American flag flying from a burial-at-sea vessel on the Atlantic Ocean at sunset.

A final resting place

BURIAL AT SEA

How to arrange a respectful burial at sea from anywhere in the United States.

Point Lookout, New York 40.5853° N  73.6581° W
Atlantic Ocean Long Island Waters
Attended Or unattended
Nationwide Arrangements

The process

A clear and simple process

We help families arrange a meaningful and respectful burial at sea, whether you plan to attend in person or wish to have the service conducted on your behalf. John speaks personally with each family and guides you through every step.

01

Speak with John

Discuss the process, ask questions, and share the wishes/requirements for the service.

02

Prepare the service

Include readings, prayers, letters, or specific instructions you would like honored.

03

Transfer of remains

Arrange delivery in person or by shipment according to the required procedure.

04

Ceremony at sea

The service is conducted with care, dignity, and attention to your instructions.

05

Receive documentation

A framable certificate records the date and coordinates. A recording may also be arranged.

Captain John Clinton at the helm of a burial-at-sea vessel on the Atlantic Ocean.

Captain John Clinton

Experience.
Responsibility.
Personal Service.

U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain
Former Nassau County Detective
More than 20 years conducting burials at sea

Families speak directly with John. He explains the process, answers questions, reviews any readings or instructions for the ceremony, and oversees the remains from receipt through the burial at sea.

About John
Close-up of a polished brass compass in a wooden wheelhouse.

“You took care of every detail and made a difficult time so easy for us to be part of.”

Jeanette June 2014

The ceremony

A service that
reflects the person

Each ceremony is personal. Families may include their own words, religious readings, prayers, or other elements that are meaningful to them. John has experience in conducting services for veterans, as well as Hindu and Sikh ceremonies, and will work with you to honor your loved one’s wishes.

Veterans burial at sea memorial display with folded American flag, flowers, urn, and service member photograph.

Veterans services

We can arrange a burial at sea for veterans, with the service adapted to recognize military service and the wishes of the family.

Family preparing flowers for a Hindu or Sikh burial-at-sea ceremony aboard a vessel.

Hindu & Sikh services

Families may arrange services that respect Hindu or Sikh traditions and include prayers and ceremonial elements.

Family gathered on deck during a burial-at-sea ceremony as flower petals are released into the ocean.

Personal & religious ceremonies

You may provide religious passages, prayers, letters, poetry, or other words you would like read at sea. The ceremony can be recorded.

Sample Ocean Sea Burials certificate displayed on a nautical chart.

A permanent record

A Certificate
with Coordinates

After the burial at sea, the family receives a framable certificate documenting the service, including the date and the latitude and longitude where it took place. It provides a permanent record of the exact location at sea where your loved one was committed.

View a sample certificate

Frequently asked questions

Practical answers for families

If you are beginning with the simple idea that you would like a burial at sea, the purpose of this page is to make the process easier to understand. John is available to explain the details and answer questions directly.

Can I arrange a burial at sea if I live outside New York?

Yes. Families from anywhere in the United States may arrange a burial at sea through Ocean Sea Burials. John will explain how the process works and what steps are required.

Can family members attend the service?

Yes. Attended and unattended arrangements are both available. Some families prefer to be present on the water, while others prefer to have the service carried out on their behalf.

Can cremated remains be shipped for the service?

Yes. If you are not local, John can explain what is required and how cremated remains may be shipped or delivered for the service.

Can the ceremony include prayers, readings, or letters?

Yes. Religious passages, pre-designated letters, prayers, poetry, or personal remarks may be included as part of the ceremony, according to your wishes.

What documentation do we receive after the burial at sea?

Families receive a framable certificate documenting the service, including the date and the latitude and longitude of the burial location. Recording the ceremony may also be arranged.

How do I get started?

The simplest first step is to speak directly with John Clinton. He will explain the process, answer questions, and help you decide what arrangements are appropriate.

Lady Josephine burial at sea vessel underway on the Atlantic Ocean.
Burial-at-sea vessel underway in choppy Atlantic waters.
Burial at sea vessel traveling across the Atlantic Ocean at sunset.

Speak with John

Start with a conversation

If you are considering a burial at sea and want to understand the options, John will speak with you personally to explain the process and answer any questions you may have.

Ocean Sea Burials
Point Lookout, Long Island, New York 11569
516-369-0032