What was a 'Tide Watcher'? Well, a google search reveals that the job still exists in India, and China...

'At 2 am everyday, Wu Chixin begins his daily routine at the Qiantang River Hydrology Station in East China's Zhejiang Province.

This 62-year-old works as a "tide watcher" on the Qiantang River. He has no fellow workers, except his dog Phoenix, who follows him everywhere.

His work is hardly relaxing. On scorching days or stormy nights, he plods on.

He must keep close watch over the river. He then presents detailed reports to the Municipal Hydrology Centre in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang. His reports cover water quality, water level and tide mark and are essential for forecasting the weather.'