A House of Representatives committee unanimously approved a bill Wednesday to tighten measures aimed at countering terrorist attacks on ships and ports.
The legislation, endorsed by the House of Representatives Committee on Land, Infrastructure and Transport, is expected to clear the full Lower House on Thursday.
The bill would require ocean liners and freighters of 500 or more gross tons to carry equipment capable of reporting to coastal nations about any danger they encounter.
It would also require ship owners to map out security measures, and oblige ships to report security information before entering Japanese ports.
The bill would also allow a ban on the entry of ships suspected of carrying terrorists.
The government expects the legislation to take effect July 1, when a revised International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea goes into effect.
The revised convention calls on signatory nations to tighten steps against terrorism.