1.The validity period of Community certificates issued to newly built vessels in accordance with the provisions of this Directive shall be determined by the competent authority up to a maximum of:
(a)five years in the case of passenger vessels;
(b)10 years in the case of all other craft.
The period of validity shall be entered on the Community certificate.
2.In the case of vessels already in operation before the inspection, the competent authority shall set the period of validity of the Community certificate case by case, in the light of the results of the inspection. However, the validity may not exceed the periods specified in paragraph 1.