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

After a protracted delay the boats succeeded in approaching near enough to the accommodation ladder to enable the commercial men to embark.

From Project Gutenberg

The second officer ran up the accommodation ladder.

From Project Gutenberg

As the Tallapoosa gathered headway, a gentleman, clothed in naval uniform, stepped on the rail from the accommodation ladder.

From Project Gutenberg

One by one the passengers began to ascend the swaying accommodation ladder.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr Rogerson, see that the accommodation ladder is ready; Captain Morrison is coming off.”

From Project Gutenberg