Frequently Asked Questions
My funeral director or family member needs information about Twin Rocks Undersea Memorial NOW. How can I get it?
With burials at sea becoming more and more popular, we hear this question often. Have your funeral director contact us right now. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take your call. Simply call our toll free number 1-888-608-3707 or 503-355-2087.
How do I get cremated remains to Twin Rocks Undersea Memorial?
There are many options available. We can personally pick up cremated remains directly from your funeral home. We also accept cremated remains mailed through the US Postal Service. Please mail certified/registered, with a signed return. This assures you that we have received them. It is also possible your funeral director can deliver them personally to us. You must fill out an authorization form before mailing cremated remains to us or asking us to pick up or receive delivered cremated remains. Please call us to obtain the authorization forms. They can be emailed or faxed to you; however we must have the completed, original forms in hand before we can receive any cremated remains.
Why should I choose a burial at sea?
Many different societies/people have used burial at sea over thousands of years, for different reasons. The US Navy has a long tradition of burial at sea. There can be many reasons to choose a burial at sea; one of the most common in today’s times is that there is a real scarcity of land available for traditional cemeteries. The space that is available comes at a very high cost. More and more people are returning to the idea of burial at sea as a natural alternative, especially those that create a benefit to the earth, specifically Twin Rocks Undersea Memorial’s obelisk ocean monuments. Our uniquely shaped memorial monuments provide a habitat for sea life. We also find that most clients appreciate that their loved one’s remains are not just ‘scattered’ into the ocean, but instead are permanently placed in peaceful rest under the waves.
Many famous persons have chosen a burial at sea. Here are just a few: John F. Kennedy Jr, Vincent Price, Robert Mitchum, L. Ron Hubbard, Ingrid Bergman, Jerry Garcia, Rock Hudson, Janis Joplin, Steve McQueen, and Dennis Wilson just to name a few. Choosing a burial at sea is a very personal decision and we find that those who choose it do so for a wide variety of deeply personal reasons. Most love the sea and really love the idea that our obelisks create a place for life to flourish long after they are gone.
Are there environmental laws and regulations governing burial at sea in any form?
Burial at sea is strictly regulated by many governmental agencies. You can be assured that if you choose Twin Rocks Undersea Memorial for your permanent undersea burial, all current, known regulations will be fully complied with. The regulations governing burial at sea can vary greatly depending on the ocean you are considering. Some things are certain for all oceans, nothing can be placed in the ocean without proper notification and penalties can be very high. At Twin Rocks Undersea Memorial we carefully follow, maintain and comply with all known Pacific Ocean regulations, permits and proper notifications.
Where does Twin Rocks Undersea Memorial place their obelisks and why?
We have very carefully researched and received approval for permanent positioning of our memorial obelisks in an area three miles off shore, in the Pacific Ocean, near Rockaway, Oregon. We chose this site for many reasons, including the following: the positive effect for sea life habitats, the safety and stability of obelisks after placement, accessibility for placement, approval for placement and importantly, an easily visible from land site marker for loved ones; Twin Rocks.
Does Twin Rocks Undersea Memorial do burials anywhere else?
We currently only offer placement in the Pacific Ocean, in our permitted area, just off of the Twin Rocks near Rockaway Beach, Oregon. However, we are now working to gain authorizations from State and Federal officials to make permanent undersea monument placements in the Newport, Oregon and Brookings, Oregon areas. Please contact us for more information. Additionally, it may be possible to specially order a handcrafted obelisk for delivery to another burial site outside of our authorized locations in the Pacific Ocean. Those arrangements are handled on a case by case basis and Twin Rocks Undersea Memorial is not responsible for placement at that point, only to provide the handcrafted monument.
Why do burial at sea fees vary so greatly?
There are many reasons why burial at sea fees vary. Some services offer only basic “scattering” services. Loved one’s remains are simply floated onto the top of the water and left. Some companies offer a wide range of yachts and other boats to attend scattering services, requiring large crews and creating high insurance costs. Sometimes docking fees are included with companies that own their own boating fleets and recently higher fuel costs are now being tacked on to most contracts on both coasts in the United States. Companies that maintain their own passenger fleets must maintain their fleets and carry very expensive liability policies. There are very different rules and permits required for each ocean. Sometimes there are seasonal times and off-seasonal times available.
At Twin Rocks Undersea Memorial we don’t just ‘scatter’ remains randomly. We have carefully researched and developed the very best and most cost effective design for our custom made obelisks. Each one is a one-of-a-kind work of art. We offer only one size. We do not find ways to tack on additional fees. You choose what options you would like to include. Each memorial placement is individual and personal. We provide the most cost effective option for such a unique, earth friendly and permanent placement at sea.
I know that I will not be able to visit my loved ones undersea memorial obelisk as I would a traditional grave site. What can I do instead?
One of the ways that we come to terms with the death of loved one is to create and visit a memorial, like those in a traditional cemetery or mausoleum. That is one reason why we carefully chose the Pacific Ocean site that we did. Nature has provided a wonderful, permanent and recognizable memorial, the Twin Rocks near Rockaway, Oregon. Some people consider the ocean just as recognizable a memorial. With the GPS coordinates that we provide, it is possible to visit the above sea area where the ocean memorial is placed. Most families find that it is most easy just to visit the seashore and view the Twin Rocks as a visible, natural memorial.
Can we attend our loved ones’ obelisk placement?
If you would like to accompany the placement boat, we have a list of private captains that will charter their boats for you to attend a placement. Some other ocean burial service companies maintain their own passenger yachts, which increase costs in maintenance and liability. Twin Rocks Undersea Memorial does not maintain a fleet of passenger yachts or boats and therefore keep costs to you down.
We do not want to attend the placement. What other options are available?
You are not required to attend your loved ones memorial obelisk placement. You will be provided with a certificate that will include the GPS location of the permanent undersea placement. We work very carefully to preserve and respect the dignity and privacy of your loved one. You can rest assured that each placement is carefully and respectfully completed.
Can special words, flowers or religious services be performed?
We do everything possible to accommodate your special requests. Please contact us with your specific requests so that we may assist you.
I would like a special memorial that I may keep. What does Twin Rocks Undersea Memorial provide for options?
One thing to remember is that burial at sea is permanent, as is cremation. One way we grieve and come to terms with the loss of a loved one is to establish and visit memorials. Sometimes family members may wish to have a personal memento of the undersea memorial to keep. Twin Rocks Undersea Memorials offers custom made, handcrafted and stylized mini versions of the undersea obelisks. Each one is individually made out of local or exotic woods and will have a personalized plaque attached. Another option is a lovely engraved marble piece with the same personal information provided on our memento pieces. For others, the ocean itself presents a lovely and easily visible memorial icon. Choosing a memorial memento is deeply personal and we at Twin Rocks Undersea Memorial believe that it should remain that way. We do not require the purchase of any personal mementos.
Are there special rates for veterans?
Yes. We at Twin Rocks Undersea Memorial are dedicated to assisting military families with their burial at sea needs. We especially respect and honor the sacrifice they have provided our nation and provide special rates for them. Please call us for those rates and the requirements at 1-888-608-3707 or 503-355-2087.
We feel it is important to inform you that the US Navy will perform sea burials for veterans and their families free of charge, however, certain restrictions apply. You must contact the US Navy for their assistance in this case.
I have a special or unusual request. Can Twin Rocks Undersea Memorial help?
Twin Rocks Undersea Memorial is dedicated to providing the highest quality service and handcrafted, one-of-a-kind undersea memorial monuments. We are committed to providing your loved one with utmost dignity and respect. Please contact us with your special requests and we will do what we can to fulfill those needs.
Can I make preplanning arrangements?
Yes, and we highly recommend that you do. The best way to begin prearrangements is to first discuss what your wishes are with your family. Another way is to contact your local funeral director and tell them you would like to arrange for Twin Rocks Undersea Memorial to handle your final arrangements for placement. Then give us a call. We can assist you with your decision to make the earth a better place by choosing an ocean burial with Twin Rocks Undersea Memorial. 1-888-608-3707 or 503-355-2087.
What does a handcrafted obelisk with permanent ocean placement cost?
The basic rate is $3,750.00.* This includes handcrafting your one-of-a-kind memorial, personalized plaque, and permanent placement gently on the ocean floor in the Pacific ocean near Twin Rocks, Oregon with GPS location. For a limited time, we will also provide one memento obelisk with personalized plaque. The memento piece will eventually be sold for an additional $300. Multiple sets of cremated remains can be placed at the same time in a memorial obelisk. Please call for more information about multiple placements.
We also have a replica obelisk that is a 2/3 size of the actual obelisk that can be used for memorial/celebration ceremonies. The memorial/celebration piece is made of foam, but crafted to look just like the cement of the actual ocean memorials! The foam construction makes it easier to display and transport. If you would like to use the memorial/celebration piece, please call for rate. The rate will depend on where, when and for how long you will need the piece. The price is usually around $500-$1,000. This includes hand delivery, setup, attending, breakdown upon ceremony end and return. This also includes a personalized (when time allows) marble capstone that will be displayed with the memorial/celebration piece and then used on the actual undersea monument. When time does not allow for personalization, we have a lovely marble piece with an engraved portrait of Twin Rocks.
*If you are a funeral director or crematorium, please call.