At Candour we have always believed that a farewell should reflect the life, values and personality of the person it honours. In more than a decade of serving families we have arranged ceremonies in vineyards, back‑yards, theatres and beaches yet until recently we had never been asked to arrange a full‑body burial at sea.
What began as a quiet conversation with a family in December became a four‑month odyssey of research, paperwork, community collaboration and, ultimately, a moving voyage 120 kilometres off the Victorian coast. We share the full story below so that other families, sailors, ocean‑lovers and eco‑conscious individuals can see that sea burial is a genuine, environmentally responsible option – provided it is planned well in advance and documented correctly.
1. What is a Full‑Body Burial at Sea?
- A full‑body sea burial involves the direct committal of an unembalmed body, wrapped in a natural shroud and weighted, into ocean waters deeper than 3,000 metres.
- It differs from scattering cremated remains, which can usually be performed close to shore without a permit.
- In Australia the practice is legal under the Environment Protection Act 1981. Permits are issued by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
- Contrary to popular belief, it is not reserved for Navy personnel. Any person may choose this option provided their wish is formally recorded.
2. Legal Requirements – Step by Step
Below are the seven conditions the federal Sea‑Dumping Section requires before a burial at sea can proceed, along with the way we met each one at Candour:
- Written proof of the deceased’s wish
• Why it matters: A federal permit will not be granted on next‑of‑kin authority alone.
• How we met it: The family supplied a signed statement several months prior to the passing. - No mortuary chemicals
• Why it matters: Embalming fluids can harm marine ecosystems.
• How we met it: We provided natural care - bathing, washing and dressing - with no embalming. - Biodegradable shroud
• Why it matters: Ensures only natural fibres enter the ocean.
• How we met it: Custom linen shroud sewn closed with cotton thread, with discreet slits to release air bubbles during descent. - Sufficient ballast
• Why it matters: Guarantees rapid descent and permanent submersion.
• How we met it: 125 kg of iron weights secured along the back of the body. - Depth greater than 3,000 m
• Why it matters: Eliminates any chance of re‑emergence.
• How we met it: We selected coordinates on the continental shelf south-west of Portland, Victoria. - Weather window within 30 days of permit
• Why it matters: Protects the safety of family and crew.
• How we met it: We monitored conditions daily and sailed at the first safe opportunity. - Extended‑range vessel permit
• Why it matters: The burial site lay 46 nautical miles beyond standard charter limits.
• How we met it: Our captain lodged and obtained approval from AMSA.
4. Preparing the Person – Dignity Without Chemicals
Because the permit prohibits embalming, our care team focused on gentle, natural preparation:
- Warm water bathing with plant‑based soap.
- Hair brushed, beard trimmed (at family request).
- Body anointed with a small amount of native‑flora essential oil.
- Wrapped in a double‑layer linen shroud (unbleached, undyed).
- Five iron weights (25 kg each) lashed along the spine.
- Custom blanket embroidered with the person’s initials placed over the shroud for transfer and family viewing.
5. The Voyage Itself – A First‑Hand Account
Departure Day
We arrived at the wharf under a salmon‑pink sunrise, greeted by the skipper and deckhand. The vessel, originally built for Cray fishing but now chartered for eco tours, had been adapted with an elevated cradle at the stern to receive the shroud‑bearer.
On‑Board Comfort
- Catering: breakfast boxes (croissant, mini quiche, fruit, juice) served after casting off; lunch packs (roast‑chicken salad, ANZAC biscuit) on the return leg.
- Well‑being: seasickness tablets offered; ginger lollies and electrolytes on hand; sunscreen and spare jackets available.
- Reflection space: a small table inside the cabin held photographs, a candle (unlit for safety) and the biodegradable message papers filled out at the family dinner the night before.
Wildlife Encounters
Roughly 90 kilometres from shore two pods of short‑beaked common dolphins took turns surfing the bow wave, staying with us for almost fifteen minutes. A solitary wandering albatross shadowed the vessel for part of the journey, its three‑metre wingspan drawing gasps.
Watch the Journey:
We invite you to view a short video capturing moments from the voyage - the endless horizon, the wildlife encounters, and the serene atmosphere as we journeyed far beyond the shoreline.
The Committal
At the coordinates verified by the permit the engines were throttled back to an idle. The sea surface was miraculously glassy. With three family members and two Candour staff, the shroud‑bearer was slid until the feet cleared the transom. The head end was gently raised and, aided by gravity and ballast, the body entered the water silently, feet‑first, disappearing within seconds.
Rituals & Farewell
- A bouquet of native flowers (gum, banksia, leucadendron) bound with vine, not wire, was laid on the surface.
- Single roses were placed by each family member, honouring their personal connection, while scattered rose petals symbolised the many lives the deceased had touched throughout their lifetime.
- Hand‑written letters on biodegradable paper were released.
- The captain completed a slow 360‑degree guard‑of‑honour, allowing quiet contemplation.
Return & Community
Weather shifted on the way back, wind building to 15 knots, yet spirits were high. Conversation alternated between shared memories and awed silence at the scale of the ocean. Back at Portland wharf local fishers who had heard of the voyage greeted the family; that evening twenty relatives and crew shared a communal meal, cementing a sense of accomplishment and support.
6. Lessons Learned – Advice for Future Sea Burials
- Document your wish early – include it in your will and tell your family.
- Engage a funeral home experienced in sustainable practices – many standard suppliers (coffins, chemicals) cannot be used.
- Build in flexibility (aim for 2–4 weeks) – the federal permit can arrive in up to four business days, but the actual committal day is chosen by the ocean. Expect to track forecasts daily and be prepared to sail as soon as a safe weather window opens.
- Prepare for travel – Portland is a five‑hour drive from Melbourne; accommodation may be required.
- Think about seasickness – even calm days involve swell; medication and ginger help.
- Keep the group small – charter capacity, safety and comfort favour intimate gatherings; larger ceremonies can be held on land beforehand.
- Choose environmentally safe materials – iron, hemp, linen, natural flowers, no plastics.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a full‑body sea burial cost?
Costs for a full-body sea burial typically start from AUD $35,000 upwards.
This reflects the many specialised components involved: securing a federal sea-dumping permit, engaging a charter vessel capable of extended offshore travel, arranging a full day’s operation at sea, sourcing biodegradable shrouds and environmentally safe weighting systems, and providing dedicated funeral staff to travel and be present throughout the journey.
Can we combine cremation and sea burial?
Yes. Some families hold a traditional funeral on land, cremate, and later scatter ashes at sea without a permit.
Is it possible from other Australian states?
Yes, but the distance to 3,000 m depth differs. Queensland and Tasmania have shorter runs; NSW and SA require longer.
What happens if the weather stays rough for 30 days?
An extension can be requested, but it is better to apply for the permit when a favourable window is forecast.
Will marine life disturb the site? The rapid descent, extreme depth (well beyond 3 000 metres) and secure weighting ensure the body settles far below the photic zone, where light ‑ and therefore most scavenging species ‑ cannot reach. Scientific observations of deep‑sea burials show that remains at these depths gradually integrate into the seabed without resurfacing or attracting large predators. In short, the surrounding marine ecosystem is respected and the resting place remains undisturbed.
Planning Ahead or Learning More
If the peace and symbolism of a full‑body sea burial speaks to you, we encourage you to reach out early. Candour’s experienced team can help you:
- Record your wishes formally so they meet federal permit requirements.
- Map out the logistics well in advance, from suitable charter vessels to sustainable materials.
- Create a personalised, environmentally conscious ceremony that truly reflects your life and values.
Whether you are pre‑planning for yourself or arranging a farewell for a loved one, we are here to guide you through every step with clarity and compassion.
Contact us at Candour on 1300 788 881 or send us an online enquiry to begin a no-obligation conversation about this remarkable farewell option.
