Cap. 9 Art. 296Barratry.

(1) Any master, padrone or boatman or any person entrusted with the command, use or custody of any lighter, boat, skiff, caique or other vessel, even if intended to navigate once only within the limits of Malta, who, for purposes of gain -

(a) abandons or damages the vessel or causes the vessel to sink;

(b) steals or damages any goods or other things which are on the vessel;

(c) falsely represents the loss of or damage to the vessel, goods or other things;

(d) sells or otherwise disposes of the vessel against the will and to the prejudice of the owner, shall, on conviction, be liable to imprisonment for a term from five months to two years.

(2) The said punishment shall also be applied where the offender is a part-owner of the vessel, goods or things.