Within how many hours must a 'scattering urn' dissolve and release the cremated remains after being placed at sea?

• A. Two hours
• B. Three hours
• C. Four hours
• D. There is no such requirement

Answer: (C)

When cremains are placed at sea in a scattering urn, the rule is that the urn must dissolve and release the cremated remains within four hours. This four-hour window ensures the remains are promptly dispersed into the water and reflects the intended use of biodegradable scattering urns. Shorter timeframes like two or three hours don’t meet the requirement, and saying there’s no time limit would misstate the regulation.