What were the personal experiences of the people who operated the boiler aboard the steamship Hercules? Objective Students will be able to analyze primary sources and synthesize the information to explain the experience of a fireman in the boiler room. Background Work in the boiler room was hot and dangerous. Since the boiler room was inside the ship, it was fairly dark. There was not a lot of room there. To be a fireman in the boiler room, you had to have constant vigiland and be very watchful. A fireman's job was to make sure that there was a perfect mixture of air, heat, and fuel to ensure Duration: 30 Minutes.