Definition

Noun

  • Any set of stairs on a ship.

Origin

14th century. From the Anglo-Saxon word hlaeder, of the same meaning.

Comments

In addition to the vertical kinds, stairs on ships are usually very narrow, steep, and often removable. Ladders that go from deck to deck are accommodation ladders, while ladders rigged over the side when a ship is anchored or moored, or when embarking/disembarking people from small boats, are gangway ladders.

Up/down ladder is also used in the description of the fall of shot in naval gunnery. When a salvo falls short, it needs to be corrected up ladder, and when it falls over, it needs to be corrected down ladder.

References

Kemp, P. (1994). The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. Oxford University Press.

Rogers, J.G. (1985). Origins of Sea Terms. Mystic Seaport.