However, there are a few things that are so fundamental that one needs to
know
them before even attempting to learn to operate a boat.

My problem is not that we should have requirements to operate a boat. I think
the car model is not stringent enough for operating a boat. I think the boat
license should be closer to the FAA license than the driver's license.
You will never get that past the dealers who want every Popeye wannabe to be in
the biggest, fastest boat he can afford.
There should be different categories of operator license based on training and
experience.
It borders on criminal that any bozo with good credit can go buy a 30' boat
that goes 60 MPH and run it offshore straight from the dealer without a minute
of training.