What is the consequence of a captain borrowing without owner authorization?

When a captain borrows money without the owner's authorization, the typical consequence is that only the captain's share of the vessel is at risk unless other owners choose to contribute. This means that the financial responsibility stemming from unauthorized borrowing does not automatically extend to the entire vessel or to other owners.

In maritime law, a captain acts as the agent of the shipowner, but there are limits to that agency, particularly concerning financial transactions. If the captain borrows without permission, they may be personally liable, but this typically does not place the entire vessel or the interests of co-owners at risk unless they willingly assume that liability. Therefore, the principal idea is that the captain is personally responsible for the debt created by their unauthorized action, which only implicates their stake in the vessel unless other co-owners enter into complicity or agreement regarding that loan.