Free ferry services for scattering human ashes at sea will be provided from January 23, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department says.

Ferries will depart from Sai Wan Ho Public Pier every Saturday morning for east of Tung Lung Chau to enable ash scattering.

Each ferry trip will accommodate 10 applicants with each bringing no more than seven family members, relatives or friends on board.

The department has streamlined application procedures for scattering ashes east of Tung Lung Chau and Tap Mun, and south of West Lamma Channel since July 2007. The number of applications has increased from 160 in 2007 to 273 in 2009.

Users may conduct brief memorial ceremonies on board. Only human ashes and a handful of natural flower petals may be thrown into the sea.

Application forms and service guidance notes are available here.