The following persons are presumed to have authority to procure necessaries for a vessel:
(1) the owner;
(2) the master;
(3) a person entrusted with the management of the vessel at the port of supply; or
an officer or agent appointed by—
(A) the owner;
(B) a charterer;
(C) an owner pro hac vice; or
(D) an agreed buyer in possession of the vessel.
A person tortiously or unlawfully in possession or charge of a vessel has no authority to procure necessaries for the vessel.
(Pub. L. 100–710, title I, § 102(c), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4748; Pub. L. 101–225, title III, § 303(5), Dec. 12, 1989, 103 Stat. 1924.)