Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 106; Flight Crew Type 4500
Confusion; Communication Breakdown; Training / Qualification
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Company Policy; Procedure; Staffing
Pulling up to the gate lead-in line there was no Ground personnel to park us so the Captain set the brake and waited for someone to marshal us in. One individual eventually came over. He had a safety vest on to be on the ramp but no Company uniform. As he marshalled us in; he was continually looking over to the other carrier's gate next door as if he was looking for help. We stopped the aircraft when he said to stop but noticed the jetway was out of position. We thought it might be because we were in a larger aircraft than expected. We asked the Agent what the deal was with the Ground Crew and what was wrong with the jetway. She said the individual that guided us in was not even authorized to park us and that he actually parked us on another type of aircraft's line versus our aircraft's stop line. She went on to say that they are not real Company Employees on the ramp; and that they have a great deal on problems with them. She also added that they have filed several reports with the Company but have not seen any change. Upon pushback; I noticed the Captain had to ask several times to get the proper response from the Ground Crew to ensure everything was done and that we were on the same page about the pushback. During the pushback; the Captain set the brakes and told me to start the number one motor. That's when we both noticed that the Ground Crew disconnected the headset and tow bar and left without being cleared off by the Captain. I know both of the occurrences are minor but could have been made worse if we had any kind of issue with parking or starting without the proper support from the Ground Crew.I think the Company needs Company Employees trained in Company procedures dealing with our aircraft and Crews. I think if it is a Company Station there should be Company on the ramp to handle our aircraft. So we; as Crew Members; know that the people in and around our aircraft are trained properly and know what to do if any issues arise while we are on the ground.
A pilot reported a non-qualified; non-Company person marshaled his aircraft into a DCA gate; stopped the aircraft at an incorrect spot; and on departure pushback left the aircraft without signaling.