There is, regrettably no operator's license in most states. Both New York and New Jersey have minimal requirement for operator's endorsements [a class based on the US Power Squadron book, Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling, as it used to be called]. There is not functional exam. You can just hop into your [un] guided missile and power away.
PWC [jetski] users have a similar requirement but I believe the exam is slightly different. I have seen more than a few of them not wearing life jackets. Also, no one seems to have explained that the damn things have no brakes and no control when the thrust is off.