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

The Port formalities had already been complied with, and now the accommodation ladder was hanging at the side in readiness for visitors.

From A Cabinet Secret by Boothby, Guy Newell

The accommodation ladder of the ship, which was a regular flight of stairs, had hardly been rigged before a white barge, pulled by four men, came alongside.

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

The second officer ran up the accommodation ladder.

From A Roving Commission Or, Through the Black Insurrection at Hayti by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)

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