Marine Memorial Services

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

What is unique or different about Marine Memorial Services?

We are not simply a boating company that has agreed to scatter the ashes of your loved one as a side line to another business. We are a unique memorial service specializing in the professional scattering of ashes in the marine environment. We come to this task with many years of experience and professional training. Our offerings are sensitive, economical, respectful of the environment, and provide an alternative to other forms of burial. Our goal is to assist with care and respect families and friends remembering and celebrating the lives of their loved ones.

Do you accommodate special requests in you services?

Yes - there is a list of the services we offer on this website, but we will do our best to meet any special requests you may have.

How do I find out the cost of a special request?

Simply request this information by calling Marine Memorial Services toll free at 1-866-947-7282 or e-mail us at:
ryanknight@marinememorialservices.com. Please note the particular or unique elements in the service you desire.

Are there hidden or additional costs to your services?

No - there are no hidden or additional costs; unless you desire some special element not usually included in our standard fee schedule. Any special, unique, or unusual elements are discussed separately, and generally we are able to accommodate these requests for a minimal charge.

Do we need to reserve a scattering service?

Yes - dates and times for scattering need to be prearranged. You can do this by calling "Marine Memorial Services" toll free at 1-866-9477282 or e-mail ryanknight@marinememorialservices.com

Can I revisit the scattering site?

Yes - we provide two methods for revisiting the site: firstly, you will receive the exact coordinates of the scattering, and using a GPS you will be able to return to the site; secondly, we attempt to scatter ashes in areas that can be conveniently view from shore, in this way the family may gather on shore to view the site of the burial of their loved one.

Do you provide a service for the scattering of pet cremations?

Yes - this service is usually unaccompanied, and preformed at a convenient time and place, after the ashes have been received in the mail. The cost for this service is $75

What facilities do you have on board, can we walk around on the boat?

There are full facilities on board our vessel, and rests rooms on all of the vessels we might arrange for you. We insure that you have the use of the best vessel for your unique and particular needs. In this regard we have access to a wide range of vessels from a small 26’ sail boat with sitting for four... to a large motor yacht with sitting for 250. To learn more about the vessels for our accompanied service contract us with the number, age, and any health issues of your expected guests.

Is sea sickness a problem?

In almost all cases of accompanied scatterings we choose days with calm to light winds. However, if you are inclined to motion sickness we recommend you take anti-motion sickness medication at the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.

What should I wear?

The temperature of the air on the water can be cool in the wind, and quite warm if it is fair and calm. So wear warm clothes that will break the wind, and that you can shed if it becomes too warm. Have something to cover your head and wear non-skid shoes; a pair of sunglasses is also recommended.

What kind of documentation is needed for the scattering the ashes?

We need a signed authorization form; in this document you give us permission and directions as to the scattering. This form will be signed by you at the time of pick-up, sent to you e-mail or through the postal service. We also need a release form signed by you if the ashes need to picked up at a funeral home or crematorium. This form gives us the authority to pick-up the cremated remains on your behalf. Further to this we require a copy of the death certificate.

Do you have an economy service?

Yes - the costs of services related to dying are rising... often quotes for traditional funeral services will be several thousands of dollars, without the interment. For families on a tight budget we offer a very basic unattended scattering service. We receive the ashes in the mail and scatter the ashes at our convenience within 30 days of receiving them. The coordinates of the scattering will be sent to the family with the Certificate of Burial at Sea. The cost of this service is $185; any additional requests to this basic service can be added to the cost, allowing you to adjust our services to your budget.

How far off shore does the scattering take place?

In Canada there are no laws (at this time) regarding distance off shore for scattering. However, the dispersion will take place far enough off shore to ensure that wind and tides do not cause the ashes to wash up on shore or rest in shallow water.

How long does it take to get to the scattering site?

This will depend on the speed of the chosen vessel, the location of the scattering, and the point of departure; however, generally the time needed to reach the site of scattering is 20 to 40 minutes.

How is payment made?

Payment can be made using a money order, a cashier's check, or a personal check made out to Marine Memorial Services. We do not take credit cards and discourage sending cash in the mail.

How will I know when and where the scattering took place?

After the scattering has been completed you will receive a phone call from Reverend (Capt.) Knight informing you of the completion of the service; and within twelve days you will receive a packet which will have a "Certificate of Burial at Sea", recording the time and coordinates of the scattering, a photograph of remembrance, and a copy of the committal service.

What is a committal service?

The committal service contains the actions and words spoken as the ashes are scattered. They are symbolic, and are expressions of meaning in the celebration of the life of the deceased. These elements of committal can be religious or non-religious, and are of your choosing. They may be readings, music, individual sharing, or prayers. The elements of the committal service will be discussed with you personally in order to meet the needs and special wishes of your family.

My loved one died some time ago. Is this a problem?

No - Many people keep the cremated remains of a loved one for some time, before feeling the need to make a decision as to their ultimate resting place. This is very common and there is no reason to feel guilty or bad about postponing your decision until you feel the timing, place, and means are right for you, and respectful of your loved one.

I wish to provide flowers... is there anything I need to know?

For some it is meaningful to toss "cut flowers" into the sea as the scattering takes place. Wreaths are also common; but these must be biodegradable, without plastic or Styrofoam.

What locations are available for your services?

At the present time we serve the lower mainland out of Vancouver, South and Central Vancouver Island out of Victoria and Nanaimo, and the Gulf Islands. The British Columbia coast is profoundly beautiful and there are many sites in your area that provide a natural memorial to your loved one.

How do I mail cremated remains to you?

On this website there is a special page with instructions on how to send cremated remains through Canada Post. If you need more information contact us toll free at 1-866-947-7282 or e-mail us at:
ryanknight@marinememorialservices.com