An act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1981 and a supplemental appropriation for fiscal year 1980 for certain maritime programs of the Department of Commerce, and for other purposes.

(House agreed to Senate amendment with amendment)

Maritime Appropriation Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1981 - Authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 1981 for use by the Department of Commerce for: (1) the acquisition, construction, or reconstruction of vessels, the construction differential subsidy, and the cost of national defense features incident to the construction, reconstruction or reconditioning of ships; (2) the payment of obligations incurred for the operating-differential subsidy; (3) research and development activities; (4) maritime education and training expenses; and (5) operating expenses including reserve fleet expenses.

Authorizes additional appropriations for increases in salary, pay, retirement, or other employee benefits authorized by law, and for increased costs for public utilities, food service, and other expenses of the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.

Amends the Maritime Appropriation Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1980 to increase the authorization of appropriations for payment of obligations incurred for operating-differential subsidy from $256,208,000 to $300,515,000.

Directs the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating to cause the vessel Fundy Pride, owned by the State of Maine, to be documented as a vessel of the United States.