Quarantine flag

The quarantine flag is the plain yellow flag Q of the International Code of Signals, flown by a ship on arrival from a foreign port to request free pratique. Hoisting it signals “My vessel is healthy and I request free pratique,” meaning clearance by the port health authority to land persons and cargo. Until pratique is granted the ship is in quarantine and no one may board or land without authority. Under the International Health Regulations 2005 the master submits the Maritime Declaration of Health. Granting of free pratique can also be the trigger that completes a valid Notice of Readiness in some charter parties.