Burial at Sea
In cases where a request is made for burial at sea, there are
several requirements that must be met prior to the burial taking
place. In New Zealand, there are specifically designated areas off
the coast where sea burials can take place. These places are clear
of fishing grounds and, in some cases, have also been used as
ammunition dumps.
Permission must be sought from the local Coroner as well as
maritime authorities, and the casket must be prepared to specific
requirements. (It will need to be weighted with holes drilled
through the bottom to enable it to fill with water and sink.)
The costs of sea burial are much higher than normal due to the
need to have either an ocean-going vessel or helicopter to convey
the casket to the burial site. Charges will vary due to location
and your funeral director will advise accordingly.