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

In less than ten minutes the boat had been swung out by means of a derrick, and was straining at her painter alongside the accommodation ladder.

From The Wireless Officer by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)

Arrived at the accommodation ladder, and on deck, Code found a vessel with white decks, glistening brass work, and discipline that shamed naval authority.

From The Harbor of Doubt by Gage, George W.

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

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

From The Fortunate Isles Life and Travel in Majorca, Minorca and Iviza by Boyd, Mary Stuart