The small transverse ropes attached to the shrouds and forming the steps of a rope ladder.

Small lines tied between the shrouds to use as a ladder when going aloft.

Ropes attached to a ship's shrouds that are used as ladders.

Ratlines were systems of escape routes for Nazis and other fascists fleeing Europe at the end of World War II. These escape routes mainly led toward safe havens in South America, particularly Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil and Chile. Other destinations may have included the United States, Canada and the Middle East.