Which aspect determines if a captain's loan obligations affect other owners?

The correct choice is linked to the principle that when a captain undertakes a loan on behalf of the vessel, the potential impact on other owners largely hinges on their authorization. This reflects the fundamental nature of shared ownership in maritime commerce, where decisions made by one owner or operator can have significant financial implications for others involved in owning the vessel.

When other owners authorize the loan, they effectively consent to the risks and obligations that come with it, which solidifies the shared responsibility for the vessel's financial decisions. In scenarios where a captain acts without the consent of the other owners, those owners may not be liable for the loan obligations since they did not agree to take on that financial risk. Thus, their approval is crucial in determining the influence of the captain's actions on the whole group of owners.

This rationale draws on principles of agency in maritime law, which emphasize the necessity of cooperation and collective decision-making among co-owners in matters that could impact their financial interests.