accommodation ladder

American  

noun

1. a portable flight of steps, usually having a small platform at each end, suspended at the side of a vessel to give access to and from boats alongside.

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accommodation ladder British  

noun

1. nautical a flight of stairs or a ladder for lowering over the side of a ship for access to and from a small boat, pier, etc

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Etymology

Origin of accommodation ladder

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

This was despatched by the boat that had brought the lieutenant, and in less than half-an-hour Captain Breatford was ascending the steps of the accommodation ladder.

From A Cabinet Secret by Boothby, Guy Newell

Somers directed the coxswain of the first cutter to pull in to the accommodation ladder of the steamer.

From Brave Old Salt or, Life on the Quarter Deck by Optic, Oliver

The boat, which had run quickly alongside of the steamer near her bow, now lay beside the accommodation ladder which hung amidships.

From The Island Mystery by Birmingham, George A.

I took his hand from one of the chiefs who had assisted him up the accommodation ladder, and led him to the cabin.

From Account of a Voyage of Discovery to the West Coast of Corea, and the Great Loo-Choo Island by Hall, Basil

The delighted captain stood on deck, hat in hand, in a respectful attitude, whilst the Consul, with stiff and cautious steps, ascended the accommodation ladder.

From Skipper Worse by Kielland, Alexander Lange