What must crewmembers do at the initial station before departing?

Before departing from the initial station, crewmembers are required to compare track warrants and track bulletins. This step is crucial for ensuring the safety and operational integrity of the train's journey. Track warrants give authority for the train to occupy specific tracks, while track bulletins provide critical information such as any temporary track conditions, speed restrictions, or other control measures that may affect the train's movement. By carefully comparing these documents, crew members can ensure that they are well-informed of the current conditions and regulations affecting their route, which is vital for the protection of personnel and equipment.

Reviewing personal notes and filling out a safety checklist, while important practices, are generally part of a broader safety routine but do not specifically address the immediate safety and operational compliance required before departure. Loading cargo, on the other hand, is not a requirement for departing as it occurs prior to the operational readiness of the train for its journey.