Barrelman is in reference to a person who would be stationed in the barrel of the foremast or crow`s nest of an ocean going vessel as a navigational aid. In early ships the crow`s nest was simply a barrel or a basket lashed to the tallest mast. Later it became a specially designed platform with protective railing. == History == Without the use o..... Found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrelman