What must a shipowner do to ensure a loan is effective against third parties?

To ensure a loan is effective against third parties, a shipowner must record the loan within a specific timeframe after the vessel’s arrival at the port of registry. This practice is crucial because it serves as a public notice of the financial obligation associated with the vessel. By officially recording the loan, the shipowner protects their interests and clarifies the priority of claims against the ship in the event of disputes or insolvency. This process helps to inform potential creditors and other parties about any existing encumbrances before they engage in transactions related to the vessel.

Recording the loan in a timely manner is essential to maintain its enforceability and give it legal standing, thus preventing third-party claims from taking precedence over the recorded loan. It establishes a clear legal right concerning the vessel that can be enforced against any subsequent claims or encumbrances.

The other choices do not provide the same level of protection or specificity required by maritime commerce practices. Simply notifying stakeholders or presenting the loan agreement to a court lacks the formal acknowledgment and public transparency that recording provides. Posting information in public at the port may not meet the requisite legal standards necessary to make the loan enforceable against third parties. Therefore, timely recording is the preferred and most effective action.