A320
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 200; Flight Crew Total 14000; Flight Crew Type 11000
Communication Breakdown; Confusion
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Human Factors
Arriving at the gate; the marshaller accepted us and directed us to taxi straight; beyond the lead in line.  He turned away to talk to someone else while directing us toward the aircraft at the next gate over.  Once he realized the aircraft was not where he thought after reestablishing eye contact; he was unable to properly signal a right turn to return us to the line.  His signaling included a pre marshaling alignment signal that was prior SOP; and a handoff signal; which presumably could have been a right turn.  I signaled him to connect headset to the aircraft; and he said he knew how to marshal an aircraft to the right.  I let him know he had put the aircraft in a precarious position and marshaling was required for continued movement; so using an alignment signal wasn't appropriate.  He left the aircraft; and either continued to Marshall our plane into the nearby aircraft; or give the signal to turn over marshaling to the next marshaller.  Eventually; a ramp manager showed up and informed me the aircraft would be towed in.  The actual tow in was not performed in accordance with SOP; and the crew had to be instructed to establish communications with the cockpit.  The crew did not follow any tow in procedure; and disconnected communication prior to completion of tow in; resulting in the aircraft cargo doors being opened prior to brake set.  The marshaller was a lead; as described on his safety vest; but obviously requires retraining of marshaling and tow in procedures.  He placed the aircraft in precarious situations on 2 occasions; and had no ability to correct his actions.  I can't safely be marshalled on my perception of 'what I think he wants.'
A320 Captain reports being confused by a Marshall's taxi directions; resulting in the aircraft being towed into the gate. The Captain believes that the Marshall has not been properly trained to perform the new SOP.