Air carrier flight crew reported the Captain turned the wrong direction after pushback; resulting in a near collision with an approaching catering truck. Captain stopped aircraft to avoid collision.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported the Captain turned the wrong direction after pushback; resulting in a near collision with an approaching catering truck. Captain stopped aircraft to avoid collision.
Narrative
Following pushback; I as low time first officer called ramp to advise ready for taxi and subsequently we're given instructions by the apron controller to make a right turn taxiing out. After these instructions were received; my captain initiated a left turn beginning the taxi out and we subsequently had a near collision with a service truck. The apron controller saw that we made a left turn instead and told us to continue with the left turn and taxi out to our next taxiway. The controller did not state any warning or advise on any further actions concerning this deviation. I as low time first officer learned from this event to immediately correct the captain and confirm our turn out after pushback with the captain on every following flight operation. Suggestions: have the captain just simply confirm with me or the first officer what our instructions are exactly instead of the first officer assume the captain is listening to the ramp's instructions. Also; I must confirm with the captain that he or she has understood our taxi out instructions before proceeding.
Second reporter narrative
In ZZZZ our push back instructions were as given push tail straight back on to circle". After relaying our instructions to our push crew we started to push back. We had a minimal push back to the circle; and off our right side we were in close prolixity to another parked aircraft at the gate. I instructed my FO to start engine #2 and prepared for a left turn out onto the ramp taxi line to avoid any incursions. After engine start and checklist we asked for taxi out instructions. Looking to the left of the aircraft I cleared the area and proceeded to turn left. As I made the turn I notice a fast approaching catering truck and brought the aircraft to a stop. At that time my FO and Ramp informed me that it was supposed to be a right turn onto the taxi lane XX. Ramp tower gave us clearance to keep turning left and proceed to lane XX for ramp exit. We did as told and proceeded to taxi without further events.Looking at this situation I should have been paying more attention to listening to ramp instructions before making my next move. My anticipation was well planned out but different than expected. I believe I missed the radio instructions while I was clearing the area before releasing the brake. Speaking with my FO after I told him I did not hear those exact instructions but only to lane XX. He also informed me that he should have spoken up about the turn as soon as he noticed I was turning left. This situation could have been avoided with slowing down my movement and processing instructions before making actions. Also; communication is key in the flight deck no matter what the situation is to help prevent further incorrect actions."
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.