Japan’s anti-piracy bill

The Japanese govt. will submit a bill to the Diet to allow security contractors aboard Japanese vessels to carry firearms while in waters off Somalia.

Antipiracy bill drafted to let private armed guards defend ships

The government will submit an antipiracy bill to the Diet that would allow foreign security contractors aboard Japanese flag-bearing vessels to carry firearms while in waters off Somalia and elsewhere, sources close to the issue said Sunday.

Vessels registered in Japan are prohibited from carrying private armed guards, under the Sword and Firearm Control Law.

Under the bill drafted by the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry, warning shots will be permitted but firing at people will not, unless in self-defense, the sources said.

Ship owners will be required to disclose details on their equipment and security plans as well as the capabilities of the security staff on board before receiving government approval. They also will be required to submit an application for every journey, according to the ministry’s plan.

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Source: The Japan Times.