Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument
Training / Qualification
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Procedure
I'm noticing a very concerning trend on our marshaling throughout our system. I have seen numerous times where when parking at the gate; the Marshaler isn't even looking up at the cockpit anymore. They seem to be focused on the chocks! Now with the new Ops coming out; I'm even more concerned for safety. I have had a few instances were either one or both engines were running; and the Marshaler gave the all clear signal; while my hand was showing the 'not clear' (fist) in the window. Of course they didn't see it; because again; they are so focused on the chocks! I had a couple of incidents where both engines were still running; icy ramp; stopped aircraft with 'do not approach hand in window.' Shortly; thereafter; the Blue External Power Available light illuminated! In other words; they were plugging in external power on an icy ramp with the #2 engine still running! Have we forgotten that the front of the engine has suction! I believe we had warning markings for the engine footprint at one time. I have talked to the Ramp Supervisors after these situations. They all agree training and flow through is an issue. There are a few Ramp Agents out there that do know how to marshal safely; and understand hand signals; but they seem to be fairly rare right now. With the winter season upon us; I hope we can address this expediently; or I fear someone is going to get hurt! Whoever is training these Ramp Agents perhaps needs to evaluate their own training skills. These Marshalers are not following a simple procedure that we have done for decades. If not; I fear someone is going to get hurt at some point! Let's put safety first on this one please!
Air carrier Captain reported numerous SOP violations in ramp operations that could lead to injury.