The use of any vehicle including boats does have various rules that do need to be adhered to and they are not just there for your safety, it is the law. Before taking part in your first trip or perhaps your fiftieth trip, each state will have different regulations so always make sure you are certain that the rules are clear and understood because there can be heavy fines associated with it if they are broken and especially if an accident/death was to occur by ignoring all rules.
Search the internet for all of these rules and if you are unsure then seek professional advice to ensure that you are safe in the knowledge that the boat is being operated safely protecting your party.