From Concrete to Condo: How Ocean Cremation Urns™
Become Artificial Reef Habitats
Great Burial Reef® is authorized to permanently place the 600 pound urn in multiple U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean locations based on permits obtained from a variety of federal, state and local governmental agencies, and you can join us at sea and witness the ocean placement through our optional Family Witness Services.
Each Ocean Cremation Urn™ is gently lowered to the ocean floor (average depth is 35-50 feet) by our trained staff, and once safely placed, we record the date, time, depth and precise GPS coordinates of the urn’s final resting place in its federally-protected marine sanctuary. A Certificate of Ocean Placement is provided shortly thereafter, detailing the placement information; that same information is also transmitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a legal requirement. If you choose to participate, you can witness the ocean placement, which is always performed one at a time on the date and time of your choosing. The placement includes a personalized Dedication Ceremony, and is performed with all the dignity and respect families have come to expect from us over the years.
For the 60 pound Ocean Cremation Urn™, you may place it in any ocean of your choosing provided that you travel at least three nautical miles from shore. We recommend that you select a location with a depth of at least 30 feet to ensure that the urn will not be affected by marine traffic. Our Customer Care Center staff members are available at any time to help you choose a safe and legal placement location, and can provide simple placement instructions.
