WordNet
pilot ladder
n. (nautical) a hanging ladder of ropes or chains supporting wooden or metal rungs or steps [syn: Jacob's ladder, jack ladder]
Wikipedia
Pilot ladder
A Pilot ladder is a highly specialised form of rope ladder, typically used on board cargo vessels for the purposes of embarking and disembarking pilots. The design and construction of the ladders is tightly specified by international regulation under the SOLAS regime.
Usage examples of "pilot ladder".
One was unwinding a pilot ladder from the gutter and dropping it over the side of the hull.
Rick looked out to where the Tarpon was dropping a pilot ladder for the quarantine men and immigration officers.