Scattering of Cremated Ashes at Sea
Apart from scattering cremated ashes at Gardens of Remembrance, members of the public can choose to scatter cremated ashes at sea. At present, there are 3 designated areas in Hong Kong waters for the scattering of cremated ashes:
- East of Tap Mun;
- East of Tung Lung Chau; and
- South of West Lamma Channel.
For the scattering of cremated ashes in designated Hong Kong waters, members of the public may choose between the following two options:
- To use the free ferry service to scatter cremated ashes in the waters to the east of Tung Lung Chau or to the south of West Lamma Channel. Professional funeral directors will be on board to conduct the pre-set memorial ceremonies; or
- To contact licensed undertakers of burials for the arrangement of suitable sea scattering services and the hiring of private vessels for scattering cremated ashes at sea, which allows flexibility in arranging personalised ceremonies according to individual preferences and needs.
Application procedures for scattering cremated ashes at designated waters
Submit the following documents to a Cemeteries and Crematoria Office of the FEHD at least 10 days before the intended date of ash scattering:
- a completed "Application for Scattering of Cremated Ashes in Hong Kong Waters" (FEHB 198)
- the original of "Permit to Take Away Cremated Ashes" (FEHB 153) or "Certificate of Cremation"
- a copy of the Hong Kong identity document of the deceased
- the original identity document of the applicant
The FEHD will normally grant approval within 5 working days after receiving the application and the required documents.
For applicants using the free ferry service
they should arrive at the North Point (East) Ferry Pier on or before 8:30 a.m. on the day of ash scattering.
Click here to play the introduction video
For applicants using self-arranged vessels to scatter cremated ashes
They should use their self-hired vessels to scatter the cremated ashes at the date and time within the area of waters as approved.
Points to note
- The cremated ashes must be scattered at sea in accordance with the approved date, time and location.
- Apart from the cremated ashes of the deceased approved for scattering and a small amount of fresh flower petals*, no food, ritual offerings or any other objects are allowed to be thrown into the sea.
- All relevant ordinances and regulations of Hong Kong should be observed when scattering cremated ashes at sea.
- The scattering of cremated ashes should be conducted by the approved persons or their authorised persons on board.
- In case other vessels are present within the ash scattering area, the scattering of cremated ashes should be conducted away from the vessels.
- In case dolphins are present within the ash scattering area, the scattering of cremated ashes should be conducted after all dolphins have left.
* Approximately the amount of flower petals that can be held in a 250 ml container
- The trip may take 3 to 5 hours. If necessary, please take medication against sea sickness before boarding the vessel.
- Each successful applicant may bring along 10 persons to board the vessel (i.e. a total of 11 persons including the applicant). If there is a need to bring more persons to board the vessel, applicants may contact the FEHD for appropriate arrangement where situation permits.
- Participants are advised to keep safe custody of their personal belongings.
- Apart from the cremated ashes of the deceased, participants may scatter a small amount* of fresh flower petals into the sea.
- Each person may light three thin joss sticks, but should not burn candles or joss papers on board.
- No act or behaviour causing nuisance or obstruction to others is allowed on board.
- Participants must follow the guidance and instructions provided by the staff and service contractors of the FEHD.
- If the weather turns bad within two hours before the outbound trip, e.g. when the Hong Kong Observatory issues any Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal or the Red/Black Rainstorm Warning Signal, the day's trip will be cancelled.
* Approximately the amount of flower petals that can be held in a 250 ml container