In maritime terms, what does the term 'barratry' refer to?

The term 'barratry' in maritime law specifically refers to the wrongful acts committed by a ship's crew that harm the shipowner, which typically encompasses internal theft or misconduct by the crew members. This includes actions that are done for personal gain and are considered a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the shipowner.

Barratry distinguishes itself from other maritime crimes; it is not limited to just theft, as it can involve a range of unfaithful acts, such as intentionally causing loss or damage to a vessel. While actions like hijacking and piracy for personal gain represent criminal activities on a larger scale, they fall outside the definition of barratry. Damage to equipment could be a consequence of the crew's actions, but barratry specifically relates to their wrongful intent aimed at harming the shipowner, thus making internal theft the most fitting answer.