B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Procedure; Airspace Structure
On departure out of EWR; level at 6;000 feet between ELVAE Intersection and the COL VOR on the EWR4 departure. ATC instructed a 130 degree heading. There was a VFR aircraft 3-4 hundred feet below us in that same direction. Captain delayed the turn for a moment or two; knowing that the turn would likely put us in conflict with the aircraft; then complied with ATC instruction to turn. The heading put us directly towards the aircraft but I had the aircraft in sight. Received a climb RA and complied with it. Informed ATC of our RA and climb.
Air carrier First Officer reported receiving a TCAS RA while on the SID from EWR despite delaying ATC issued heading in an attempt to create separation.