Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Type 15000
Troubleshooting; Human-Machine Interface; Communication Breakdown; Workload
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors; Procedure
During taxi for takeoff; we were given a new initial departure clearance of fly heading 290 climb; and maintain 12;000 feet (apparently for noise). Takeoff was normal. Upon checking in with SoCal; we were given a heading of 150 'vector to GRIDR'. Two minutes later we were given direct to GRIDR; resume the ZZOOO 1 Departure. As we were proceeding to GRIDR; I noticed that we were approaching 12;000 feet and we hadn't been given a clearance to a higher altitude. I asked SoCal for higher. The Controller once again cleared us direct to GRIDR. I again asked for higher; the Controller responded that the assigned altitude for that departure was FL230. I again asked for higher; the Controller responded that FL230 is the final altitude. I believe I then stated that I needed a clearance or something like that. The Controller told us to climb and maintain FL230. The remainder of the departure was uneventful.My understanding of RNAV departure procedures is that once the altitude on the departure has been modified (12;000 feet); the Controller must either re-clear you to 'climb via' or issue a 'climb and maintain' clearance. Simply stating; 'resume the departure' does not clear you to continue climbing via the departure. The ATC Handbook 7110.65 appears to support my position; but I'm not sure. I tried looking for Company resources in Training and Standards but was unable to find any archived.I previewed the flight packet cover sheet; which highlights issues with improper check-in phraseology and was prepared to make the correct check-in on with SoCal; however; that became moot with the amended clearance. I felt that in that circumstance; in order for me to legally climb to a higher altitude; SoCal either needed to give me a climb via or a climb and maintain clearance. I reviewed the ATC recording online; unfortunately; the recording I listened to only has SoCal; not our transmissions. ['If we were mistaken in this situation; Pilots need further guidance. It seems to me most Pilots would not be comfortable climbing to a higher altitude when given just a resume departure clearance.']
Boeing 737 Captain reported Departure Control climb clearance confusion due to ATC incorrect clearance phraseology.