Sailors

This comes as the general manager of Samoa Shipping Services, which oversees the training and recruitment of sailors to work, mainly on cruise ships, revealed 10 sailors have lost their contracts for theft, sexual harassment, disorderly conduct, and alcohol and drug abuse.

The Samoa Observer reports Lautimu'ia Uelese Va'ai made the statement while speaking to 29 new sailors before they left last Saturday to start new contracts in Italy.

He warned them to be mindful of the consequences of their actions and advised them to "use the opportunities wisely".

During a farewell ceremony the acting Prime Minister, Papalii Niko Lee Hang said this is the main challenge faced by several local seamen now working overseas.

Papalii said that the government's zero tolerance on alcohol consumption remained and if the new group of seamen misbehaved they would be deported and would no longer be considered for service on foreign ships.

Sixteen of the new sailors will work on cargo ships while 43 will be on cruise ships.

Samoa has received over $US6 million dollars annually in remittances from sailors and fishermen working overseas.