Boat licensing

Should the state require basic boating courses for sail and/or power boats over a given size or motor size? Let's face it, the boating organization has some pretty good lobbiest. That said, when you consider all the dangers and risks in boating shouldn't it require at the bare minimum a boat safty course to be taken and passed either before or with in six months of registering a boat that meets size or motor size limits? The state and federal goverment require this for mopeds, motor cycles, cars, and such when being used on public roads. Why shouldn't this be required of boaters who are traveling on public water ways?

As a case in point, I grew up in the Panama Canal Zone. For my father to rent a simple john boat with 15-20 horse motor on it, he had to carry a US Coast Guard boating license. I think this was a little extream but I can recall him studing for the exam which did make him a safer boater than if he didn't have to pass any exam.

What is your thoughts?