A B757-200 flight crew reported their push back ramp crewman did not follow proper procedures; which could have led to a serious incident. This failure to adhere to new SOPs is reportedly a widespread problem.
Synopsis
A B757-200 flight crew reported their push back ramp crewman did not follow proper procedures; which could have led to a serious incident. This failure to adhere to new SOPs is reportedly a widespread problem.
Narrative
Many ground crews are not following the new pushback procedures; and I can only conclude that they are not being well trained. Many crews are complaining about the inconsistency of verbiage used. Our push in TNCA was a perfect example. We had completed the Before Start Checklist and the Before Pushback Checklist. The Ground Crewman called the Captain and told me he was 'ready to push.' I had the First Officer call Apron Control for push clearance; which we were given. The next communication per SOP after our clearance was received would be from the to the ground crew saying; 'brakes released; cleared to push.' Ground: 'ground to flight deck; ready for pushback.' If ready to push: Captain: 'brakes released; cleared to push.' Ground: 'roger; cleared to push.' Also Flight Manual WARNING: To prevent injury to personnel or damage to equipment; do not release the brakes until the Before Pushback Checklist is complete and clearance has been received from the ground crew and pushback clearance has been received from ramp or ATC.On this occasion I noticed that time that the tug was not in the correct position for the tow bar to have been connected. If I had strictly gone by our new procedures; I would have met all the criteria for releasing the brakes and the airplane would have started to roll forward and possibly hurting someone. I reminded the Ground Personnel in TNCA that procedures have changed and they need review the new SOPs or they may get hurt. I reviewed with the Ground Crewman that he should never check in with the 'Ready for Pushback' statement unless they are ready for the Captain to release the brakes; as per new procedures. This could have been a real disaster. [Company] needs to take immediate action to train our ground personnel more effectively on this new procedure. The training so far is obviously inadequate. This is a system wide problem and both [with company employees] as well as third party push crews.
Second reporter narrative
This could have been a real disaster. The Captain made a great save. [Company] needs to take immediate action to train our personnel more effectively on this new procedure. The training so far is obviously inadequate. It is not just a person here or there doing it incorrectly. I see it on every trip. Someone will get hurt if something is not done quickly.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.