What you should know about the costs of a burial at sea

‍

One Burial at sea can be a personal and dignified way to say goodbye to a loved one. However, the costs and legal requirements involved can sometimes seem somewhat complex. In Germany, there are clear regulations that must be observed, and pricing may vary depending on the provider and the chosen location. It is therefore essential to find out about the legal framework and financial aspects in advance in order to make a well-thought-out decision.

‍

In this article, we give you an overview of the most important factors that influence the costs of a burial at sea, as well as the relevant legal provisions.

What is a sea burial and why do you opt for it?

In the case of a Burial at sea A person's remains are handed over to the sea. This can be done either by scattering the ashes after cremation or by handing over a soluble urn to the sea. In Germany, burial at sea is becoming increasingly important, particularly for people who are looking for an alternative to traditional earth/cemetery burials.

‍

There are many different reasons why people choose this type of burial. Some feel connected to the sea culturally or spiritually, perhaps as a result of a family maritime tradition or personal experiences and stories that connect them to water. For others, the symbolism of returning to nature plays an important role — the sea represents the endless cycle of life and renewal.

‍

Ecological considerations also often play a role in the decision. Traditional burials often use materials that are not biodegradable and can pollute the environment. In comparison, burial at sea is often seen as a more environmentally friendly option.

The costs of a burial at sea

Basic costs

If you're considering a sea burial, you should consider some basic costs. The biggest post is usually the rental of the ship, which is needed to bring both the urn and the guests out to sea for the ceremonial burial. Depending on the size of the ship and number of participants, these costs can range from 800€ to 3,000€.

‍

Another important cost factor is the materials required for burial, such as a biodegradable urn that gradually dissolves in seawater. Such urns cost between 50€ and 500€ and must comply with German regulations, which require an environmentally friendly burial. The most common materials used to make these urns include:

‍

• salt: Often one of the cheaper options that dissolves quickly in water.
• paper: Lightweight and environmentally friendly, although prices can vary significantly depending on the artistic design.
• sand or clay: Special handcrafted urns made from these materials are more durable, but also often more expensive.

‍

There are also administrative and organizational costs, which can range between 200€ and 1,000€. These cover necessary steps, such as obtaining official permits from local health authorities and shipping authorities and coordinating the burial with the relevant authorities. These comparatively smaller fees are nevertheless essential to ensure that the ceremony is legally compliant and runs smoothly.

Regulatory Approval Fees

When planning a sea burial, you should consider the applicable legal permit fees. Sea burials are subject to control by maritime and environmental authorities, which ensure that all provisions of national laws are complied with. This includes a minimum distance from the coast (usually several nautical miles) and the use of special burial areas in the North and Baltic Seas.

‍

The costs for such permits vary regionally and range from 50€ to 200€. These fees cover the administrative processes necessary to ensure compliance with regulations to protect shipping and the marine environment.

Funeral ceremony costs

Burial at sea often entails additional costs for funeral services. Depending on the type of ceremony you want, these costs may vary.

‍

For the ceremony itself, it is possible that you want to hire a minister or someone else to guide you through the ceremony. The fees for this depend on the experience and requirements of the respective ceremony. It's a good idea to plan for these costs early if you want to hire someone to manage them.

‍

In addition to expenses for the clergyman, expenses for flowers or other decorations should also be considered. Whether you prefer a simple wreath or a more elaborate decoration, such elements can add a personal touch to the ceremony. The prices for floral arrangements depend on the type and size of the decoration.

‍

If you are also planning a memorial service on board or immediately before the burial at sea, you must also expect further organizational costs. These include, for example:

‍

• Rent a venue if the memorial service is separate from the burial at sea
• Costs for additional staff to support operations
• Provision of refreshments or catering for guests

logistics costs

When it comes to sea burials, several factors influence the overall costs, many of which are associated with transportation and organization.

‍

First, you should keep an eye on the transfer costs. If the deceased is not in the same city as the port of departure, there may be additional costs for transporting the deceased to the port. Prices can rise accordingly, particularly when it comes to longer distances between cities and ports or when special transport services are required.

‍

Once at port, there are additional costs, in particular for renting a boat or ship for burial. These consist of the following items:

‍

• Boat or ship rental (800 to 3,500€)
• Charges for the crew that operates the ship (200 to 500€)
• Fuel costs for the trip to the open sea (100 to 300€)

‍

There may also be costs for coordinating the funeral. Funeral homes or other service providers are often involved in the transfer and processing, which charge further fees. This includes administrative tasks, documents, and other organizational measures to ensure that the burial complies with local regulations.

Additional costs for sea burials

When planning a funeral at sea, it is important to keep an eye on additional costs that may arise in addition to the basic costs. These optional expenses may include specially designed memorials or additional services tailored to the ceremony.

‍

One point you should consider is the cost of memorial stones or plaques. Since there is no physical burial site at sea, many families choose to create a memorial on land to honor their loved ones. This option is not mandatory, but offers a permanent place of remembrance. The costs of building a memorial depend on various factors:

‍

• size: Smaller memorial stones or plaques are often in the range of €200 to €600, while larger and more eye-catching memorial sites can cost between €1,000 and €3,000 or more.
• Material: Commonly used materials such as limestone or sandstone start at around €300, while higher-quality materials such as granite or marble can cost between €800 and €2,500, depending on the quality and workmanship.
• Personalization: There is usually an additional cost for engraving names, dates or personal dedications. A simple engraving starts at around €100, while more complex designs or additional inscriptions, such as works of art, can raise the price to €500 or more.

‍

In addition, other optional services may influence overall costs:

‍

• Individually designed ceremonies, for example by a priest or a freelance speaker who presides over the funeral.
• Live music or music recordings played during the ceremony
• Catering for guests, either before or after the funeral.

Pension plans for sea burials

If you want to plan a sea burial in advance, a funeral provision contract is a sensible option. With such contracts, you can secure current prices for the most important services and thus prevent potential price increases in the future. This ensures that your relatives are not unexpectedly burdened with additional costs later on.

‍

Many of these contracts not only include essential services related to sea funerals, but also offer flexibility if you want to further personalize arrangements. For example, you often have the option of choosing a more elaborate urn or adding a memorial service on the ship. In this way, you can arrange the funeral individually according to your ideas and at the same time cover the main costs in advance.

conclusion

Sea burials are a sensible and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burials or cremations. However, due to specific regulations and the associated costs, they require careful planning. From the costs of chartering a ship to biodegradable urns to permit fees and additional services such as memorial services, it's important to be aware of the expenses involved. Depending on the design of the ceremony, the total costs can vary significantly, although aspects such as transfer and floral arrangements can also be important. With a funeral pension plan, the current prices can be secured so that relatives are spared financial surprises later on.

‍

By taking legal requirements and various options into account, you can plan a sea burial that meets both general requirements and personal wishes.

Memovida — your empathetic partner for funeral services

If you've recently lost a loved one, it's Memovida Helping you with advice and assistance. Our 24/7 service throughout Germany ensures that you receive optimal support during this difficult time. From organizing classic funerals to choosing the right location or ceremony — we take on every task, no matter how small. Of course, we are also available to help you plan a funeral at sea.

‍

At Memovida, you and your wellbeing are the only focus. We take care of the entire organization so that you have the space and time to fully concentrate on your grief and deal with it step by step. We'll be by your side as long as you need us.

FAQ

What are the usual costs for a funeral at sea?

The average cost of a funeral at sea is between 2,000€ and 5,000€. The exact price depends on various factors, such as the cost of the ship, which may vary depending on the type and duration of the ceremony, and the necessary regulatory approvals, which vary by region. The use of biodegradable urns, which are required by law, also has an influence on the price. Additional offerings such as catering, memorial services or floral arrangements can increase overall costs. In addition, the place of burial and the decision between a private or a communal burial at sea play a role in pricing.

Are there any additional fees for permits or services at a sea burial?

If you are planning a sea funeral, certain costs may not be included in the regular funeral package. For example, fees for regulatory approvals required to comply with environmental and maritime law regulations must often be paid separately. Additional fees may apply for official notarizations, special permits in protected areas or for documents required by local authorities. These costs may vary from region to region, so it is advisable to contact local authorities or your funeral home well in advance to get a full overview of all costs involved.

How do the costs of a sea burial compare with traditional types of burial?

If you compare the costs of the various types of burial, sea burials are generally cheaper than traditional onshore burials. One major reason for this is that burial at sea eliminates many of the expenses that would be incurred if buried in a cemetery in Germany. For example, there is no need to buy a grave plot or pay for a tomb. The running costs of caring for and maintaining a grave are also eliminated.

‍

Traditional funerals in Germany can be quite expensive due to the following factors in particular:

‍

• Buying a grave plot
• Costs for tombstones or other grave markers
• Regular fees for long-term care and maintenance

‍

Burial at sea, on the other hand, mainly involves costs for:

‍

• Renting a ship for burial
• Applying for necessary permits to comply with legal requirements
• Optional additional services, such as holding a ceremony or providing floral arrangements

‍

Since sea burials do not require land or require maintenance measures, they are often a cheaper alternative for families who are careful about the budget but still want to arrange a dignified farewell for their loved ones.

What types of memorial services can be included in the cost of a burial at sea?

You can arrange the farewell party entirely according to the wishes of the deceased or the ideas of the bereaved. Many providers of sea funerals offer various service options that can be individually integrated into the overall package.

‍

A frequently chosen option is a ceremony led by a clergyman. This can take place either on board the ship or, as desired, before departure. It is also possible to organize a religious or secular farewell service that includes prayers, texts or music to create an atmospheric and dignified atmosphere.

‍

The additional services often offered include:

‍

• Floral decorations, such as wreaths or garlands, which either adorn the ship or are later handed over to the sea.
• Special decorations that reflect the deceased's personality or beliefs
• Live stream or record the farewell party so that family and friends who can't be there can participate virtually.

‍

These individual options ensure that the burial at sea can be both dignified and personal.

Are there ongoing costs or considerations following a burial at sea?

After a burial at sea, there are usually no running costs. Unlike conventional burials, which often require fees for grave maintenance, a sea burial does not require regular maintenance of the resting place. After the funeral, there are therefore no longer any care costs.

‍

However, you can choose to spend money on memorial services or other forms of personal remembrance. Some families choose the following ways to honor their deceased loved ones:

‍

• Install a memorial plaque at a location such as a cemetery or a designated memorial.
• Regular memorial services, which may involve costs for the organization or travel of the family.

‍

If you want to visit the exact place of burial again, there may be costs for renting a boat. However, this decision is entirely up to you and depends on your individual wishes.

‍