Samoan Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi said, in a farewell speech, it was the first time seafarers would be paid $US1300 a month.
Those re-hired stood to receive $US1600 a month.
He said the strong US dollar would mean a doubling of their earnings in Samoan currency.
The prime minister urged the young sailors, who would be working on cruise and cargo ships, to save money for their families and not spend it on alcohol and other entertainment.
