Statutory guidance

Burial at sea: coffin requirements

Updated 28 February 2024

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/burial-at-sea-further-information/burial-at-sea-coffin-requirements

The following coffin requirements are to ensure the coffin is constructed to withstand the initial impact on the seabed and the normal seabed environment during the time period the body is decomposing:

  • The coffin must be constructed of solid softwood (not veneered board or solid hardwood).
  • The coffin must have a minimum of fifty 50mm holes to achieve rapid ingress of water and escape of air. There must be at least one hole in each corner of the coffin lid and at least one hole on each side of the coffin. The other 42 holes must be evenly spaced on the sides and lid.
  • All corners of the coffin must be butt-jointed and strengthened with internal mild steel right-angled brackets or internal wooden bracing struts that are at least 50mm x 38mm. Brackets or bracing struts must be secured with screws.
  • On the outside of the coffin, at least two mild steel bands must be fixed around the length of the coffin and at least five mild steel bands must be fixed around the width of the coffin at about 30cm intervals.
  • Weights constructed of iron, steel and/or concrete must be clamped to the base of the coffin with 10mm thick mild steel brackets, bands and/or 10mm diameter bolts. The weights must be evenly distributed to prevent the coffin from turning to the vertical. The quantity of weights must be calculated using the weight of the deceased body on a three to one ratio e.g. a body that weighs 70kg will require 210kg of weight to be clamped to the base of the coffin. As a minimum, at least 200kg[footnote 1] of weight must be added to the coffin.
  • Any concrete used must be suitable for use in the marine environment.

  • The body of the deceased must be wrapped in a metal wire mesh. The wire mesh must be secured to the base of the coffin.

  • Any inner box or liner must be made from natural, non-toxic and biodegradable materials and must not prevent the void within the coffin filling with water rapidly.
  • The coffin must not contain any plastic, lead, copper or zinc.

  1. When calculating the weights to be added to the coffin, the undertaker should consider the density of the material and whether additional weight is necessary to ensure the added weights weigh at least 200kg in seawater. ↩

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