I. Context and impact
The burial of the sea is an ecological form of burial that disperses ashes from cremation into or otherwise returns to the sea, advocating “return to nature and conservation of resources”. Advantages include the non-appropriation of land, lower burial costs and relative environmental friendlyness. With urbanization and increased environmental awareness, the acceptance of burials at sea continues to rise among urban dwellers and young groups。
Processes (step notes)
Registration: family members are registered with the civil administration or the designated agency with a cremation certificate, a death certificate and an identification certificate, and some areas of support are pre-registered
(a) determination of the duration of the voyage: the contractor will organize the voyage according to weather, sea conditions and personnel, which will normally be organized centrally during the seaworthy season
(b) ceremony preparation: family members can prepare flowers, souvenirs, materials to be used in degradable materials; hosting agencies usually provide environmental containers and basket selection
Navigation and implementation: in accordance with authorized maritime areas and routes, the presiding officer leads family members to eulogy and farewell, and the ashes are released or sunk by the staff member in a designated manner
After-action registration and certification: the contractor issues a burial certificate and provides a commemorative image or gps locator record for retention by the family。
Iii. Attention and points for compliance
The burial involves criteria for the use of the sea and the protection of the environment, and the family should select a qualified institution and verify its approval documents. Non-degradable articles are prohibited during the ceremony, and flowers and souvenirs should be marked with materials and, to the extent possible, certified environmental products. The voyages are highly weather-affected and are cancelled or rescheduled in the face of extreme sea conditions, and families are required to maintain emergency arrangements and channels of communication。
Iv. Cultural and psychological dimensions
As a new form of burial, which does not exclude traditional cultural connotations, the core of which is the expression of memory of the deceased in another form. For families, the burial at sea also provides a complete farewell process, with many families continuing their memorials afterward through memorial albums, online memorials, etc。
The process of burial at sea emphasizes both normative and human care. If you need information on the duration of the voyage, the options and the qualifications of the host institution, please consult the china sea funeral network's service guide and directory of accreditation institutions for advance preparation。
