The MMO (Marine Management Organisation) Burial at Sea Licence process now commences with the obtaining of consent from the next of kin of the deceased. There is a hierarchy of who is deemed to be Next of Kin based these guidance notes and list:-

Those seeking consent must ensure that they have appropriate consent, in line with the Human Tissue Act 2004. They must ensure that consent is obtained from, in this order:

1. the person concerned- where an adult has, whilst alive, given valid consent for human tissue to be taken for the purpose of sea burial to take place after their death, this consent is sufficient 

2. their nominated representative- the Human Tissue Act 2004 sets out the terms for valid appointment of a nominated representative. See the code of practice on Consent for more information www.hta.gov.uk/legislationpoliciesandcodesofpractice/codesofpractice.cfm 

or, in the absence of either of the above,

3. a person in a qualifying relationship with the deceased immediately before their death. Consent must be obtained from the person ranked highest in the hierarchy and is only needed from one person in the hierarchy: 

a) spouse or partner (including civil or same sex partner)

b) parent or child (in this context a child may be of any age)

c) brother or sister

d) grandparent or grandchild

e) niece or nephew

f) stepfather or stepmother

g) half-brother or half-sister

h) friend of long standing

In order to start the MMO licensing process – firstly we need to determine (based on the list above) who we will need to be put in touch with to formally obtain the consent – this is usually a booked time with that person on the telephone.  

Once the Hospital DNA Sampling Fees have been paid to us and the  DNA HTA  Consent interview form have been signed, completed and the consent form has been received by us we will require require you to forward to us (via email) the following scanned copy certificates: (originals to be held by you and made available on the day of the burial at sea for MMO inspection)  

• The Death Certificate  
• Freedom from Fever and Infection Certificate  
• Coroners Out of England Certificate (Form 103) 

We will commence the Marine Management Organisations (MMO) online process for obtaining the Licence required for your client’s burial at sea. 

• The MMO licence fee is payable at the time of submission (this fee will be paid by us as part of our fees). 
• Once the licence is granted (usually at the end of the online process and the submissions being accepted by MMO) we will advise you of the successful licence including any special conditions required.  

• Regarding all logistical arrangements (date of the burial – booking of the Boat, Crew, Crane, Harbour Masters Pontoon, all marine fees and any catering requirements (pre/post the burial).  
• Provisional date/time will be researched via multiple weather forecast sites for the best project weather window (passenger comfort) matching (where possible) the preferred date / time for the Funeral Director/Family.  
• Through you we will also seek to establish how many family/friends will wish to accompany* the deceased on their final journey aboard our cruiser (normally up to 10 passengers plus the deceased). Additional passenger capacity is available via added vessels being chartered in support – (Any issues my direct mobile is g John 07721978053).