GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules Radio and Communication Procedures 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?

Accepted Answer

Give absolute priority to the communication and refrain from transmitting.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Immediately repeat the directive back to the dispatcher word-for-word.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Transmitting unidentified, unnecessary, or profane language.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

"(Railroad) Dispatcher from (Railroad) Train XYZ at MP 123, over."

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Out

Answer

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.

GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules Practice Test

GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules Practice Test

GCOR - General Code of Operating Rules Radio and Communication Procedures Questions and Answers