While some families may wish to scatter stemmed flowers, I find that rose petals from 1-3 dozen roses work the best when scattering ashes at sea. Usually one person will scatter the ashes from the aft seat and 2 others can can scatter the petals from the side of the boat as the ashes are cast into the ocean. The petals really help frame the area to make it easy to circle the final resting place 2-3 times, perhaps have a final toast or final remembrance before heading back to the dock.
