Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 474; Flight Crew Type 12723
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Airspace Structure; Procedure; Human Factors; Chart Or Publication
While flying the RNAV Arrival into ZZZ; the initial Approach Controller gave us a descend via the RNAV Arrival. We requested an RNAV Z Approach with him and he said expect that. Prior to the ZZZZZ intersection the Controller gave us 'descend to 7;000 feet.' Then; we were handed off. Upon check-in with '(call sign) seven thousand)' the Controller said 'descend via the ZZZZZ 2 Arrival; expect the ILS ...' I replied with 'We can't descend via there's not a published altitude to descend to.' The Controller said there is. I replied that I believed the last published altitude to descend to was 12;000 feet at [fix] intersection; now 10-15 miles behind us; so I demanded an assignment of a numeric altitude to help clear the confusion.Approach said 'descend and maintain 5;100 feet.' He said 'I show [fix] intersection at 7;000 feet.' I replied 'Yes I see that now.' I discussed this with my First Officer and we both agreed that this is not a valid descend to altitude. I asked Approach if he had a minute for a question. He did. I told him we [wish to] clarify some information; and could he explain his thinking. The Controller said 'I see [fix] at 7;000 feet. I understand you are using Jepps plates. I'm using ICAO.' But ZZZZZ1 and ZZZZZ2 are also listed at 7;000 feet and both Jepps and ICAO plates are identical. 7;000 feet on this arrival is a minimum enroute altitude. It is not a valid descend via altitude. Per Jepps briefing bulletin 16-A1 Jepps SID/STAR-5 in the Jeppesen Airways Manual; published intersections on a STAR are listed in bold blue with lines above and below to define at; at or above; and at or below requirements. Minimum enroute altitudes are black without bold or lines above and below.I think the Controller was confused and having a bad day without a paycheck. I know our Approach Controllers are exceptionally well trained and professional. I think this was just a mistake with an unusual new chart. However; it may be worth reviewing this particular STAR because most STAR arrivals do not list minimum en route altitudes after the last published descend via altitude.
Air carrier pilot reported a communication breakdown with ATC regarding a descend via clearance.