B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 200; Flight Crew Total 17000; Flight Crew Type 3000
Communication Breakdown; Other / Unknown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Human Factors
After an extensive maintenance delay we were ready to push back.  I failed to notice that there were no wing walkers during pushback.  After the ground crew told me the tow bar and bypass pin were disconnected; I said 'Disconnect Headset.'  It was then I observed that we had been pushed back by only the tug driver and he waved as he drove away.  I called Ops and asked for another marshaller to give me a proper release and clearance so that I could taxi. I was told the Ramp Supervisor was going to drive out and release me to taxi.  A tug with 'Ramp Supervisor' on the door approached at my 1:00 O'clock position and a person got out and stood there with his arms out from his shoulders.  No wands (it was dark) and not at the 45 degree down position.  I repeatedly called Ops and told them he was giving me signals that meant nothing to me.  He persisted and then left; only to come back with wands and give me the same incorrect signal.  After I wouldn't acknowledge his signal (?) he left.  I asked Ops and Ramp if they could see the aircraft and they stated that they could.  I made the decision to taxi; and we departed.
B737 Captain reports a pushback with no wing walkers and a wave off by the tug driver; not using proper signals.