In American Samoa, four employees of the Department of Port Administration who refused to take a drug test have been fired.
Five others who tested positive for drugs have been served notices of intention to terminate.
Under government personnel rules they can object to the intended action.
All nine employees worked on the government vessel, MV Sili.
Under federal maritime rules any employee who tests positive for drugs is subject to termination.
Port Director, Matagi Ray Mcmoore, says a final decision on the five who tested positive will be made next week.
He says he does not expect the loss of 9 crew members for the Sili to have an impact on the vessel's operations.
