Welcome, Chris. As far as the number of people working at night (wee hours of the morning), on a boat such as you describe there would be a minimum of 8 to 10 people up working. Some ( the fireman, the engineer and the oiler, the pilot) would be confined to their own areas and would generally not be able to leave their posts. Others (deckhand[s], watchmen, mate) would be roaming around, at least part of the time. Obviously, 3 or 4 people can't be everywhere at once, but they are expected to know what's going on.
The boiler room is a hot, noisy, but well-lit place, not especially roomy. The fireman (person who tends the boilers, water and fire) is expected to be alert at all times. On a modern oil-fired boat, his job doesn't require the constant attention it did in olden days, but does not allow for a lot of goofing off, either. Others on this board may be able to post pictures of the inside of a boiler room.
I don't know where you are, but if you want to get a feel for and hve a look at an old-time (1914) steamboat still in operation with all modern safety features, I suggest riding the BELLE OF LOUISVILLE at Louisville, KY. It is as close as you can get to what you are looking for, boat-wise. Hope this helps!
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