Finding Them Again: GPS Certificates and the Open National Ash Scattering Registry

Families ask me the same question more than almost any other, sometimes the day of the ceremony and sometimes years later:

“How do we find the place again?”

I am Captain Brett McGhee of Ocean Ashes. When we scatter ashes at sea, we leave the marina, run offshore past the legal line, and release a loved one into water that does not stand still. The Gulf and the Atlantic keep moving. What does not have to move is the record of where you said goodbye.

That is why every Ocean Ashes ceremony includes precise GPS coordinates on a scattering certificate — and why we opened a free public map so those coordinates can still be found when paper fades, phones change, and the next generation asks where to look.

Why GPS belongs on every certificate

In U.S. ocean waters, cremated remains must be scattered at least three nautical miles from land under the federal burial-at-sea general permit. Official EPA guidance: https://www.epa.gov/marine-protection-permitting/burial-sea. We go that distance on purpose, then write down the latitude and longitude taken at the moment of release.

Those numbers are not decoration. They are the last known place. A sister may want to stand on a beach years later and know which way to face. A grandchild may only have a name and a story about “somewhere off St. Pete.” A friend of the family may never have been on the boat and still deserves a way back to the water.

On an attended charter from our flagship at Maximo Marina in Saint Petersburg (https://www.oceanashes.com/saint-petersburg), families often watch me record the coordinates while the petals are still on the surface. On an unattended scattering (https://www.oceanashes.com/unattended), you are not aboard, but the same care applies: offshore beyond three nautical miles, rose petals, EPA notice, photos, and a custom GPS certificate sent to you afterward. Popular unattended is $189. Deluxe is $250 and adds HD video plus three certificates. Extra certificates are $20 if siblings each want one to frame.

Private attended charters are $595 for up to six guests. Groups larger than six are split trips only; we do not arrange a larger vessel. The same GPS practice holds at our other ports — Destin, the Florida Keys / Islamorada, St. Augustine, and Galveston — so the certificate means the same thing whether the day was quiet and private or shared with the whole family on deck.

What the Open National Ash Scattering Registry is

A certificate in a drawer is only useful if someone can still find it. Paper gets lost. Phones get replaced. That is why we built the Open National Ash Scattering Registry (https://www.oceanashes.com/national-scattering-registry): a free, public map of scatterings at sea.

Search a loved one’s name. See the GPS. Record a memorial from any coast — whether the ceremony was with Ocean Ashes or with another captain elsewhere. It is not a cemetery and it is not a paid listing. It is a public record so the ocean, which is a living memorial, can still be found.

Each pin is a person: a name, the years of a life, the date the ashes went into the water, and the coordinates taken at the ceremony. Ocean Ashes ceremonies already go on this map. So can a scattering done by another family on another coast. Florida, Texas, California, New England. Gulf or Atlantic. If you have the name and the GPS, it belongs here.

You do not need an account to search. There is no fee to add a memorial. We review submissions by hand so the map stays accurate and respectful. If you placed a pin and later want it changed or removed, email brett@oceanashes.comand we will take care of it.

How to search or add a memorial

Open the National Scattering Registry. Use Search the map and type the name. Select the pin to see the years, the scattering date, the body of water, and the GPS. For a common name, add a middle name or the year they died.

To add a memorial, use Add a memorial on that same page. Pull out the certificate if you have one. You will need:

• Loved one’s full name as it should appear

• Year born and year died, if you have them

• Date of the scattering

• Latitude and longitude in decimal degrees (west longitude is negative — for example 27.673 and -82.796)

• Body of water and, if known, the nearest port or city

• Your contact information so we can reach you

You do not need to have used Ocean Ashes. This is an open registry. If you only have degrees-minutes-seconds on an older certificate, send it to us and we will convert it. If you have a story about “off Clearwater” or “near Destin” without exact GPS, write anyway — we can often place a respectful note near those waters.

How this fits the rest of a family’s plan

Some families book an attended day when travel is possible. Others ship ashes for unattended scattering when a boat day is not possible yet. USPS current rules: https://news.usps.com/2025/03/01/theres-a-new-rule-for-shipping-cremated-remains/. Either way, the GPS certificate and the registry are how the place stays findable.

Current packages and ports: https://www.oceanashes.com/new-products-1. Veterans: https://www.oceanashes.com/veterans-affairs. Traveling with cremains: https://www.oceanashes.com/ocean-ashes/2025/9/29/traveling-with-cremated-remains-the-definitive-guide-2025-update.

The ocean carries what we entrust to it. The certificate records the place. The registry is how you find your way back when the years have moved on.

If you want help reading a certificate, placing a pin, or choosing attended or unattended for your family, reach out. I answer when I can, and Ocean Ashes will treat your loved one as we would want our own family treated on the water.

Captain Brett McGhee Ocean Ashes · oceanashes.com · (727) 362-6393

How to Ship Ashes for an Unattended Ocean Scattering

When a family lives far from the coast, or simply cannot be on the boat that day, an unattended ocean scattering can still feel personal, careful, and complete. I am Captain Brett McGhee of Ocean Ashes, and I personally handle our unattended scatterings from our home waters in Saint Petersburg. This post is the practical version of what I tell families on the phone: how to ship ashes safely, what the law requires, and what you receive afterward.

Why families choose ship-in unattended

Grief does not always line up with travel schedules, weather windows, or a spare weekend to fly into Florida. Sometimes the person who loved the Gulf most is already at rest in an urn across the country. Sometimes the family wants a quiet goodbye without a boat day. Unattended does not mean impersonal. It means you entrust the ceremony to a licensed captain who treats the remains with the same dignity we give every attended charter.

Our [unattended ash scattering](https://oceanashes.com/unattended) service is built for that trust. The Popular package is $189 and includes the offshore scattering, fresh rose petals, EPA notification, photos, and a custom GPS certificate. The Deluxe package is $250 and adds HD video plus three certificates. If you prefer to be aboard later, our private attended charters are $595 for up to six guests from ports including [Saint Petersburg](https://oceanashes.com/saint-petersburg), Destin, the Florida Keys / Islamorada, St. Augustine, and Galveston. See current options on our [services shop](https://oceanashes.com/new-products-1).

One note for planning: I am out of town until September 10, 2026, so we are not promising attended St. Pete charters before then. Unattended scatterings and our partner-port attended trips continue on their normal schedules.

The short version of the EPA rule

In U.S. ocean waters, cremated remains must be scattered at least three nautical miles from land. That is federal rule under the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act general permit. You do not file for permission beforehand. You (or we, on your behalf) notify the EPA within 30 days after the scattering. Official guidance lives here: [EPA Burial at Sea](https://www.epa.gov/marine-protection-permitting/burial-sea).

We go the required distance into the Gulf, record GPS, use biodegradable petals and notes only, and file the notice so your family does not have to learn the form on a hard week.

How to ship cremated remains (USPS)

In the United States, the Postal Service is the carrier that accepts cremated remains for mailing. Private carriers generally will not. Current USPS practice is to use Priority Mail Express and the official Cremated Remains packaging, not a random carton from the garage. Free kits and the step-by-step packing guide are in USPS Publication 139: [How to Package and Ship Cremated Remains](https://about.usps.com/publications/pub139.pdf). USPS also summarizes mailing limits on its [shipping restrictions](https://www.usps.com/international/shipping-restrictions.htm) page.

Practical packing tips I share with families:

1. Keep the ashes in a sift-proof inner container (the crematory box is fine if it seals well; an urn works too).

2. Cushion it so it cannot shift or puncture.

3. Use the USPS Cremated Remains Priority Mail Express box as the outer package.

4. Put a paper with both addresses and a phone number inside the box in case a label ever separates.

5. Ship to the address we confirm by email after you book. Please do not mail until we confirm receipt timing and the destination line.

If you are local to Tampa Bay, you may also arrange a drop-off instead of shipping. Email brett@oceanashes.com or call/text (727) 362-6393 and we will walk you through either path.

What happens after we receive the ashes

Once the package arrives, I confirm receipt with you. On the scheduled day we take the remains offshore from our St. Pete operation, scatter beyond three nautical miles, release rose petals, photograph the moment as appropriate, and prepare your GPS certificate. Deluxe families also receive the HD video. The certificate is something many people frame; extra certificates are $20 each if siblings each want one.

You can also record the memorial (whether or not the ceremony was with us) in our free [National Scattering Registry](https://oceanashes.com/national-scattering-registry), which maps GPS locations families choose to share.

Veterans and their families should also see our [veterans page](https://oceanashes.com/veterans-affairs) for military burial-at-sea information and current veteran offers.

Attended later, unattended now

Some families ship ashes for an unattended scattering now and plan a separate trip to the Gulf later for their own memorial on the water. Others book a private attended cruise when travel is possible. Both are valid. Groups larger than six guests are split across trips; we do not arrange a larger vessel at this stage. Max six per boat keeps the day quiet and private.

If Destin, Islamorada, St. Augustine, or Galveston is the harbor that meant home, start on those port pages and we will match you with the local captain for an attended day when the calendar allows.

A gentle closing

Shipping ashes is not a cold logistics errand. It is the last careful errand of love you can do from wherever you are. If you want help choosing Popular or Deluxe, confirming a ship-to address, or deciding whether attended or unattended fits your family better, reach out. I answer the phone myself when I can, and Ocean Ashes will treat your loved one as we would want our own family treated on the water.

Captain Brett McGhee

Ocean Ashes · oceanashes.com · (727) 362-6393

- https://oceanashes.com/unattended

- https://oceanashes.com/saint-petersburg

- https://oceanashes.com/new-products-1

- https://oceanashes.com/national-scattering-registry

- https://oceanashes.com/veterans-affairs

- https://www.epa.gov/marine-protection-permitting/burial-sea

- https://about.usps.com/publications/pub139.pdf

- https://www.usps.com/international/shipping-restrictions.htm

5 Florida Ocean Ash Scattering Tips in 2023

5 Florida Ocean Ash Scattering Tips in 2023

Florida holds a unique and compelling appeal as a location for ocean ash scattering for several reasons:

• Scenic Coastal Diversity: Florida boasts a diverse range of coastal environments, from the serene Gulf Coast to the lively Atlantic Coast. This variety allows families to choose a location that resonates with their loved one, whether it's the calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico or the dynamic shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

• Beautiful Beaches: Florida is renowned for its pristine, sandy beaches. These picturesque settings provide a stunning backdrop for ash scattering ceremonies, offering a tranquil and serene atmosphere for remembrance.

• Marine Biodiversity: Florida's waters are home to diverse marine life, adding to the symbolism of returning a loved one's ashes to the natural world. Many find comfort in the idea that their loved one's essence becomes part of the vibrant ecosystem of the sea.

• Memorable Experience: Scattering ashes in Florida's coastal waters offers a memorable and contemplative experience,

1. Understand Florida's Regulations:

Before embarking on your ash scattering journey, it's crucial to acquaint yourself with Florida's specific regulations regarding this practice. Florida adheres to federal guidelines, requiring ash scattering to occur at least three nautical miles offshore. Familiarize yourself with local ordinances and permits, ensuring that your ceremony complies with the law.

2. Select the Perfect Coastal Location:

Saint Petersburg, Florida, is a popular and picturesque location for ocean ash scattering ceremonies for several compelling reasons. It also happens to be my headquarters and most popular port.

• Scenic Coastal Beauty: Saint Petersburg boasts a stunning coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, characterized by pristine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The scenic beauty of the Gulf Coast provides a serene and tranquil backdrop for ash scattering ceremonies, creating a meaningful and picturesque setting to honor a loved one.

• Variety of Coastal Options: Saint Petersburg offers a diverse range of coastal environments, from peaceful and secluded beaches to more vibrant and bustling shorelines. This variety allows families to choose a location that aligns with their loved one's personality and preferences, ensuring a personalized and memorable ceremony.

• Year-Round Accessibility: Florida's mild climate and Saint Petersburg's location on the Gulf Coast make it accessible and suitable for ash scattering ceremonies throughout the year. Families can plan ceremonies without concerns about extreme weather conditions, providing flexibility and convenience.

• Experienced Professionals: Saint Petersburg is home to Ocean Ashes Inc. we specialize in ocean ash scattering services. I am well-versed in the local regulations, have knowledge of the best locations, and can help families plan and execute a respectful and meaningful ceremony.

• Environmental Considerations: Saint Petersburg emphasizes environmental responsibility, and ash scattering professionals in the area are committed to preserving the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast. They often use biodegradable urns and materials to minimize any impact on marine ecosystems, aligning with the city's environmental values.

• Cultural and Spiritual Significance: The Gulf Coast has cultural and spiritual significance for many people, making it an ideal location for ash scattering ceremonies. The gentle, rhythmic sounds of the Gulf waters and the sense of vastness can enhance the sense of connection and spirituality during the ceremony.

• Accessibility for Loved Ones: Saint Petersburg's accessibility by road and air makes it convenient for family and friends to attend the ceremony, offering a sense of togetherness and support during this meaningful occasion.

In conclusion, Saint Petersburg, Florida, stands out as a perfect location for ocean ash scattering due to its scenic coastal beauty, diverse coastal options, year-round accessibility, experienced professionals, commitment to environmental responsibility, cultural and spiritual significance, and accessibility for loved ones. These factors combine to create a compelling and heartfelt setting for families to honor their loved ones in a special and memorable way.

3. Engage Professional Services:

To ensure a seamless and respectful ceremony, consider enlisting the assistance of professionals who specialize in ocean ash scattering. In 2023, Florida boasts a robust network of such services, which can guide you through the legal requirements, help plan the ceremony, and ensure it's conducted with the utmost dignity and care. Be sure to check Google reviews as these give great insight into actual customer experiences.

4. Involve Loved Ones:

Grief shared is grief diminished. Encourage family and friends to participate in the ceremony, as their presence can provide emotional support and comfort. Consider involving them in readings, tributes, or the actual scattering process to create a shared and meaningful experience.

5. Practice Environmental Responsibility

Florida's marine ecosystems are treasures to be protected. To minimize the environmental impact of ash scattering, opt for biodegradable urns or materials. Ensure that the chosen materials will not harm the delicate balance of marine life. Respect the natural beauty of Florida's waters by adhering to responsible practices.

In 2023, Florida continues to be an ideal location for ocean ash scattering, offering a combination of natural beauty and respectful services to honor your loved ones. By understanding the regulations, selecting the perfect location, engaging professionals, involving loved ones, and practicing environmental responsibility, you can create a meaningful and memorable ceremony that pays tribute to the cherished memories of those who have passed on while preserving the natural splendor of Florida's coastal waters. If you have any questions about a scattering ceremony please call me a 727-362-6393 or visit www.oceanashes.com for details.

Plan Your Ash Scattering - Top 5 Reasons

When is the best time to plan your funeral?

Any time is the right time to plan your burial at sea … except at the time of the burial. Why? Because there are clear advantages to planning ahead. Can you imagine planning a wedding in a couple of days? Or any celebration for that matter? Why leave the ultimate celebration of your life to the last minute?

We believe that planning a burial at sea in advance is a wise thing to do. Find out why it makes sense, and learn how to conveniently plan your ocean scattering with our many private cruises.

At-Need vs. Pre-Need Funeral Planning

“At-Need” funeral arrangements are made at the time of death by surviving family members or friends on behalf of the deceased. Making ash scattering plans at the time of death are particularly difficult because there are usually time restraints and emotions play a large role because you are grieving. Not only is there much planning to do, there are also imminent financial concerns. Payment for scattering ceremonies are due and can be quite expensive, a considerable hardship for most families – see our discussion of funeral costs.

“Pre-Need” plans (also known as “Pre-planning”) are the funeral plans that people make for the living. Pre-Need funeral plans can be made at any time and offer many advantages. Here at Ocean Ashes we can help you pre-plan a ocean scattering for yourself, your spouse or a parent. Planning online is a convenient way to plan and it puts you in control of the process.

Top 5 Reasons to Preplan Your Funeral

If any of the following statements describes you, then you are probably someone who will appreciate the benefits of pre-planning.

1. You want to ease the burden on your family. If your wishes are unknown when you die, they will be faced with making difficult decisions at a trying time. Will they know where or how you want your cremains to be dispersed? Will they agree on what and where to spread them? Will they agree on how much to spend? Confusion and disagreements are common occurrences when there is no plan to follow. You can avoid this by leaving behind a plan.

2. You want to assume the financial responsibility for your ash scattering. Planning ahead enables you to make financial arrangements to cover your funeral costs. Even if you are leaving behind sufficient money, will your survivors be able to access it?

3. You want your family to have the benefit of a meaningful ceremony. A scattering is an important event for a grieving family. Psychologically, it provides a sense of closure and lets the healing process begin. Families benefit emotionally and socially by honoring the lives of their loved ones with a fitting ceremony and by giving them a proper send off. It is difficult to make the service the best it can be when planning it in a short amount of time.

4. You want your final wishes to be followed. If you have specific preferences for the disposition of your remains and the nature of your scattering services, you can clearly express them in your funeral plan. You may have a preference for the music and readings at your ash scattering. Whatever your wishes, they need to be set forth in your funeral plan.

5. You want to be self-reliant and have your affairs in order at the end of your life. Taking care of your funeral arrangements is a thoughtful and caring thing to do for your family. It is comforting to know that you have done all you can do to ease their burden. And you can be assured that they will appreciate that your caring for them continued after you are gone.

   You are in control of your ash scattering plans and with the help of Ocean Ashes you’ll have all the information you need to take charge and have your ceremony done exactly as you would like it.

   Start Planning Today!

Scatter Your Loved Ones Ashes Now, Before It's Too Late!

What to do with Cremains?

 The time immediately following a death and cremation is often a hard period to decide what to do with a loved ones ashes.

• The recent memory and grief that follows a death makes it difficult to even contemplate what to do with the ashes.
• In my experience most families make this decision together and usually not for months if not years.
• time flies by and the ashes can find a permanent spot on a shelf or closet. There are many pitfalls that can be avoided by making a plan for the cremains and following through with them is imperative.

  While it can be comforting to hold onto the ashes, as time passes it becomes more important to commit the ashes to a cause.

1. The main reason is that once the immediate family of the deceased dies off or becomes unable to respectfully place the ashes in a permanent spot, future generations will not place the same importance on them.
2. Grandchildren and sometimes complete strangers, after time become the benefactor of passed generations. These people with weaker ties to the deceased often struggle to find a meaningful home for the ashes.
3.  I’ve seen many examples in my career where family inherited ashes of great uncles and great grandparents. Often these people had no idea or emotional connection to the deceased.
4. Stories of dumping the ashes in local parks or a nearby creek are quite common as these ashes are disposed of out of convenience. It is not that people are trying to be disrespectful, it’s just that they had no emotional tie or real feel for what someone they didn’t know would want done with their ashes.

These are the main reasons why the people closest to the deceased should honor their life by making absolutely sure their ashes are taken care of with dignity and respect. And of course you can always keep some at home with you but it is wise to use the majority in different ways.

  I believe that a part of everyone should return to the ocean currents.

• There is no greater force on earth that can truly take ones ashes around the world.
• With an ocean ash scattering ones scattered ashes are incorporated into the ecosystem and countless plant and animal life.
• I tell my clients that the sun never sets on their loved ones after the ocean spreads the ashes across the globe. My company Ocean Ashes performs ash scattering ceremonies off Florida’s gulf coast and I strongly suggest starting your plan with an ocean scattering.
• My clients favorite item is the beautiful certificate we create.

 One of the great things about cremation is that there are so many options for using the ashes.

• Some of my other favorites are cremation jewelry, it’s beautiful and can be passed on as family heirlooms.
• There are also artists that will create vases, mirrors, lamps and even paintings using the ashes.
• And many people choose a company that will create a teddy bear or pillow with some ashes inside them.

 So I hope you’re ready to take action and start putting the ashes to great use. You’ll feel great knowing that you’ve done your part in honoring your loved one and really get some great items that will always help you remember.

==> Click Here Now To Honor Someone With A Ocean Ash Scattering

5 Reasons for Cremation

The Tradition of Cremation and Ocean Ash Scattering

• Cremation acts as an alternative to normal burial. The body is turned into ashes, which are usually disposed into the river or an ocean, or a place where they can be carried around the world.
• This is a centuries old human tradition, which dates back to 20,000 years or more and it is practiced all over the world.
• There are many different ways of disposing the ashes, but the most common method is scattering ashes into the ocean.
• If you don’t know much about cremation, let me tell you that there are many different reasons that make cremation better than a traditional burial. Below, we discuss a few reasons to choose cremation.

Top 5 Reasons that People Choose Cremation:

5.       Cost: Although in such events, nobody really cares much about the cost, but still we have to admit that this is one of many advantages of cremation.

• Generally, it costs 3-4 times less, as compared to the normal form of burial because it excludes costs such as make-up, a viewing, embalming, and even a casket at a burial vault. 
• I found a great burial cost calculator that really sheds light on just how expensive services can get, Burial Calculator .Since it’s an impersonal benefit, we have placed it at number 5.
• Ocean Ashes offers a wonderful service to honor your loved one ==> Click Here To Discover An Amazing Service

4.       Flexibility: It’s easier to carry your loved one from one place to another.

• This is very useful if you live far away (assuming another city or country) and are required to return back to another city / country. As you may know, funerals require a lot of planning, but you don’t have to worry if the scattering event is decided for a later date, because you can hold the remains indefinitely.
• For a greater detail of just how difficult it can be to travel with a non cremated loved one you can find the full details from the U.S. department of state here.

3.       General Space: As green space disappears there are challenges finding traditional burial plots especially in urban areas.

• The BBC recently published a great article detailing just how some countries are running out of space and I'll link to it here. bbc.com .
• Wouldn’t it be better to be cremated and plant a tree (with the dead one’s ashes) on that same area or scattering the ashes to the ocean and make them live forever in the planet’s ecosystem?

2.       Less Traditional, More personal: Cremation is very different from a burial, not only for how it is performed, but because you can scatter the ashes according to the preference of your loved ones.

• Let’s say he/she enjoyed swimming, relaxing beside the beach, or any similar connection with water. In this case, you can scatter his ashes into the ocean, so he goes to the place where he enjoyed the most.  This makes death much less about loss and more about celebrating their life.

Bringing peace and closure to a family:

• This is the biggest reason why so many people prefer cremation instead of burial. It’s sad, but actually the dead are kind of forgotten after a certain period of time.
• This time range differs from person to person and usually takes few months to years before you don’t feel so much absence in your life. It’s nothing bad, but that’s how the life works. Sure, you miss them from time to time, but it’s nothing like before. If you want them to be with you

==> Click Here To Find Out How Easy An Ocean Scattering Can Be!

Green Burials And The Ocean

Green Burial Practices Are Here To Stay....

• environmentally-friendly burial options are becoming ever more popular as the public becomes more and more concerned for the planet and it's well being.

• There are a myriad of companies and services that promote green burials and funerals. And it can be confusing and almost impossible to discern what actually is and isn't a green choice.

• Whenever there is a new demand for a service people will always try to stand out by re-naming old services or invent new unconventional ones. Lets try to filter out the noise and make it simpler for anyone interested in a green burial.

Ocean Ashes Works With Organizations That Are Paving The Way...

• The Green Burial Council (GBC) and the National Home Funeral Alliance (NHFA) have both made attempts to standardize the meaning and terms. But the basic principles are pretty standard across the industry.

• They stress "A burial system that allows the body or cremains interment in the ground or sea in a manner that does not inhibit decomposition.

• The essential aspects of green burial are the absence of a (cement or metal) grave liner or vault, non-toxic preparation of the body (no embalming), and use of containers made of organic(bio-degradable) materials. You can also check Glossary of Green Burial Terms, for the latest updates and industry standards.

Ocean Ash Scattering Offer Families A Perfect Green Burial Solution...

• Taking all the criteria for Eco friendly burials into account I feel that anyone looking into this option should strongly consider a cremation followed by a ocean ash scattering.

• This meets all the standards of a green burial and also eliminates the need for expensive cemetary plots and maintenance.

• The ocean currents are the only force that can spread your remains not only over endless miles of ocean but literally the whole world.

• The building blocks of life in the ashes will spread through the worlds oceans and become part of countless new plant and animal life. No other ceremony available can make such claim.

==>Please Click Here To Give The Gift Of A Ocean Scattering To a loved one

 So now that you have all the facts I hope you're ready to consider Ocean Ashes as your provider for ash scattering. My goal is to make the process simple and easy to give peace of mind. No matter where you live there is an affordable option at your disposal.

What To Do With Ashes | 20 Wonderful Ideas for Cremated Remains!!

 If you’ve lost a loved one and are looking for special ideas for scattering ashes or where to put ashes from a cremation this list is for you.

After a cremation family members are left with the question of what to do with the ashes...

• During this time emotions are still running high and it's hard to choose a plan of action.

• Here at Ocean Ashes we have picked the five most common solutions that our customers use to honor their love one.

• The great news is that you don't have to choose only one or two of these, cremation provides enough ashes to incorporate all of them.

• Even the great Roman Empire had a variety of ways they spread ashes.

 ocean ash scattering is our top pick and most dynamic solution.

• There is no greater force on earth than our ocean currents.

• In the ocean our remains are physically and spiritually spread around the globe.

• Combined with a beautiful scattering certificate to display there is no finer choice.

==> Click Here To Give The Gift Of A Ocean Scattering To A Loved One!

       Cremation jewelry is a great way to keep a piece of your loved one with you.

• There are many great companies that will work closely with you on picking the right piece.

• With just a tiny amount of ashes you can create many custom pieces for everyone in your family.

• I am working with a wonderful artist to produce beautiful jewelry to honor your loved one. Please click here to view our necklaces.

       Cremation Art is a relatively new memorial concept that is gaining more popularity...

• Artists can incorporate the ashes into almost anything you can dream up. From lamps, vases, glassware, mirrors and oil paintings.

• There are almost endless options to choose from. These are great family keepsakes that can be passed along from generation to generation.

• This is a great example of such artwork artfulashes.com

       Planting cremation ashes is a good way to memorialize a loved one...

• It provides a physical place to go for friends and family to remember and also is a living, beautiful tribute.

• There are many companies who specialize in urns designed to grow into a tree or plant.

• Duke University has a program that combines ashes in their memorial garden.

• If you plan on doing it on your own be sure to research the steps needed to make the planting a success, the ashes have a high ph and special steps must be taken. here is one such company www.thelivingurn.com

       Teddy Bear Urns are becoming a popular choice and for good reason...

• They are comforting, personalized and very huggable. These are great for someone who loves to snuggle up and remember.

• You can choose from a wide variety of sizes and colors along with personalized messages.

• I personally know of a family who ordered two of these after the loss of the family dog and their kids love them. Check them out here http://www.cami-bear.com/

 While these are my top five choices the choices for after cremation ideas are only limited by your imagination. Please comment below if you have an idea that I left out.

==> Order an ocean ash scattering today so your loved one will travel the ocean currents of the world until the end of time...

Cremations Rise And The Oceans Role in 2023

 Cremation has overtaken traditional burials for the first time ever in America.

• The rise in cremation over traditional burial can be attributed to several factors, reflecting evolving cultural, societal, and practical preferences. Here are some key reasons behind this shift:

  1. Cost Considerations: Cremation is often more cost-effective than traditional burial. The expenses associated with caskets, burial plots, headstones, and maintenance can be significantly higher than the cost of cremation and the subsequent handling of ashes. As people become more financially conscious, cremation can be an attractive option.

  2. Changing Religious and Cultural Attitudes: Many religious and cultural beliefs have traditionally favored burial. However, some religious groups have become more accepting of cremation over time. Additionally, a growing number of people identify as secular or non-religious, making them more inclined toward cremation.

  3. Environmental Concerns: Cremation is often perceived as a more environmentally friendly option than burial. Traditional burials involve embalming fluids, caskets made of non-biodegradable materials, and land use for cemeteries. In contrast, cremation requires fewer resources and can reduce land use, which appeals to individuals who prioritize environmental sustainability.

  4. Flexibility and Mobility: In today's mobile society, many people move away from their hometowns or countries, making the maintenance of gravesites challenging. Cremated remains are more portable and can be kept in urns, scattered in meaningful locations, or even divided among family members, offering greater flexibility for memorialization.

  5. Changing Attitudes Toward Death and Memorialization: There has been a shift in how people perceive death and memorialization. Some individuals prefer personalized and non-traditional ways of remembering their loved ones, such as scattering ashes at sea, keeping them in unique urns, or incorporating ashes into memorial jewelry. Cremation allows for more diverse and creative memorialization options.

  6. Lack of Space in Urban Areas: In densely populated urban areas, the availability of burial plots may be limited and expensive. Cremation can provide a practical solution for those who live in cities where space for cemeteries is at a premium.

  7. Decreasing Religious Influence: As secularism and individualism grow, some people are less bound by religious traditions and customs, giving them more freedom to choose cremation as a personal preference rather than adhering to traditional religious burial practices.

  8. Awareness and Accessibility: The increasing awareness of cremation as an option, along with the availability of cremation services and facilities, has made it more accessible and normalized in many regions.

  Overall, the rise in cremation over burial is the result of a complex interplay of economic, cultural, environmental, and personal factors. As preferences continue to evolve, cremation is likely to remain a prominent choice for end-of-life arrangements.

Scattering Certificate from Ocean Ashes.

 

  After a cremation families are presented with many choices...

• After the cremation of a loved one, families have several choices regarding the handling of the cremated remains and how they wish to memorialize their loved one. Here are some common options:

  1. Urns: Families can choose an urn to hold the cremated remains. Urns come in various materials, styles, and sizes, allowing for personalization. Some families keep the urn at home, while others may place it in a columbarium or niche in a cemetery.

  2. Scattering: Scattering the ashes in a meaningful location is a popular choice. This can be done in nature, such as a favorite park or a beach, or in places with sentimental value. It's important to be aware of local regulations when scattering ashes in public spaces.

  3. Burial: Families can opt for burial of the cremated remains in a cemetery, either in a dedicated cremation plot or a traditional burial plot. Some cemeteries also offer communal burial options specifically for cremated remains.

  4. Columbarium or Niche: Many cemeteries and mausoleums have columbaria or niches, which are compartments designed to hold urns. This provides a permanent, dignified resting place for the cremated remains.

  5. Memorial Jewelry: Some families choose to have a portion of the ashes turned into memorial jewelry, such as pendants, rings, or bracelets. This allows them to carry a small part of their loved one with them.

  6. Artistic or Creative Memorials: Cremated remains can be incorporated into art or even infused into glass to create unique memorial pieces. Some people choose to have ashes used in a painting, sculpture, or other creative projects.

  7. Biotree or Memorial Reef: Innovative options like biotrees, which use ashes to grow a tree, or memorial reefs, which create artificial reefs using urns, offer eco-friendly and sustainable memorialization.

  8. Aerial Scattering: Families can choose to have the ashes scattered from an aircraft, providing a unique and often symbolic way to honor their loved one from the sky.

  9. Donation to Science or Research: Some individuals choose to donate their body to science, and the cremated remains can be returned to the family afterward. This option supports medical research and education.

  10. Keepsakes and Mementos: Families can have small portions of the ashes placed in keepsake urns, pendants, or other personalized items to distribute among family members or friends.

  11. Sea Burial: For those with a connection to the ocean, ashes can be scattered at sea, often through specialized sea burial services. This allows the ashes to become part of the natural marine environment.

  12. Interment in a Family Plot: If the family already has a burial plot in a cemetery, the cremated remains can be interred alongside other family members.

  13. Virtual Memorials: In the digital age, families can create online memorial websites or social media tributes to share memories, photos, and stories of their loved one.

  The choice of what to do with cremated remains is highly personal and often influenced by cultural, religious, and individual preferences. Families can take their time to consider these options and choose the one that best reflects their loved one's wishes and their own desire for remembrance and closure.

 Throughout human history the ocean has been a part of our ceremonies and rituals...

• There is a strong bond between humans and the ocean, to this day we still incorporate the ocean into many of our traditions and vacations. New beginnings are most often linked to these events. Countless civilizations have used the ocean for baptisms and wedding ceremonies.

• scattering ashes in the ocean is not the end of ones time but a new beginning. All of our life giving elements that we carried with us are released into earths most powerful and dynamic force, the ocean currents.

• within months new life springs from the ocean and countless plants and animals will forever carry a part of us with them. Before long a tiny trace of our body will travel the globe and forever be reclaimed by earths ecosystems.

 Today's modern families are also very mobile...

• The times where many generations would live and die in the same town are over. Most have loved ones living all over the country if not the world. This is why the ocean can provide a lasting place to remember regardless of where one is located, most people live or visit oceans on vacation making remembering easy.

• The good news is that it only takes a fraction of the ashes that are left to perform a quality ocean scattering. Leaving enough ashes for the family to place some at a traditional family plot and create some beautiful jewelry from the ashes.

Companies like Ocean Ashes Inc. specialize in offering a beautiful, dignified service at a reasonable price.  It truly is a gift of a new beginning.

==> Click Here To Find Out How Easy And Affordable An Ocean Scattering Can Be!

Ocean Ashes offers easy to understand packages that give everyone the opportunity to send some of their ashes out to sea!

Ash Scattering Facts

Here at Ocean Ashes we feel that scattering ashes in the ocean is the best choice for cremains.

In 1999, the cremation rate in America was 25%. By 2018 that number will double, as one in two families will soon choose cremation over traditional burials.

The average cremation costs just $2,670, a fraction of the $7,850 that many will pay for body burial. 

The eco-friendly elderly are choosing cremation ever more, considering that traditional burial — in addition to requiring a sizable plot — involves taking a body full of embalming chemicals and sticking it in the ground

While there are many great reasons to choose a ocean scattering I have listed many of the top benefits in this graphic. If you are interested in learning more please visit www.oceanashes.com