Pratique is the license given to a ship to enter a port, that indicates to local authorities (on assurance from the captain) that it is free from
contagious disease
A contagious disease is an infectious disease that is readily spread (that is, communicated) by transmission of a pathogen through contact (direct or indirect) with an infected person.
A disease is often known to be contagious before medical s ...
. The clearance granted is commonly referred to as ''free pratique''. A ship can signal a request for ''pratique'' by flying a solid yellow square-shaped flag. This yellow flag is the
Q flag in the set of
international maritime signal flags
International maritime signal flags are various flags used to communicate with ships. The principal system of flags and associated codes is the International Code of Signals. Various navies have flag systems with additional flags and codes, and ...
.
In the event that ''free pratique'' is not granted, a vessel will be held in
quarantine
A quarantine is a restriction on the movement of people, animals and goods which is intended to prevent the spread of disease or pests. It is often used in connection to disease and illness, preventing the movement of those who may have been ...
, according to the customs and health regulations prevailing at the port of entry, typically until a customs or biosecurity officer makes a satisfactory inspection.
Since flying the Q flag involves a request for boarding by Port State Control,
it has also become an invitation to Customs to inspect a vessel for dutiable goods or contraband, as in the
''Rich Harvest'' case, where a yacht carrying a large quantity of alcohol flew the Q flag in order to seek exemption from having to pay duty during a temporary visit to port. The same vessel was also flying the Q flag when she was boarded in Cape Verde and found to be carrying more than one ton of cocaine. However, although the captain had thereby invited the authorities to make an inspection (being, according to his claim, ignorant of the fact that the boat was carrying contraband), he and the crew were nevertheless arrested for trafficking.
A question over who granted pratique arose with the ''
Ruby Princess''
COVID-19 incident.
See also
*
Quarantine
A quarantine is a restriction on the movement of people, animals and goods which is intended to prevent the spread of disease or pests. It is often used in connection to disease and illness, preventing the movement of those who may have been ...
References
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Water transport
Infectious diseases
Port authorities