

Bays and inland waters: Not settled

3 cities

Texas

Captain license: Not settled

Bays and inland waters: Allowed

2 cities

Virginia

Captain license: Not required

Bays and inland waters: Not settled

4 cities

Washington

Captain license: Required

Bays and inland waters: Allowed

2 cities

A plain-language summary of public law with sources on each page, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the agency before you go.

Ash scattering rules, state by state

The federal rule (every ocean)

At least 3 nautical miles from land. Distance is measured from the shoreline, or from a line across the mouth of a bay or river, so waters inside a bay are not "ocean" under this rule.

Any depth for cremated remains. (Full-body burials need at least 600 feet of water, and 1,800 feet off parts of Florida and the Gulf.)

Only decomposable flowers and wreaths. No plastic. An urn may go in the water only if it sinks, has no plastic and breaks down.

Report to the EPA within 30 days of the scattering using the online Burial at Sea reporting tool. There is no fee.

Bays, sounds, rivers and lakes are outside this rule. The state decides what is allowed there.