Solent Sea Burials

Burial at Sea regulations

Solent Sea Burials undertakes gaining official licences to undertake full sea burials by applying direct to The Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.

The licensing authority recognises that burial at sea is a long established tradition, particularly for those who have been associated with the sea. It does, nevertheless, have responsibility for applying FEPA licence controls to the burial at sea of human remains, which it endeavours to exercise in a sympathetic and respectful manner.

Where burial at the designated burial area off the Needles in the Solent or Newhaven, such licences will include the date and the location at which burial must take place and other conditions, including specifications of the materials and design of the coffin which should be used.

Amongst other information, the application will need to include a certificate from the appropriate medical practitioner.

Solent Sea Burials will help and advise you with the necessary arrangements. As a guide approximately 20 full sea burials are performed each year and we can help you PRIOR if this is your wish. We often speak to people in advance where it is important to "Put things in place". Call us to discuss. We also deal direct with solicitors and families through this maze when often these wishes are first found out when the will is read.