In terms of the safety of life and property, the documentation outlining the maintenance-attitude standards and the parameters under which the equipment employed on the ships is to be operated are comprehensive and devoid of errors. Of course, it may not be possible to check these issues one by one at any time, when necessary. For example, checking the compliance of many maritime safety and ship security equipment with national or international standards via documentation and applications will be a time-consuming and complicated task. On the other hand, this situation does not eliminate the responsibility of those concerned. However, it is evident that some of the requirements faced during port inspections might be extremely painful.

The number of certificates, which serve as a tool for revealing the standards and suitability of activities based on IMO circulars, STCW, SOLAS, and MARPOL, is growing by the day.

In particular, the security concerns that arose after the attack on the Twin Towers in New York City, USA on September 11, 2001; As with other platforms related with goods and services, it has created an order that requires everything to be documented on ships. "Papers" that require a certificate or equivalent burden of evidence have a separate and essential function in the professional life of sailors in this age of rising bureaucracy.

For instance, the certification of devices, materials and equipment has come to the fore to prove that the requirements are met. Certificates such as "Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate" or "Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate" are examples.

This situation is not only the certification papers of devices, materials and equipment, for example, all the documents required for the employment of seamen on ships; It began to be known as "Papers" among sailors. Numerous documents, including as health reports, health cards, and seamen's books, have been entered the literature of seafarers as "papers".

Among the sailors, you may say, "Let me gather the papers again and board the ship," or "I gave the papers to the company."

As a result; the international effects of a terrorist incident on a different continent; It has shaped a well-known word in a different sense in our sea life: "Papers".

Does the presentation of these "Papers" gifted to us by the intense bureaucracy created by safety, security and the burden of proof solve the whole issue?

Naturally not... All certificates acquired through deceptive and dishonest practices without adhering to quality requirements are essentially "Paper". But commitment and a methodical approach will make "Papers" more valuable.

The severity of port and ship inspections may also produce an ironic effect that renders the recycling of "Papers" either useless or extremely profitable. This scenario demonstrates how the "Papers," which are meant to gauge both the auditee's and the auditor's situational knowledge, are dynamic and subject to renewal processes.