EMB ERJ 170/175 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural MEL / CDL; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Maintenance Action
Human Factors; MEL
The airplane had MEL. Due to this MEL it was required that the airplane be fueled by over wing refueling (the single point could not be used). Dispatch notified the Operations at ZZZ1 while we were airborne. We also put a note in our in-range via ACARS report that the airplane had to be over wing refueled. When we parked; the fuel door opened almost immediately. The First Officer saw the fueler out his window. The First Officer then opened his window and got the fueler's attention and told him we cannot use the single point fueling. The fueler acknowledged the First Officer; but completely disregarded his instructions and continued to connect to the single point. I then went outside to tell the fueler that there was an MEL and to stop using the single point because it was unsafe and went against the MEL instructions. He then told me it was taking fuel and I didn't know what I was talking about. The fueler said he took a 'class' on the fueling system and knows what he is doing. I again tried to explain it and the fueler told me I need to go back to the cockpit because I don't know what I am talking about. I told him I need to talk to his supervisor and his name. All he would tell me is [the first name] and would not give me a last name or employee number. The Supervisor did show up. He was very courteous. I explained him the MEL and what was required. He said it was a miscommunication with Ops. He did not know the single point could not be used. He said he would have a discussion with the fueler about the incident and how he treated crew members. The major issue with this is the complete disregard by the fueler to listen to several crew members (both First Officer and Captain). He was extremely disrespectful and unwilling to listen to any kind of direction. He is handling large amount of jet fuel and should listen to a uniformed crew member when they tell him to stop fueling the airplane. There was passengers deplaning during this entire exchange.
E-175 Captain reported fueler at destination refused to follow flight crew's direct orders to stop single point refueling due to system being MEL'ed.