How to Fill Out the EPA Burial at Sea Form (Step-by-Step Guide)

How to Fill Out the EPA Burial at Sea Form (Step-by-Step Guide)

Author: Viking Memorials Team

You have completed the ceremony. The Viking boat has drifted into the horizon, the water has claimed the ashes, and you have given your loved one a send-off worthy of a saga. But before you close this chapter, there is one final, mandatory step: notifying the US government.

Federal law requires that all burials at sea (including the scattering of ashes) be reported to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) within 30 days of the ceremony.   

 

This isn’t a request for permission—it is a notification that the event took place. While it may sound bureaucratic, the process is actually quite simple. This guide will walk you through exactly how to file your report using the EPA’s new online tool or the traditional PDF form.

Before You Start: Gather Your Data

 

You cannot fill out the form without specific data points from your ceremony. If you hired a charter boat captain, they will likely provide this for you. If you conducted the ceremony yourself, you hopefully recorded these details.

You will need:

  1. The Date of the burial/scattering.

  2. The Location coordinates: You need the specific Latitude and Longitude (e.g., 27° 30' N, 82° 20' W) where the ashes were released.

    • Tip: If you forgot to mark the GPS spot, you can use Google Maps to estimate the coordinates based on your distance and direction from the harbor.

  3. Distance from Shore: This must be at least 3 nautical miles.

  4. Depth of Water: An estimate is usually acceptable for ash scattering, though full-body burials require specific depths (600+ feet).

  5. Vessel Name: If you used your own boat, just put "Private Vessel" and the registration number if available.

Method 1: The Online Reporting Tool (Recommended)

 

The EPA recently launched the Burial at Sea Reporting Tool, which is much faster than mailing a PDF.

Step 1: Access the Tool Go to the official(https://burialatsea.epa.gov/).

Step 2: Guest vs. Account You can file as a "Guest" if you are doing this just once for a family member. Funeral directors or charter captains should create an account.

Step 3: Enter Deceased Information Enter the name of the person whose ashes were scattered. Note: You do not need to upload a Death Certificate or cremation certificate to file this report.   

Step 4: Enter Burial Details

  • Burial Type: Select "Cremated Remains" (unless you performed a full-body burial).

  • Burial Date: The actual date of the ceremony.

  • Location: Enter the Latitude and Longitude. The tool has an interactive map feature that can help you verify the location is past the 3-mile line.

Step 5: Review and Submit Once you hit submit, you will receive a confirmation email. Save this email. It is your official proof that you complied with federal law.

Method 2: The Paper Form (PDF)

 

If you prefer to mail or email a physical document, you can still use the traditional reporting form.

  1. Download the Form: You can access the "Burial at Sea Reporting Form" directly from the EPA website.

  2. Fill in the Fields:

    • Director or Person Responsible: This is you (or the person who organized the boat). Include your phone number and email so the EPA can contact you if they need clarification.

    • Type of Remains: Check "Cremated".

  3. Submit to Your Region: You must send the form to the EPA Regional Office that corresponds to the port where your boat departed (e.g., if you left from Miami, you report to Region 4).  

     

Where do I send it? Use the(https://www.epa.gov/marine-protection-permitting/forms/marine-protection-permitting-program-regional-contacts) to find the specific email or mailing address for your region.

  • Region 1: New England (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT)

  • Region 2: NY, NJ, Puerto Rico

  • Region 3: Mid-Atlantic (DE, DC, MD, PA, VA)

  • Region 4: Southeast (AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, SC)

  • Region 6: Gulf Coast (TX, LA)

  • Region 9: Pacific Southwest (CA, HI)

  • Region 10: Pacific Northwest (AK, OR, WA)

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What happens if I don't report it? Failure to report is technically a violation of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA). While the EPA is not "policing" every family boat, having the documentation ensures you have full legal closure and protects you from any future scrutiny.   

 

Do I need a permit before I go? No. The EPA issues a "General Permit" for all citizens. You do not need to apply beforehand; you only need to report after the fact.

Can I scatter pet ashes? No. The federal general permit currently authorizes the burial of human remains only. Pet ashes are not covered under this specific regulation.

Need more information see legal guide here.

Disclaimer: Viking Memorials provides this guide for educational purposes. We are not a law firm. For specific legal questions regarding your jurisdiction, please consult the EPA Region 4 contact or your local maritime authority.