46 U.S.C. § 31341

Verified against govinfo.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on govinfo.gov ↗

(a)The following persons are presumed to have authority to procure necessaries for a vessel:
1. (1)the owner;
2. (2)the master;
3. (3)a person entrusted with the management of the vessel at the port of supply; or
4. (4)an officer or agent appointed by—
  1. (A)the owner;
  2. (B)a charterer;
  3. (C)an owner pro hac vice; or
  4. (D)an agreed buyer in possession of the vessel.
(b)A person tortiously or unlawfully in possession or charge of a vessel has no authority to procure necessaries for the vessel.