What Happens During a Burial at Sea Ceremony?
A burial at sea ceremony looks different depending on whether you hire a private company or have the Navy provide you with the service. Here is what you can expect.
For civilians:
If you hire a private company, you have a lot of say over what happens during the burial at sea. In general, package pricing starts by providing you with an hour total, 30 minutes of which is generally reserved for the ceremony out at sea. If you want more time for the ceremony, most companies offer upgrades in 30-minute increments.
The following is what you can expect if you’re conducting your loved one’s burial at sea with a private company. Keep in mind that these are general guidelines. As with funerals on land, you usually have the option to mix, match, or change most elements. For full-body burials, the body is typically present during the ceremony.
For military veterans:
Before we get into the particulars about the ceremony, it’s important to note that all burials at sea performed by the Navy are done while the ship is deployed. This means that family and friends cannot be present for the burial. The captain will send a letter to the family specifying the date, time, and location of the committal ceremony once it has been completed.
If you have a loved one who served in the military and wants a burial at sea, but you and your family want to be present, hire a private company to conduct the ceremony instead of requesting burial through the military.
How Do You Request a Burial at Sea?
As with any funeral process, several steps need to be taken to ensure necessary permission is granted for civilian or Navy veteran burials at sea.
For Civilians:
If you’re planning to hire a private company, you can get in contact with the company to start the process. You will need to specify the date and location you desire to start. Eventually, you’ll need to coordinate proceedings with the company and the funeral home where your loved one is kept. The company will furnish all necessary documents and permits for the burial to take place.
For Military Veterans:
You’ll need to follow these steps to ensure you request a burial through the proper channels.
Contact the Navy and Marine Corps Mortuary Affairs Office. This is your first step. Call the office at 1-866-787-0081 for up-to-date information regarding the process.
Send supporting documents to the Mortuary Affairs OfficeIn addition to any other paperwork requested at the time of your phone call, expect to submit the following:
HIRE CHAPLAIN JOE BY CALLING 951-757-5875
A burial at sea ceremony looks different depending on whether you hire a private company or have the Navy provide you with the service. Here is what you can expect.
For civilians:
If you hire a private company, you have a lot of say over what happens during the burial at sea. In general, package pricing starts by providing you with an hour total, 30 minutes of which is generally reserved for the ceremony out at sea. If you want more time for the ceremony, most companies offer upgrades in 30-minute increments.
The following is what you can expect if you’re conducting your loved one’s burial at sea with a private company. Keep in mind that these are general guidelines. As with funerals on land, you usually have the option to mix, match, or change most elements. For full-body burials, the body is typically present during the ceremony.
- Speech or message: Chaplain Joe can give a brief eulogy about the deceased.
- Sharing: A time of sharing can provide those in attendance an opportunity to share a special memory or tribute about their loved one.
- Special music: Special music can be played live or via the boat’s intercom system or via Bluetooth speaker. Many families choose a special song or invite Bagpiper Darrell to play.
- Video tribute: If families would like to play a video tribute, they can do so in the cabin before the committal. (some vessels have this option)
- Committing the body to sea: Chaplain Joe, the captain and a crew member will commit the body to the sea.
- Laying of a wreath or rose petals: This is optional, but many families appreciate the symbolism of laying a wreath or scattering rose petals on the water’s surface after the body has been committed.
- Final words or prayer: A member of the family or Chaplain Joe will offer a final prayer or a few words about the deceased.
For military veterans:
Before we get into the particulars about the ceremony, it’s important to note that all burials at sea performed by the Navy are done while the ship is deployed. This means that family and friends cannot be present for the burial. The captain will send a letter to the family specifying the date, time, and location of the committal ceremony once it has been completed.
If you have a loved one who served in the military and wants a burial at sea, but you and your family want to be present, hire a private company to conduct the ceremony instead of requesting burial through the military.
- Stationing: At the start of the ceremony, the firing squad, casket bearers, and bugler are all stationed.
- Officer’s Call: The ship is stopped, and a call is given for “all hands bury the dead.” The ship’s colors are lowered to half-mast.
- Assembly and Call to Attention: The ship’s crew is assembled for the service and called to attention.
- Scripture reading: Scripture is read by the chaplain while attendees stand in parade rest.
- Prayer: The Chaplain offers a prayer for the deceased and their family while the assembled bow their heads.
- Committal: The body is committed to the sea while the attendees stand at attention and salute.
- Benediction: A benediction is offered while those assembled bow their heads.
- Gun Salute: Three volleys are fired while the attendees stand at attention and salute.
- Taps: As with other military funerals, Taps is played by a bugler signifying the end of a person’s service and their being laid to rest.
- Encasing of the flag: The flag is folded and presented to the commanding officer. If the family provided the flag, the military will return it to them along with a letter from the captain with details about the committal ceremony.
How Do You Request a Burial at Sea?
As with any funeral process, several steps need to be taken to ensure necessary permission is granted for civilian or Navy veteran burials at sea.
For Civilians:
If you’re planning to hire a private company, you can get in contact with the company to start the process. You will need to specify the date and location you desire to start. Eventually, you’ll need to coordinate proceedings with the company and the funeral home where your loved one is kept. The company will furnish all necessary documents and permits for the burial to take place.
For Military Veterans:
You’ll need to follow these steps to ensure you request a burial through the proper channels.
Contact the Navy and Marine Corps Mortuary Affairs Office. This is your first step. Call the office at 1-866-787-0081 for up-to-date information regarding the process.
Send supporting documents to the Mortuary Affairs OfficeIn addition to any other paperwork requested at the time of your phone call, expect to submit the following:
- Death certificate copy
- Burial transit permit or cremation certificate
- Copy of DD Form 214, retirement order, or discharge certificate
- Burial at Sea Request Form
HIRE CHAPLAIN JOE BY CALLING 951-757-5875
