A Tide-waiter was a customs officer who awaited the arrival of ships (formerly coming in with the tide), and boarded them to prevent evasion of the custom-house regulations. An Extra Tide-Waiter was a part time Tide-Waiter Extra Tide-waiters were not constantly employed they were liable to be called upon to act as tide-waiters whenever there may be occasion for their services, and they were paid by the job. They were bound to obey the call, and to leave any other business they may have had in hand at the time. Regards Stan Mapstone