Seamen's Shipment and Discharge Act of 1980

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Seaman's Shipment and Discharge Act of 1980 - Applies this Act to all vessels except those specified, including fishing or whaling vessels, yachts, vessels operated exclusively on the navigable waters of the United States, and foreign vessels. Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue certificates for the identification of any person who serves on board a vessel subject to this Act. Requires the master of such a vessel to enter into a written shipping agreement with each seaman before proceeding on any voyage or engaging replacement or additional seamen. Directs the Secretary to prescribe the form of such agreement, including wages and terms of employment. Requires each seaman to present to the master at the time of engagement any certificate or license required for the service to be performed. Requires each master, upon discharging a seaman, to provide written evidence of service and a written mutual release of all claims to wages. Permits a seaman engaged in violation of this Act to leave the service of the vessel at any time. Establishes criminal penalties for specified violations with respect to a seaman's wages and property and r…