GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules Radio and Communication Procedures Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A train crew hears the words "EMERGENCY, EMERGENCY, EMERGENCY" broadcast over the radio. According to GCOR, what is the required action for all other employees listening on that channel?
- Acknowledge the transmission by saying "Roger Emergency."
- Switch to a secondary channel to keep it clear for the emergency.
- Continue with normal duties but monitor the radio for instructions.
- Give absolute priority to the communication and refrain from transmitting. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Give absolute priority to the communication and refrain from transmitting.
GCOR Rule 2.10 states that all employees must give absolute priority to an emergency communication. Unless they are directly involved in answering or assisting with the emergency, they must not transmit on the channel until they are certain no interference will result.
Question 2: When a train dispatcher transmits a mandatory directive by radio, what is the first action the copying employee must take after the dispatcher has finished speaking?
- Acknowledge receipt by saying "Copy" or "Roger."
- Immediately repeat the directive back to the dispatcher word-for-word. (Correct answer)
- Write down the time and the dispatcher's name.
- Ask the conductor to verify the contents of the directive.
Correct answer: Immediately repeat the directive back to the dispatcher word-for-word.
GCOR Rule 2.3, "Repetition," requires that employees who receive transmissions containing information, instructions, or advice that could affect safety must repeat them back to the sender. This ensures the directive was copied and understood correctly before being acted upon.
Question 3: Which of the following is a prohibited radio transmission according to GCOR?
- Using the radio to give hand signals when visibility is poor.
- Transmitting unidentified, unnecessary, or profane language. (Correct answer)
- Informing another crew member about the aspect of an upcoming signal.
- Reporting a defect found during a roll-by inspection.
Correct answer: Transmitting unidentified, unnecessary, or profane language.
GCOR Rule 2.11, "Prohibited Transmissions," explicitly forbids transmitting unnecessary or unidentified communications, as well as using indecent or profane language over the radio. Radio channels are for professional, safety-critical communication only.
Question 4: A conductor is initiating a non-emergency radio call to the dispatcher. What is the correct format for the initial transmission?
- "Dispatcher, this is train XYZ, over."
- "Train XYZ to the dispatcher at Omaha, over."
- "This is XYZ conductor, need to talk to the dispatcher, over."
- "(Railroad) Dispatcher from (Railroad) Train XYZ at MP 123, over." (Correct answer)
Correct answer: "(Railroad) Dispatcher from (Railroad) Train XYZ at MP 123, over."
GCOR Rule 2.2, "Required Identification," specifies that transmissions must begin by identifying the party being called, followed by the calling party's own identification, which includes the railroad initials, train ID, and location. This ensures there is no confusion about who is talking to whom.
Question 5: An engineer finishes a radio conversation with the dispatcher and no further response is expected. Which procedural word should the engineer use to end the final transmission?
- Roger
- Over and Out
- Out (Correct answer)
- Over
Correct answer: Out
According to GCOR Rule 2.5, the word "OUT" is used to signify that the communication is complete and no response is expected. "Over" is used when a response is expected. The phrase "Over and Out" is contradictory and incorrect procedure.
Question 6: If an employee receives a radio communication that is incomplete or not understood, what action must be taken?
- Act on the portion of the message that was clearly understood.
- Ask another crew member for their interpretation of the message.
- Treat the communication as if it was not sent and do not act upon it. (Correct answer)
- Wait five seconds and if there is no clarification, proceed as planned.
Correct answer: Treat the communication as if it was not sent and do not act upon it.
GCOR Rule 2.6, "Communication Not Understood or Incomplete," states that an employee must not act upon a communication that is not fully understood. They must treat it as if it were not sent. The only exception is if the information suggests a safety hazard, in which case the employee must take the safe course, including stopping movement until clarification is received.
