People aged 70 and over who hold a nautical licence in Malta will now be required to submit a medical fitness form every five years under new requirements that have come into effect immediately.The changes, announced by the Training and Certification Unit within the Ports and Yachting Directorate, will apply to both new nautical licence applications and renewals for individuals aged 70 and over.Under the new rules, nautical licences issued or renewed for people in this age group will have a maximum validity period of five years, rather than the standard ten-year period.Applicants will also need to submit a completed Medical Fitness Form when applying for a new licence and every time they renew it.The changes will also affect nautical licence holders who have not yet turned 70.For individuals under 70, newly issued or renewed licences will now only remain valid until the holder reaches their 70th birthday.This means that someone renewing their nautical licence at the age of 67, for example, would receive a licence valid for just three years rather than the usual ten.Once they turn 70, they will be subject to the new medical fitness requirements and five-year maximum renewal period.However, people who already hold valid nautical licences will not be immediately affected by the changes.Existing licences will remain valid until their respective expiry dates, meaning holders will not need to renew them early simply because of the new requirements.The Ports and Yachting Directorate confirmed that the updated rules replace all previous instructions, procedures and practices concerning the validity periods of nautical licences.The public is being encouraged to take note of the changes and ensure that the necessary documentation is submitted when applying for or renewing a licence.The announcement does not specify which medical examinations or assessments will be required as part of the Medical Fitness Form.Share with your household!•