Frequently asked questions.
How do I sign up?
Send any message to the PortBrief WhatsApp number, then tap the profile that matches you: Tourist, Resident, or Business. There's no app to download and no account to create. If you scanned a PortBrief QR code, your profile is pre-filled and you skip this step.
Is there an app to download?
No. PortBrief runs entirely over WhatsApp. If you have WhatsApp, you already have everything you need.
What can I do before subscribing?
Every user can see today's ship count and crowd level, ask the Port Concierge basic questions, and browse the menu for free. Detailed timing, week-ahead forecasts, and profile-specific tools unlock with a paid pass.
What's the difference between the daily brief and live alerts?
The daily brief is one message every morning with that day's ship schedule and crowd outlook. Live Ship Alerts are separate, real-time messages sent the moment a ship arrives, docks, departs, or runs late, so you're not waiting until the next morning to find out. Live Ship Alerts are off by default and need to be turned on.
How do I turn alerts on or off?
Reply "menu" on WhatsApp, then go to More → Alert Settings to turn individual alert types on or off, like arrival notifications or the morning briefing. To silence everything quickly, reply "mute", and "unmute" to turn it back on.
What other commands can I use?
"today" for today's ships, "tomorrow" for tomorrow's forecast, "week" for the 7-day schedule, "status" to check your pass and expiry, "renew" to extend your pass, and "help" to reach support. All of these work at any time, for any profile type.
How do I cancel completely?
Reply "stop" on WhatsApp to opt out of all messages, or simply let your pass expire without renewing. This is different from "mute", which only pauses the morning brief while keeping your subscription active.
How do I pay, and is it secure?
When you subscribe, a secure one-time payment link is sent to your WhatsApp. Payment is by credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard). Your card details never touch PortBrief's servers directly. There's no auto-renewal, you won't be charged again automatically.
Do passes auto-renew?
No. Passes run for a fixed period and do not auto-renew. Send "renew" before your pass expires to extend it, if you renew before expiry the new duration is added on top of your remaining time, you don't lose any days.
Are passes refundable?
Passes are non-refundable once activated. Since there's no auto-renewal, you're never charged again automatically, your pass simply expires after its duration.
How do I stop the email newsletter specifically?
The email newsletter is separate from your WhatsApp subscription. Every newsletter email includes an unsubscribe link, using it won't affect your WhatsApp alerts.
What languages does the Port Concierge understand?
Right now the Port Concierge answers in English. Support for additional languages is on the roadmap.
How do I turn on live ship alerts?
Live Ship Alerts (ships approaching, docking, departing, running late, or cancelled) are included with every paid pass, but they're off by default. Turn them on from the WhatsApp menu in a few taps:
1. Reply "menu"
PortBrief
WhatsApp Business
menu
🚢 Today's Ships
Ships in port right now
📅 This Week
7-day forecast
⚙️ More
Settings, subscription & help
2. Tap "More" → "Alert Settings"
PortBrief
WhatsApp Business
ALERT SETTINGS
🔔 Morning Briefing
ON, tap to turn off, 7:00 AM daily
🔕 Arrival Notifications
OFF, tap to turn on, ships approaching, docking, departing
3. It's on
PortBrief
WhatsApp Business
ALERT SETTINGS
🔔 Morning Briefing
ON, tap to turn off, 7:00 AM daily
🔔 Arrival Notifications
ON, tap to turn off, ships approaching, docking, departing
Illustrative mockup of the WhatsApp menu, not a live screenshot. In a hurry? Send mute anytime to silence the morning brief, or unmute to turn it back on.
Still have a question? Message us on WhatsApp and we'll answer directly.