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barratry

barratry

9.9
Deliberate acts by the ship's crew that harm the owner, such as stealing, sinking, or leaving the ship
  • noun
  • /ˈbærətri/
  • Formal
translation icon : barratería
  • Acts of barratry can include intentionally damaging the ship or stealing its cargo.

Examples

  • The insurer refused to pay due to evidence of barratry by the ship's captain.

  • The captain was accused of barratry after abandoning the ship.

  • Maritime insurance policies often exclude losses resulting from barratry.

  • In cases of barratry, the owner can sue for damages.

  • Acts of barratry, such as the captain sinking the ship to claim insurance, can lead to substantial losses.

  • The shipping company implemented strict regulations to prevent instances of barratry among the crew.

  • In a lawsuit, the owner argued that the captain's barratry caused significant harm to the cargo.

Surface Forms

barratry singular
barratries plural

Etymology

Barratry comes from old French barater 'to cheat', and at sea it described a captain or crew who damage the ship or steal cargo on purpose. So barratry in maritime law means a dishonest act by the ship's master or crew that harms the owner.