(1) A sailor may be reduced to any lower rank in his own category or to any lower class in his rank, provided that no sailor shall be reduced in rank: -
(a) below the limits laid down in the regulations for the time being in force governing the advancement of sailors.
(b) Below, either actually or relatively, the rank in which he first entered or re-entered, if service in the latter event was not continuous and reentry was under a fresh engagement.
(2) Whenever a sailor is summarily reduced to a lower rank for misconduct or is reduced to lower rank following conviction by a civil authority under subregulation (6) of regulation 119, a note in writing giving the offences shall be attached to the sailor’s Service Certificate which shall remain there until he is reinstated in his former rank.
(3) If a Chief Petty Officer is reduced in rank summarily he shall be iven the option of release from the Naval Service.