Each enrollee is provided with an Emergency Alert Card which provides 24-hour contact information for Nautilus Society. After a death has occurred, the following steps will take place:

• The surviving family, friends or authority calls Nautilus Society’s toll-free number.
• Nautilus Society removes the body from the home, hospital or other location.
• The body is placed in a cremation container.
• Nautilus Society staff prepares death certificate, disposition permit, and other necessary records while consulting with the family.
• Nautilus Society takes death certificate to doctor to obtain official records of cause of death and files paperwork with the State of California and the County Health Department.
• Cremation usually occurs several days after death.
• Cremated remains are taken to the Nautilus Society office in an appropriate urn for scattering at sea, release to the family or designated person, or scattering in a cemetery garden.

What is the difference between Nautilus Society and Neptune Society?

The Nautilus Society was founded in 1980 to serve the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater Sacramento. The Nautilus Society in Lawndale was added in 1989 to serve greater Los Angeles county. Nautilus Society is not affiliated with the Neptune Society of Northern California or the Neptune Society® serving Los Angeles and Santa Barbara Counties.

Nautilus Society is however, a subsidiary of Neptune Society of Central California and Neptune Society of Orange County. Neptune Society offices in California are independently owned and are not franchises. Neptune offices operate under a concurrent use agreement. Not all Neptune societies have the same ownership, pricing, policies, or management.

Aside from cremation, do you offer other services?

Nautilus Society can make arrangements for private San Francisco boat memorial services. Prices are available at the time of need, our boat is not available for pre-pay. The fees vary depending on how many people wish to charter the boat and the day of the week requested. For more information and availability, call (510) 568-5400. For information on Southern California boat memorial services call (800) 225-1601.

Yes. Nautilus Society removes the body from the hospital after all the organs have been harvested for donation and begins the cremation process.

Do all religions approve of cremation?

Most mainstream religions in the United States permit cremation, including the Catholic Church. It is best to consult your religious advisor if you have any concerns.

How will I be cremated?

Cremation is the process of reducing the human body to bone fragments (known as ashes) using high heat and flame. The deceased is placed in a cremation chamber in a combustible container. All organic matter is consumed by heat and evaporation within approximately 2 hours. The ashes are carefully removed from the chamber and placed in an urn.

What assurance is there that my survivors will receive my ashes?

Nautilus Society adheres to the strictest identification guidelines in the industry to minimize the possible chance of human error. To reassure our clients, the entire cremation process is monitored by closed circuit video. Additionally, a numbered metal disc is assigned to the deceased and accompanies the body throughout the cremation process. The disc stays with the ashes as they are placed in a temporary container, awaiting final disposition by Nautilus Society or the family.

What options are there for the disposition of my ashes?

The options are endless. Your ashes can be scattered at sea or returned to your family in an appropriate container. Additionally, you can make arrangements to have your ashes interred in a public cemetery or a National Veteran cemetery, if you qualify. Cremated remains can be scattered by your family in a special place, or shared among your relatives. Nautilus Society consultants can help you make the decision best for you.

Do I purchase a casket for the cremation?

No. Nautilus Society cremates the deceased in a strong, covered container to allow for dignified handling throughout the process. The casket or rigid card board box is also called an “alternative container” and is included in the pre-paid plan.

Is embalming required?

No. Embalming is unnecessary when a body will be cremated and Nautlius Society does not provide embalming. The decedent is placed in a refrigerated holding facility.

Can my family view my body without embalming?

Yes, in most cases, immediate family members can briefly view the deceased prior to cremation. (Additional fees may apply.)

Is my family allowed to witness the cremation?

Certainly. Our modern facilities provide families with the opportunity to witness the body being placed in the cremation chamber for religious reasons or simply for peace of mind. (Additional fees may apply.)

Is cremation popular?

The number of cremations in the United States has risen dramatically over the last 30 years. In 1973, just 6% of the population was cremated. Today, California’s Cremation rate has jumped to nearly 50%. In addition to being ecologically sensitive, cremation is recognized as a mainstream, responsible end of life choice in the United States.

Is it acceptable to scatter ashes in the United States?

Yes. All states allow the scattering of ashes, but there can be limitations. For instance, each state prohibits the scattering of ashes on private property without the owner’s consent. Many national and state parks require permits for scattering and limit the locations where ashes can be scattered.

How long does it take to provide a death certificate to my family?

Nautilus Society works diligently to complete the paperwork for your family and follow-through with the process by obtaining the necessary signatures from the physician and medical examiner. Delays may occur when autopsies are required or medical records are delayed. On average, it takes 7-10 days for Nautilus Society to provide your family with a death certificate. This is an essential part of the cremation plan provided by Nautilus Society.

Contact the location closest to where you registered. Our Nautilus Society professionals will assist you in updating your information.

How do Nautilus Society’s charges compare with traditional funeral and burial prices?

Our costs are 20-80% lower than traditional funeral and burial fees, which can amount to thousands of dollars. Nautilus Society believes that no one should pay more than is necessary for any end of life service. We base our fees on the actual expenses associated with cremation and we keep our prices low by owning our own facilities and equipment. In California, a traditional funeral may cost over $5,000 without the cost of purchasing a burial plot, tombstone, engraving, and liner or vault.

Will my family still be able to have a memorial service for me if I enroll in Nautilus Society?

We understand that memorial services help families find closure and celebrate the lives of their loved ones. Your enrollment in Nautilus Society guarantees that the paperwork and details of cremation are taken care of for your family. Pre-planning gives them time and peace of mind to focus on planning a memorial service in your honor at a cemetery, place of worship, community center, or their home.

Can I purchase a plan for someone else?

In California, in order to complete the necessary forms, you need to be the legal next of kin or have a durable power of attorney for health care.

Can I use my Social Security and/or Veterans Benefits if I choose cremation?

Yes, but certain restrictions and dollar limits do apply to each. Your Nautilus Society consultant can provide you with detailed information.

I plan on continuing my travels in retirement. What if I die outside of California?

Nautilus Society provides the optional Worldwide Coverage program that guarantees your plan regardless of where death may occur. We will make arrangements to have your body cremated locally wherever you die. We will follow your wishes for final disposition.