Are sea burials permitted anywhere?

We’ve all seen emotional scenes in movies where loved ones scatter the ashes of their deceased relatives into the sea from a beach or a ship. In reality, this is not permitted just like that.

In Germany, sea burials may only take place in designated sea areas outside the three-mile zone in the North and Baltic Sea. These burial areas, located outside fishing and water sports zones, are designated by the Waterways and Shipping Authorities.

If the urn is to be interred outside German territorial waters (beyond the 12-mile zone), a permit from the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) is required, which is typically applied for by a funeral company (see BSH information leaflet (in German only)).

Burial at sea is only permitted with a marine urn that completely dissolves in seawater within three days. To ensure the urn sinks quickly to the bottom and does not float on the water’s surface, it is weighted with gravel, sand, or water.

The coordinates of the burial site, the personal details of the deceased, and the time of the burial are recorded in the logbook of the vessel from which the burial at sea takes place.

(last updated 06/2026)