Alternative interment arrangements, such as burial at sea, are generally handled by specialized service providers. Oftentimes, Funeral Directors have relationships with these organizations and are able to contract their services for you.
The most common method of burial at sea is a scattering of cremated remains. Whole body burials are possible but they are more involved due, in part, to regulations requiring them to be done at a specific depth of the sea and the need for a specially prepared casket that will descend to the ocean floor. The service providers that specialize in burial at sea are familiar with the various federal and state laws and will handle all governmental reporting requirements.
The Department of the Navy offers free burial at sea services for veterans and their families subject to certain restrictions.
Cryogenics (i.e., freezing the body) is another alternative method of final arrangements.
See related topics:
Cremation
Preparation of Deceased
Embalming
DNA Sampling
Autopsy
