In the event of the death of a current serving Royal Australian Navy (RAN) member, Defence will offer the assistance of a Bereavement Support Team to the next of kin. The Defence Member and Family Helpline(1800 624 608, available 24/7) should be contacted by families seeking support in these circumstances.
In the event of the death of an ex-serving RAN veteran, there is support available to families through different areas within Defence.
Australian White Ensign
RAN veterans may wish to have the Australian White Ensign (AWE) used as coffin pall at their funeral, or at a memorial service held for them.
Families are required to seek formal approval from the RAN by either applying directly to Navy Bereavements (navy.bereavement@defence.gov.au), or by having their funeral company apply on their behalf. Please ensure the full name, date of birth, date of death and Service number (if known) of the RAN veteran is provided as part of the request.
Generally, Funeral Directors will have an AWE available to use for this purpose. If not, Navy Bereavements will seek to have an AWE loaned to the funeral company. Please note, the AWE is not permitted to be kept by the family, following the funeral or memorial service.
Committal of Ashes to the Sea
RAN veterans may wish to have their ashes scattered at sea. This is known as Committal of Ashes to the Sea (COATS).
Families can request COATS through Defence Member and Family Support Headquarters by emailing a completed application form (and any supporting documentation) to defencefamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au. Please ensure the full name, date of birth and service number (if known) of the RAN veteran is provided as part of the request.
Royal Australian Navy Bereavement Pin
Families of deceased Royal Australian Navy veterans may wish to apply for a Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Bereavement Pin.
The RAN Bereavement Pin was commissioned by the Chief of Navy to recognise the valued contribution of all RAN personnel who served and provide their families with a special keepsake in remembrance of this service. RAN Bereavement Pins are available to immediate family members of deceased RAN veterans, including widows/widowers, parents, siblings, children and grandchildren. Extensions to this eligibility can be considered for compassionate and compelling circumstances.
RAN Bereavement Pins can be requested by emailing a completed application form (and any supporting documentation) to navy.bereavement@defence.gov.au. Please ensure the RAN veteran’s full name, date of birth, date of death and service number (if known) is provided as part of the request.
Processing of nomination forms may take up to 5-6 weeks and Bereavement Pins will be sent through the post. Responsibility cannot be accepted by Navy Bereavement for misdirected applications or lost/misdirected mail.
Any queries regarding additional medal entitlements of a RAN veteran who has died, should be directed to Defence Honours and Awards.
Statement of Service
Defence holds personal information about Australian Defence Force (ADF) members to assist in the support of the members and their families, both during and after their service. Personal information about RAN veterans, such as a Statement of Service, can be accessed via the personal information request process.