(1) Subject to subregulation (2), a medical fitness certificate issued before the coming into force of these Regulations is deemed for the purposes of these Regulations to be equivalent to a medical fitness certificate issued under these Regulations.
(2) A medical fitness certificate issued by a recognized duly qualified medical practitioner remains valid from the date of the medical examination only for the appropriate maximum period, according to the age of the seafarer, under regulation 8, or for such lesser period as may be specified in that certificate.