New to boating...shocked safety course not mandatory!

[New Hampshire Native]

I absolutely cannot believe the Boater Safety Course is not mandatory PRIOR to setting foot in the helm of a boat. I understand they are "phasing" it in, but I feel it should be MANDATORY prior to registering a boat in the state. If stopped by Marine Patrol without it, the offense should go against your driving record, no matter which state you are from. I truly believe that this, along with speeds over 45mph kept to the broads area (funny, and I am new to this, no bias, just what I have observed on my limited time out there) on WEEKENDS between Memorial day and Labor day, are the way to go. The boater education thing still blows my mind. (This was NOT a politically paid advertisement, just one person's point of view).