Why Choose Peace at Sea?
Captain Mark, Captain Steve and First Mate Terresa have been safely taking people out on the seas for over 8 years (without incident) Long before other charter businesses even considered performing Scattering Services, Peace at Sea was providing these services for families from all over the globe.
What can you tell us about your boat?
"The
HattyCat is a powered catamaran, which means it has two hulls. This gives it
the most stable, smooth and comfortable ride of any boat in the world.
The HattyCat has two motors for safety and stability. It was chosen for
its wonderful design conducive our business. It is designed for
offshore cruising and we have taken it on extremely long distance trips
many times. The 3 to 5 miles we go out for our ceremonies is absolutely no problem for the HattyCat. Also,
the crows-nest seat up top which holds two adults or three small
children 10 feet above everyone else is probably the most popular
feature of the HattyCat. In addition to these great features, there is a
changing room/potty, swim platform with ladder, freshwater shower,
great stereo with surround sound, electronics, radar, GPS with auto
pilot, and a two-way VHF radio"
How do I know I can trust you?
We
have been in this business for many years without incident. We provide
service to many crematories in the United States. We have hundreds of
satisfied customers and we can provide references upon request. We are
licensed by the state of Florida and are insured by Lloyds of London.
For an unattended service, how do I ship cremated remains?
Shipping Cremated Remains is not difficult. Please Click Here for shipping instructions
Are there any forms to fill out for a Scattering At Sea?
A simple one page Authorization Form allows Peace at Sea to perform the Sea Burial. Please Click Here to view this form. This form requests the following information: date, name of deceased, name of authorizer, the authorizer's relationship to deceased, authorizer's address, phone number and signature. Captain Mark will complete and file all the necessary forms required by the Environmental Protection Agency.
What does the Certificate of Burial at Sea look like?
Please Click Here to view a sample of the three Certificates you will receive within one week after the Sea Burial.
This Certificate provides GPS coordinates of Latitude and Longitude so that you may use Google Earth to visit the exact site of your loved ones Scattering Service from any computer accessing the internet.
Also included on the Certificate are: Distance From Shore, Water Depth, Weather Conditions, Wind Speed and Direction, and Sea Conditions on the day of the Sea Burial.
Three original copies printed on 24# Premium Ivory Linen Paper will be mailed out within two days of the Burial At Sea is completion.
Can I bring cremated remains to the airport and on the airplane?
Airlines do allow cremated remains. You must arrive early. They must be in a carry on bag and not checked. The ashes must be in an x-rayable container and you must have a death certificate.
You can also simply mail the cremated remains to me in advance of your arrival. See shipipng instructions below.
Where do you / we go in the Gulf of Mexico?
Please Click Here to see the general area Peace At Sea operates.
We need driving directions, how do we find you?
Please Click Here for directions.
What form of payment do you accept?
There are three ways to pay for the unattended service: (1.) use any major credit card on the peace at sea website. (2.) Include a personal check or money order for the appropriate amount made out to: Captain Mark Hatfield. (3.) Call Captain Mark at 239-839-2109 and pay using a credit card.
For the attended service, how many people can you take out?
"6 passengers is the maximum we can take out.
What time do the attended services trips begin?
"Private Scattering Charters begin at 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m."
Is there a time of day that is preferred?
"Different times of the day have their advantages. In the summer the mornings are not so hot yet. During the cooler winter months, the afternoon charters are warmer"
Can I request a certain song be played?
We have over 13,000 songs on the boat and if you want to email Captain Mark the title and artist, I will make sure to have your song(s) of choice on board for your Ceremony. If you want to create a playlist and bring your own iPod, you can plug it directly into the stereo. This is your day and we will do everything we can to make it as enjoyable and stress free as possible.
We have small children and their grandparents are these ages okay?
"Absolutely Yes. We take 6 month old babies all the way
up to 100 year olds and all ages in between - that's what we do"
How do I book a charter with you?
"You can reserve your charter online by clicking here. You can also book by phone calling 239-826-8973.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
"Welcome to Southwest Florida! Although the forecast sometimes may show rain everyday, this is usually only happening inland and not on the beach. The breezes off of the Gulf of Mexico are just strong enough to keep the thunderstorms about 10 miles inland. We can see them and hear them, but they usually never make it to the beach. In the event of bad weather, we try our best to reschedule for another day. If we cannot reschedule there is never going to be a charge to you. If we are out on the water and bad weather threatens, we will quickly and safely return to the dock"
Can I place flowers or can I have flowers placed in the water during the burial?
Placing flowers in the water during the service is a wonderful way to memorialize the peace at sea ceremony.
Can a Chaplain be present?
For attended or unattended Burials at Sea, a Chaplain of your choice can be present or we recommend our Rev. Shawn Critser - Pastor, Beach Baptist Church of Fort Myers Beach can attend and provide a glorious ceremony. The cost for Rev. Shawn Critser’s service is $100.00.
How long is the cruise?
Usually 1 ½ to 2 hours, this can vary according to arrangements made prior to departure.
Is there a restroom on board?
Yes.
How about refreshments?
Complimentary soft drinks, bottled water and snacks are provided.
What do you provide?
"We provide complimentary bottled water, soft drinks and snacks.
Do you provide life jackets?
In strict accordance of U.S. Coast Guard regulations, we keep plenty of life preservers onboard. One thing to keep in mind though is that these are the standard issue Coast Guard Approved orange life preservers. That being said, we always tell people if they have comfortable ones for their children that they can bring with them, that's a great idea"
Is there shade on the boat?
"Yes there is shade on the HattyCat. Mostly you will find sunshine, but you can always find some shade by getting under the top"
How early should we arrive?
"We usually pull away from the dock at exactly the agreed upon time so arriving 5 -10 minutes before the charter begins is perfect. You can arrive even earlier if you would like. Right next to Getaway Marina is a fantastic restaurant called Pincher's. Many of our customers plan to eat lunch at Pincher's either before or after their charter with us.
Will I get sea-sick, should I take something for that before coming on your trip?
"No one has ever gotten sick on our charters because we do not go out in rough seas that would lead to this condition. However, if you feel like taking something like Dramamine that may be your choice.
What if we have to cancel?
"Please give us as much notice as possible so we can rebook this time to another group. 24 hour or more notice is preferred. 12 hours or less notice and there is a 25% charge.
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