Legal Definitions - tidesman

Definition: A tidesman is a customhouse officer who is responsible for watching or attending to ships until the customs are paid. They board a ship upon its arrival in the mouth of the Thames and come up with the tide. The tidesman is appointed to ensure that the customs duties are paid before the ship is allowed to enter or leave the port.

Example: When a ship arrives at the port, a tidesman will board the ship to ensure that the customs duties are paid. The tidesman will stay on the ship until the customs duties are paid, and the ship is cleared to enter or leave the port.

Explanation: The example illustrates how a tidesman is responsible for ensuring that customs duties are paid before a ship is allowed to enter or leave the port. The tidesman is appointed to watch or attend to the ship until the customs duties are paid. This ensures that the government collects the appropriate taxes and duties on goods that are imported or exported through the port.