Scattering or immersion of ashes at sea in France

Our guide on legal options for a deceased person's ashes after cremation mentioned scattering at sea. In practice, this choice of scattering in nature follows strict regulations in France while remaining customizable. Here are the steps to follow:

Scattering or immersing ashes at sea in France

To honor the memory of the deceased and allow their ashes to rest in a cherished nautical location, there are two types of disposition for their ashes: scattering or immersion.

Scattering is the most common choice, where family members open the urn and release the ashes into the open sea during a ceremony that can be accompanied by shells, flowers, and other biodegradable organic elements. Following french maritime regulations, this must take place at least 300 meters from the coast – the area beyond which the special police depending on the coastal municipality no longer has authority. The Administration of Maritime Affairs regulates these waters.

For immersion, a submersible urn must be purchased, the material of which dissolves in water. It also must be biodegradable (made of cardboard, clay, salt, etc.). For a salt urn, the dissolution time is approximately 48 hours. Always in compliance with maritime regulations, the immersion must take place at least 5.5 km from the shore (3 nautical miles).

Scattering ashes at sea ceremony

After declaring the scattering of ashes to the town hall of the deceased's place of birth (Art.L. 2223-18-3 of the General Code of Local Authorities), it is mandatory to obtain authorization from the town hall of the boat's home port from which the ashes will be scattered.

When boarding, you will be asked for:

• the cremation certificate of the deceased or a copy of the cremation attestation

• a copy of the death certificate

The choice of place and time can also be respected depending on weather conditions and the service provider's terms. For any special request, it is advisable to inform the provider in advance to ensure the smooth running of the ceremony (scattering at dawn, on a public holiday, etc.).

Most authorized service providers offering scattering at sea have a pleasure boat from which a very personal and adapted ceremony can be organized. The vessel may be equipped with speakers, viewing screens (for guests without access to the deck), sanitary facilities, etc.

If you wish to play music, for example, you can make a request to the crew.

Wreaths, floral tributes, and other expressions of affection can also be scattered at sea to accompany the deceased's ashes, as they are biodegradable. For more personalization of your testimony, you can consult our guide on funeral flowers and their meanings.

Moreover, the service provider will also ensure your comfort by anchoring the vessel. This is a step that stabilizes the boat by dropping anchor, positioning it in line with the wind, facilitating a smooth scattering of the ashes. Once the engines are stopped, and the anchorage is in place, the moment of reflection can be conducted in serenity.

The excursion, which includes the journey, the ceremony (poem, music, religious tribute, etc.), dispersion or immersion, and a moment of reflection, lasts at least one hour.

As for the average cost of services:

• a minimum of €280 for scattering at sea

• around €380 for immersion

• excluding the purchase of the urn: between €50 and €500 depending on the material (cardboard, wood, salt, clay, etc.)

Afterward, for any reflection, you will receive the exact geographic location of the dispersal site and a photo of the map taken at the time of scattering. A declaration provided by the ship's captain, which lists the date, location, time, depth, latitude, and longitude of the dispersion, must also be reported to the Administration of Maritime Affairs by the captain (you will not have to handle this declaration).

Legal restrictions

Scattering ashes in rivers, ponds, streams, and other bodies of water, considered as public maritime spaces, is not allowed.

The limits of shoreline dispersion are necessary because the law aims to protect nearby populations. Factors such as varying winds and tides, or the risk of trawling or other types of fishing bringing back the ashes (or miscible urn) to hazardous zones near local populations, need to be taken into consideration.