What is a waterman?

Answer 1

one who works or lives on water, a person who manages or works on a boat. More specifically, an individual who plies for hire on inland waterways and harbours. First known use in the 12th century

Answer 2

A waterman was skilled in rowing or boating ( a boatman) and worked on the rivers, harbours and estuaries. A waterman (and women too) could be hired to ferry passengers out to ships at anchor, or across and along city centre rivers and estuaries in Great Britain.