Can I be buried at Sea in Australia?

Living in a "Land Girt by Sea" results in many Australians developing a deep connection to our oceans and water ways. In fact, according to government statistics, more than 85% of Australian people live within 50 km of the sea. It is a logical progression then, for many folk with a lifetime passion for fishing or surfing or water sport or a myriad of other joyful pursuits associated with the water to consider a burial at sea for themselves or someone they love once their time of this earth is done.

Is a sea burial a viable option?

lyA traditional burial at sea is fraught with red tape and permission begging, I mean seeking. Application must be made for a "Sea Dumping Permit" under the Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981. This requires permission not only from the Commonwealth Government but also from the State Government in many cases and most certainly is NOT granted to everyone. Generally only Naval personnel or people with a proven long history of being a professional fisherman or woman are granted permits. So in planning a funeral there is great risk of a bureaucratic failure.
Is there an alternative? No permissions are required to place cremation ashes into Australian waters. Assuming cremation does not go against the wishes of the departed then you have 3 choices.

1. Sprinkle ashes directly into the water.
2. Use a biodegradable, usually papier-mâché, urn that floats for a while then sinks into the depths.
3. Use an ecofriendly, specially developed extremely long lived Underwater Urn that becomes part of and enhances the underwater environment.

Reasons for choosing an Underwater Urn

• The urn is completely inert and better than ecofriendly
• Urns are designed to not only house cremains but to provide shelter for sea creatures and anchor points for coral.
• Over time urns become FADs (fish attracting devices) and enhance the environment and help to grow and strengthen the reef.
• Underwater urns are literally turned to stone and will last up to 3000 years in the marine environment.
• Families and friends have a geographical place to go to visit, talk to and remember their love one. You can even go see the urn and watch it integrate into the environment over time.
• Underwater Urns are a lot more cost effective than a coffin.
  

As a ceramic artist, I developed this urn after a childhood friend was buried at sea. I mourned his death and was particularly sad that I did not know where he was and could not visit. I wondered if other people felt the same and vowed to give everyone the choice to have a cremation urn that actually improved the environment while giving comfort to those of us left behind.

Undersea Urn

A$600.00

Sold out

33cm tall
26cm wide
Over 5 Litre capacity
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This urn can made to order with 50% deposit required.
Contact us to discuss.

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Underwater Anchor Style Urn

A$600.00

30cm tall

30cm wide

Over 5 Litre capacity

This is the actual urn for purchase. 

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Undersea Urn - Coral

A$600.00

Sold out

37cm tall

32cm wide

Over 5 Litre capacity

Weight 6kg

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Author

​Rae Delai is an Australian small business owner of White Lily Urns and specializes in custom artisan ceramic funerary art. She has 30 plus years experience as a critical care and palliative care nurse which means she is very comfortable discussing all aspects of death, dying and grief.