Funeral Comparisons

Burial at sea

Burial at sea  has numerous conditions and requires a permit from the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts - see their website. Permits are not automatically given and require an application (the form is on their website); the payment of a fee and may take a few days to process.

It is important for those wishing to be buried at sea to make their wishes known to family members or in a will, including their reasons, since permits are generally only given to those with a 'demonstrated connection to the sea' e.g. navy personnel, fishermen.

Finding a site may be dificult since it must generally be of a depth greater than 2000m and not conflict with other marine users (e.g.shipping, commercial fishing). The vessel carrying out the burial at sea must be a certificated commercial vessel and must be equipped with a GPS or similar to ensure that the burial takes place at the designated location.

The body must be be sewn into a shroud made of a very strong material and weighted sufficiently to ensure rapid sinking and permanent submersion of the body. The body must not be embalmed and should not be placed in a casket.

Additional approvals may be required from the relevant State or Territory.

In NSW

Sea Burials Australia conducts burials  off the coast near Merimbula on the South Coast of NSW. Family and friends may form an onboard group to witness the commitment to the sea. Contact Sea Burials Australia on Telephone 02 6495 1511 or visit their website.