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

Without waiting for a reply, he sprang forward to the head of the accommodation ladder and shinned down it into the launch.

From A Traitor's Wooing by Hill, Headon

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

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

Peaks came alongside, and directed Clyde Blacklock to mount the accommodation ladder, which he did without making any objection.

From Up The Baltic Young America in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark by Optic, Oliver

In the afternoon, the captain's gig came up to the accommodation ladder, and the commander, attended by Somers, seated himself in the stern-sheets.

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.