For the amount of hassle and costs involved, compared with the reduction in an, already minimal, number of accidents,, licensing is not worth it.
BTW. The most stupid thing, affecting me recently was a boatload of MNZ staff, insisting on going under a bridge up tide, when I was going down stream with limited power, maneuverability and space.
Enforcing some of the worst examples of breaches of existing rules, could help. Most boaties are sensible. What I see, mostly, apart from the speeding powerboats, are mistakes, not inattention or disregard.
Wannabees wanting more power, and thi