Powered retractable ladder

A powered retractable ladder that is prevented from swinging away from a side of a ship, the powered retractable ladder comprising:

• a ladder;
• the ladder having a bent position when around a reel, and a straight position when unreeled;
• the ladder unable to bend away from the side of the ship when unreeled, thus preventing a swinging motion;
• and
• a first hydraulic motor that interfaces with the ladder;
• the first hydraulic motor pulling the ladder during extension;
• the first hydraulic motor pulling the ladder up during retraction;
• whereby the powered retractable ladder is prevented from bending away from the ship, and thus prevented from swinging a user and causing injury.

A retractable ladder for use on a ship, the retractable ladder comprising:

• a plurality of links forming a chain;
• each link having a range of motion with respect to its an adjacent link;
• the range of motion limited to angles between a parallel position and bent in one direction;
• the range of motion ranging from an acute angle to a straight angle, excluding reflex angles;
• and
• a first hydraulic motor that interfaces with the chain;
• the first hydraulic motor pulling the chain during extension;
• the first hydraulic motor pulling the chain up during retraction;
• whereby the retractable ladder can bend only in a direction required to be rolled onto a reel and cannot be bent beyond straight.