accommodation-ladder

A sailor climbs down the accommodation-ladder to board a small boat.

Definition

Noun: An "accommodation-ladder" is a portable ladder, often with steps or rungs, suspended from the side of a ship to provide access between the vessel and smaller boats, such as launches or tenders, or to a dock.

Usage Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to rig the accommodation-ladder": To set up or prepare the ladder for use.

  • The sailors had to rig the accommodation-ladder before the harbor pilot arrived. (They installed and secured the ladder.)

• "accommodation-ladder platform": A small platform at the base of the ladder for stepping onto a boat.

  • He stood on the accommodation-ladder platform, waiting for the tender to pull alongside. (The flat surface at the ladder's bottom.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ladder (n): a structure of rungs or steps for climbing.

  • The ship's ladder was made of reinforced steel. (A general climbing tool, not specific to ships.)

• Accommodation (n): a place to live or stay, or the act of adjusting.

  • The ship's accommodation was cramped but functional. (Living quarters on a vessel.)

Synonyms

• Gangway: a movable bridge or ladder used for boarding a ship.

  • The gangway was lowered to connect the ship to the pier. (Similar but often larger and for dockside use.)

• Jacob's ladder: a rope ladder with wooden rungs, used on ships.

  • The sailor climbed the Jacob's ladder to reach the crow's nest. (A more flexible, rope-based ladder.)

Related Idioms

• "Up the accommodation-ladder": A metaphorical phrase used in naval contexts to mean advancing in rank or responsibility.
  • After years of service, he climbed up the accommodation-ladder to become chief officer. (He progressed in his career.)