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609-536-9159
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900 Ocean Drive, Avalon NJ
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Primary Port (Avalon, NJ):
Most of our voyages depart from:
Commodore Bay Marina
900 Ocean Dr, Avalon, NJ 08202
This full-service facility offers easy access and
a comfortable starting point for your journey.
Secondary Pickup (Sea Isle City, NJ):
By special arrangement, we also offer departures from the 90th Street Bay Access in Sea Isle City, NJ.
Arrival Instructions:
We ask that all guests arrive at the dock 15 minutes prior to our scheduled departure to allow for a relaxed boarding process and a brief safety orientation.
Choosing a final resting place is a deeply personal decision. As both your Captain and your Officiant, my goal is to ensure this experience is seamless and peaceful. To help craft a meaningful experience that honors your loved one's life and legacy, we will ask you to share a few details. These questions will help us coordinate the logistics, safety, and spiritual tone of our time on the water.
Your Loved One's Information:
Full Name
Dates of Birth and Passing.
A brief 'Life Story', Passions, or Hobbies, etc.
Guest Logistics:
We have various boat sizes available to accommodate your group; please let us know the total number of guests, including a breakdown of adults and children. Additionally, please mention any mobility or accessibility needs so we can ensure the best boarding experience for everyone.
Date for the Scattering:
Safety at sea is our primary concern.
If sea conditions or inclement weather prevent us from leaving the dock, we will work with you to reschedule for the next available opening.
If you are spending time at the shore over a vacation, consider scheduling your ceremony at the start or midway point, to allow optional times to be rescheduled if needed.
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Preferred time of day (Sunrise, Mid-day, or Sunset)
We are able to accommodate various times of day.
In the Morning (8 am - 10 am) the ocean is typically at its calmest,
and wind speeds are generally lower, allowing for a more peaceful ceremony.
Ceremony Location:
In accordance with federal EPA regulations, all ceremonies take place at least 3 nautical miles (3.5 road miles) offshore; you may provide a meaningful landmark or coordinates. We also have a bell buoy in the area that serves as a helpful landmark for families wishing to return to the site on future trips.
Ceremony Style:
It is my honor to facilitate a service that recognizes the ocean as a meaningful final resting place for your loved one. Whether you prefer a traditional religious ceremony, a spiritual non-denominational tribute, or a secular service with no mention of faith, I am committed to honoring your preferences. Please let me know how you would like to handle the following details:
Ambiance:
Our vessels are each equipped with a Bluetooth sound system, and you are more than welcome to connect your own device to play songs that hold special meaning for your family. If you prefer, I can provide a selection of respectful music for you to choose from to set a peaceful atmosphere during the scattering ceremony.
Readings & Tributes:
The words spoken during a farewell are deeply personal. We want to support your family in whatever way feels most meaningful to you.
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Your Own Selection: You are more than welcome to bring your own poems, passages, or scripture to read.
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The Captain’s Library: If you are looking for inspiration, we maintain a small library of committal resources, including maritime poems, classic passages, and texts from various faiths and traditions. You are welcome to browse these to find the right words for your service.
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Leading the Service:
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If you or a family member would like to lead the reading, we will provide a quiet, steady moment for you to do so.
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If you would prefer the Captain to perform the reading or short service on your behalf, I would be honored to do so.
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Alternatively, some families choose to have a few moments of silent reflection to the sound of the waves with no formalities.
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The Committal Service:
Once we reach the designated location, the Captain will record the exact Latitude and Longitude coordinates for the federal EPA report. We will then allow the vessel to settle naturally with the wind and current to create a peaceful, steady environment for the service.
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The Wind & Sea: Since we will be in the open Atlantic, we recommend keeping ashes in their container until the exact moment of scattering to prevent them from being caught by the wind.
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Visual Guide: Before the ceremony begins, a member of your group will be invited to cast dried flowers (provided by us) into the water. This allows everyone to see exactly how the breeze and current will carry your loved one’s ashes, ensuring the release is as graceful as possible.
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Respectful Dispersement: We provide latex gloves and scoops to ensure a clean and dignified dispersement. For your convenience, we also have handi-wipes and sanitizer available on board.
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Floral Tributes: Guests are encouraged to bring fresh or dried flowers to sprinkle alongside the ashes. Please ensure all floral tributes are 100% biodegradable (stemless flowers or loose petals work best).
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Messages to the Sea: As a special tribute, we provide natural sea shells and permanent markers. Family and friends can write a brief personal message or name on a shell and drop it into the water at the site—a lasting way to say goodbye.
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Biodegradable Urns: If you prefer, floatable biodegradable urns are a beautiful option for a gradual and serene release into the deep.
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Certificate: Family members and friends will receive a decorative Burial at Sea Certificate.
To ensure your comfort and safety while we are out on the water, we recommend keeping the "nature of boating" in mind. The ocean environment is beautiful, but it requires a bit of unique preparation.
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Prepare for Temperature Shifts: Weather on the open ocean is dynamic and can fluctuate quickly. While it may be warm at the dock, the temperature can drop once the boat is in motion or as the sea breeze picks up. Conversely, the sun can feel quite intense when we are stationary. We recommend dressing in layers so you can easily adjust as the conditions change throughout the trip.
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The Sea Breeze: It is almost always breezy while underway. We recommend a ponytail holder for long hair and suggest ensuring hats are secured—they can blow off easily once we pick up speed.
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Sun Protection: The sun reflects off the water, making it much stronger than on land. We suggest sunscreen and sunglasses.
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Captain’s Tip: Polarized sunglasses are excellent for cutting through the glare, allowing you to see the flowers and the water more clearly.
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Staying Settled: If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking a preventative (such as Dramamine) about an hour before we leave the dock for the best results.
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Hydration & Insects: We provide complimentary bottled water for all guests. We also have bug spray available for our time at the dock, though the sea breeze usually keeps the insects away once we are out at sea.
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The Nature of Boating: When traveling by boat, there is always a chance of sea spray or mist. We recommend not bringing any items that you are worried about getting wet.
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Footwear: For your safety while boarding and moving about the vessel, please wear flat, non-slip shoes with a good grip (like sneakers or boat shoes).
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Colder Weather: If your service takes place during the cooler months, we provide fresh blankets to keep you warm and comfortable during the trip.