accommodation ladder

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.
Origin
1760-70
Examples from the web for accommodation ladder
  • The accommodation ladder was down, but did not reach the barge.
  • Where practical, a gangway or accommodation ladder should be provided.
  • The dock shall have a suitable landing area to receive the vessel's accommodation ladder at any water level.
British Dictionary definitions for accommodation ladder

accommodation ladder

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