Date: 202002
Local time of day: 0601-1200
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Flight conditions: IMC
Weather elements / visibility: Rain
Light: Night
Aircraft: Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Taxi
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Captain; Pilot Flying
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Human factors: Situational Awareness
Anomaly: Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: Taxi
Result: Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Contributing factors: Human Factors; Weather
Primary problem: Weather

Narrative: We were attempting to park the aircraft at Gate XX; Terminal X at ZZZ. While taxiing; we lined the aircraft on what was thought to be the correct line. We had the Digital Guidance System (DGS) at Gate XX that indicated [our make/model aircraft] but we were getting no feedback from it. Upon realizing; that we were on the incorrect lead-line; I stopped; set the brake and had the First Officer request a tug crew to push us back and pull the aircraft to the gate on the correct lead-in line. The error was corrected without any equipment damage or interference with other traffic on the ramp.The reason for this error was due to the fact that we could not see the lead-in line because it was night; raining and the wet ramp reflected the light so brightly that all markings on the pavement were 'masked'. We taxied in based on what looked to be the proper perspective due to the position of the DGS sign as well as the orientation of the jet bridge. We thought that the line would come into view along with feedback from the DGS once we got closer. However; that was not the case. We briefly followed the dashed lined for wide body aircraft. By the time the mistake was realized; we were too close to move the aircraft onto the correct line without ramp assistance. Lastly; I didn't pay full enough attention to detail on the Jeppesen chart. This chart depicts an accurate overlay of the ramp area at Terminal X. It clearly shows an offset lead-in line to Gate XX. While doing my arrival briefing I overlooked that detail.Well; we probably should have just stopped while we were far out on the ramp and asked for three marshallers. Most importantly; one to ensure that we were going to be aligned correctly. Even though we had DGS at our gate; I would recommend that the ramp staff continue to direct the crews in at night; especially when it is raining. Those lead-in lines; or J lines as they are sometimes called; are very faint and nearly impossible to see at night or at anytime when it is raining. The standing water on the ramp reflects the light. Therefore; it is difficult to see where the line is; even during the daytime. Also; I would recommend that the current lead-in lines be repainted. That would definitely help make them more visible. Finally; I will make a more thorough review of the Jeppesen Chart which depicts an offset line.




Synopsis: Air Carrier flight crew turned onto an incorrect gate lead-in line when having difficulty seeing the line during a night time arrival.