Who must authorize a captain's loan for it to affect other owners?

For a captain's loan to be binding and affect the interests of other owners within a maritime context, the critical requirement is that all other owners directly involved must provide their authorization. This is because a captain's actions, including taking loans, can have significant implications for the financial and operational aspects of the vessel and the entity as a whole.

When a captain seeks to secure a loan, this typically comes from the need to fund immediate operations, repairs, or other expenses critical for the vessel's functioning. Since the loan directly impacts the owners and may change their liability or the financial health of their investment, it is paramount that all parties with a vested interest agree to such actions. Thus, without the consensus of all owners, the validity of the loan might be disputed, and individual owners might not be held accountable for obligations incurred without their consent.

This highlights the importance of collective decision-making in maritime commerce, ensuring that no single individual, whether a captain or an owner, can unilaterally bind the entire group to financial responsibilities without mutual consent.