The applicant has to submit a completed "Application for Scattering of Cremated Ashes in Hong Kong Waters" [FEHB 198] to the FEHD at least 10 days before the intended date of ash scattering.

The FEHD will normally grant approval within five working days after receiving an application.

If the applicant is not the holder of the "Permit to Take Away Cremated Ashes", he / she should provide the original authorisation document signed by the permit holder, together with a copy of the identification document of the permit holder for verification.

If the deceased was not a Hong Kong resident, or if no documentary proof of the Hong Kong resident status of the deceased is available, members of the public may apply for scattering the cremated ashes of the deceased in designated Hong Kong waters by self-arranged and self-funded vessel.

An applicant may change his / her ferry schedule free of charge at least four days prior to the original boarding date at the following website (only changes can be made):https://app.fehd.gov.hk/rsf/intro?language=en

There is one ferry trip at 9:00 a.m. every Saturday (except public holidays) (gathering time: half hour before departure).

The trip may take about three to five hours. If necessary, please take medication against sea sickness before boarding the ferry.

Due to the long journey and various safety considerations (e.g. rough sea conditions, high stairs, etc.), people with limited mobility are generally not recommended to participate in the trip.

There is no shop on the ash scattering ferry but tea/drinking water and some snacks are provided free of charge on board. Participants may bring their own light refreshments for consumption on board if necessary.

Each person may light three thin joss sticks, but no burning of candles or joss paper is allowed on board.

Yes, you can. Nevertheless, please refrain from activities or behaviours that may cause nuisance or obstruction to others on board. Please note that each successful applicant may bring along 10 persons to board the ferry (i.e. a total of 11 persons including the applicant). If there is a need to bring more persons to board the ferry, applicants may contact the FEHD for appropriate arrangement where situation permits.

Yes, you can. Please clean up after the ash scattering ceremony is completed.

To ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the ash scattering ceremony at sea, no pets are allowed on board.

Apart from the free ferry service provided by the FEHD, members of the public may contact licensed undertaker of burials for the arrangement of suitable sea scattering services and the hiring of private vessels for scattering cremated ashes in the following three designated areas in Hong Kong waters:

• East of Tap Mun;
• East of Tung Lung Chau; or
• South of West Lamma Channel

Applicants must submit / produce the following documents to a Cemeteries and Crematoria Office of the FEHD at least 10 days before the intended date of ash scattering:

1. a completed "Application for Scattering of Cremated Ashes in Hong Kong Waters" [FEHB 198];
2. the original of the "Permit to Take Away Cremated Ashes" [FEHB 153] or "Certificate of Cremation";
3. a copy of the Hong Kong identification document of the deceased; and
4. the original of the identification document of the applicant.

Each applicant of the sea scattering service will receive a memorial card with the name of the deceased and the date and location of ash scattering, together with a memorial photo frame, as a keepsake.

In addition, the FEHD arranges free memorial sails during the Ching Ming and Chung Yeung Festivals every year to take people who have used the free service of scattering cremated ashes at sea, as well as their relatives and friends, to the designated waters to pay tribute to the deceased.