A321
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Other / Unknown
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors; Procedure
Departing LAX; checked in with SoCal on frequency 124.3. Climbing via the DOTSS 2 departure except maintain 5;000 [feet]. As with virtually every departure off LAX; we were cleared 'climb and maintain 17;000.' SoCal never issues 'climb via'. Switched to next frequency 119.95 and was issued 'Climb via; except maintain 19;000.' As we were heavy; were not given any prior restrictions on speed or altitude and shortcuts on the departure; we said 'unable climb via' as there was an above altitude of 15;000 [feet] at DOTSS intersection ahead. The reissuing of a via clearance after being unrestricted is not practical if ATC needs the restrictions. Upon stating 'unable climb via' to ATC; [ATC] got very snappy with us and said: 'The last Controller was to give 'climb via'.' We advised they never do and didn't this time either. Next ATC command was: 'Slow to 250 kts or you will hit an aircraft at 14;000'.' We complied with the 250 kts; didn't hear anything further and didn't hit any airplanes.SoCal always gives climb and maintain off LAX. If LA Center on next frequency wants or needs a 'climb via' then some communication between ATC facilities needs to happen ahead of time. No need to blame pilots for following ATC instructions.
A321 Captain reported not accepting a 'climb via' clearance while on the LAX DOTTS 2 SID due to lack of communications between controllers. The event led to non-standard communication between the crew and the Controller.