B737 Next Generation Undifferentiated
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 175
Distraction; Confusion; Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Person / Animal / Bird
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure; Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors; Airport
Upon taxiing from Spot 3; enroute to the Gate; I was surprised to see someone with marshalling wands in the middle of the poorly lit ramp. He was between 300 feet and 400 feet out from the gate. It looked like he was in position to clear my wingtip from a baggage tug that appeared to have stalled in the middle of the ramp. Later; I asked a Ramp Supervisor if it was an inoperative tug way out on the ramp. He told me it was a new airport policy to require a Wing Walker out there. Even on this clear night; it was hard to notice him or understand why he was there. I could easily have missed him if he hadn't parked his vehicle (the tug) behind him. On a cloudy; rainy night I can imagine a scenario where the Pilots would be searching for the lead in line; or concentrating on another aircraft in their area and completely miss the Marshaler.During pushback; he was in the same position and I noticed he was guarding a service road that crosses the ramp. I felt it was unsafe for anyone to be standing so far out on the ramp in an area where we would never expect to see a Wing Walker/Marshaler. There is nothing about this policy in the SFO 10-7 pages. Personnel/Wing Walkers are expected near the ends of the safety zone; but not way out on the ramp. Company should present safety concern regarding this to airport and consider alternatives for the gates in this area. If unable to change policy; add 10-7 page warning.
A Captain taxiing to his SFO gate expressed concern about the safety of gate Marshalers who were positioned an extended distance from the gate where they may not be seen.