Scattering a loved ones cremated remains at sea has become a common alternative to other forms of interment for many families. People who love the sea often ask that their ashes be scattered there.  The reasons are good, and may include: wishes of the deceased, affordability, love of the sea or in our case, the Great Lakes (Sweetwater Seas).  There are several other frequently cited reasons for selecting burial at sea for the final disposition of cremated remains.

The ceremony will be arranged with the Funeral Director. The family may conduct whatever type of memorial service they feel appropriate.  The Funeral Director may conduct a brief ceremony, music can be played, individual personal memories may be expressed, or other reflections on the deceased may be expressed informally by the attendees.

Attendees may toss real flowers (not artificial) overboard at the dispersal site.  The Captain, upon leaving the dispersal site, will make two turns around the area, which may include flowers, as a recognition of the deceased, so “farewells” may be rendered, and then proceed to home port.

The Captain will record the precise Global Position System (GPS) coordinates where disposition took place, and they will be provided to the Funeral Director or the family.  This will enable loved ones to “revisit” the precise location of original disposition.

Rates will vary in relation to the service.  When a Funeral Home is involved, all rates will be quoted by them i.e. Walker Funeral Homes. 

Unattended, trouble-free cremated remains disposal. This is a beautiful service.

If the family does not wish to involve a professional Funeral Home, NorthStar Charters LLC will conduct the scattering with a maximum of four persons on board.  The Captain and crew will conduct the scattering in a dignified and respectful manner. 

The four or fewer family/friends will accompany their loved one’s cremains to the dispersal site. The guests on board may pay their last respects with comments and prayers. We can provide digital photos and/or flowers for a nominal additional fee.  You will receive the time, date and GPS location of the scattering.  Some wish to revisit the site in the future. Please call us for quotes.

Funeral Homes - Attended

NorthStar Charters LLC has been engaged by Walker Funeral Homes to conduct these ‘burials’ for individuals.  NorthStar Charters LLC is the exclusive partner with Walker Funeral Homes in Ottawa and Lucas counties.

NorthStar Charters LLC will serve other Funeral Homes in neighboring counties with the same quality and safe service.  Simply contact us.

Individuals (through funeral homes) - Attended

If an individual family, from any location in Ohio wishes our service, we will arrange for them to speak with the closest Walker Funeral Home (or local Funeral Home provided that Funeral Home is partnering with us for their area) for complete and professional service.  We will be the ‘instrument’ to respectfully bury their loved one at sea. On all Sea Burials, the maximum family/friends are six.  Funeral Home personal may act as crew.

Revisits of previous scatterings are possible too, provided the proper coordinates are provided.

If you wish to revisit the original dispersal site, simple contact us for arrangements.  We will take you to the site, where you may scatter flower petals or wreaths (only real ones) in remembrance. For this service no funeral home will be involved. Maximum is six persons plus crew.

Your Choices again:

1. Attended:  Usually means conducted by a Funeral Home.  All arrangements will be made with the funeral home.  The exact coordinates will be noted in case a revisit is desired.  A maximum of six persons plus crew will be on board.
2. Unattended: A maximum of four family or friends may accompany the cremains aboard the vessel to the dispersal site.  The Captain and crew will conduct the scattering privately in a dignified and respectful manner.
3. Revisit Dispersal Site: You may revisit the exact site of the original ash dispersal by providing the Captain the coordinates of the disposition site. A maximum of six persons plus crew will be allowed aboard the vessel.

This is the closing of the circle.
It is a celebration of the spirit.
Rejoice in the spirit on the Sweetwater’s of a Great Lake. 
We will do all possible to help to make your experience a fond memory for a lifetime.

We are honored to be a part of that memory!