WIFPON
Whether In Free Pratique Or Not
Meaning
WIFPON allows notice of readiness to be tendered before the ship has free pratique (health clearance), so laytime isn't delayed by that formality.
WIFPON explained
Free pratique is the port health authority's permission to enter and have contact with the shore. Without WIFPON, a strict reading can make an NOR invalid until pratique is granted.
WIFPON removes that risk, provided the ship does actually obtain pratique in due course. If pratique is refused because of a problem with the ship, the time lost is usually for the owner's account.
Related terms
Free pratique
Free pratique is the port health authority's clearance that the ship is free of infectious disease and may enter port and contact the shore.
WIBON
WIBON lets the master tender notice of readiness on arrival even if no berth is free, so waiting time for a berth can count as laytime.
WCCON
WCCON allows notice of readiness to be tendered before customs clearance, so the clock is not held up waiting for customs formalities.
Notice of Readiness
A notice of readiness (NOR) is the master's formal notice that the ship has arrived and is ready in every respect to load or discharge.