Seems like the Commonwealth countries are a bit more "formal" and in my opinion, "correct" than the US. Perhaps it it because they require a license and a requisite course to operate?
So far as I know, a radio license is not required to operate a VHF marine radio in the US. A license used to be required to operate a VHF radio in an aircraft, but it was what used to be referred to as a "Third Phone" (3rd Class Radiotelephone Operator's License) which simply meant you paid the government some money and you got one. I have one but they're good for life so I don't know if that requirement still stands or not.
You also don't need a station license to have a VHF radio in a boat in the US. If you are going to operate that boat in the waters of another country like Canada or Mexico you do need a station license. We have them for our boats because they both go up into BC. They are good for x-number of years and renewing them is not the least expensive thing on the planet.
I think I have those requirements correct. If I'm wrong please correct me.