B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Procedure
Once again prearranged coordination procedures were not complied with and an operational error may have occurred. I had just walked into the TRACON after a break and was signing back on position when I heard Apache yell at Navajo 'way to go Navajo; what the hell.' B737 was descending via the EAGUL RNAV STAR and another B737 was climbing to FL210; on vectors for the CHILY1 departure. When I heard him yell; I looked and the two aircraft were less than 1;000 FT and three miles apart. I assume that visual separation; if in use; was not coordinated with Apache by Navajo; which is a requirement by the .65 and P50 SOP. There was a relief briefing overlap in progress at Navajo; and this still occurred. The facility needs to address the use of prearranged coordination procedures. These procedures are violated all the time; especially the use of visual separation. The Departure Controller is required to advise the Arrival Controller of its use; so the other aircraft can be advised; but it never occurs. Brief; retrain; redesign or abandon these procedures if they are not going to be used properly.
A P50 Controller described a loss of separation event noting the facility pre-arranged coordination procedures are not being completed as required.