All questions
Operator authority

You have bought a handheld VHF for your boat. What does holding the SRC primarily prove?

Short answer

That the operator is competent to use marine VHF

The SRC is the operator qualification for the relevant marine VHF and VHF/DSC procedures. Equipment licensing, suitability and permission for a local service are separate checks.

Quick check

You have bought a handheld VHF for your boat. What does holding the SRC primarily prove?