## 4 Discussion  
The present study seeks to investigate the various factors influencing the efficiency of evacuations aboard cruise/large passenger ships with a focus on cruise ships and a particular interest on the interplay between human behavior, ship design, and environmental conditions. The primary research was centered on understanding how these variables collectively impact the safety and speed of evacuation processes, with the aim being to identifying strategies to optimize evacuation procedures and mitigate potential risks. The research questions underpinning this investigation were designed to explore the impact of the currently followed practices and measures in regard to ship heeling angles, staircase availability and configuration, and the prioritization of evacuees on evacuation efficiency, as well as the role of human factors in shaping evacuation outcomes. Furthermore, one of the main objectives of the current review was to explore and analyze countermeasures that could improve evacuation procedures and reduce evacuation times. The findings of this study reveal critical patterns and principles that significantly influence the effectiveness of cruise/large passenger ship evacuations. Firstly, the impact of heeling angles on evacuation efficiency is profound. This research demonstrates that as the heeling angle increases, both the Total Evacuation Time (TET) and Mean Completion Time (MCT) are adversely affected. This relationship underscores the importance of incorporating motion state considerations into ship design and evacuation procedures, as supported by [PERSON] et al. [17] and [PERSON] et al. [18]. The research confirms that heeling angles exceeding 20\({}^{\circ}\) dramatically prolong the evacuation process, particularly at a tilt of over 25\({}^{\circ}\), where the evacuation efficiency is notably reduced. Moreover, the availability and configuration of staircases emerge as another crucial factor in evacuation success. The research indicates that while the number of staircases significantly influences evacuation efficiency, their configuration and accessibility under heeling conditions are equally important. As noted by [PERSON] and [PERSON] [21], a higher number of escape routes helps prevent congestion, a finding corroborated by the observation that at a 25\({}^{\circ}\) heel, stair usage becomes inefficient, leading to increased evacuation times. Additionally, the prioritization of evacuees, particularly those with limited mobility, plays a vital role in the evacuation process. While this factor has a smaller impact compared to heeling angles and staircase availability, its influence is still significant. [PERSON] et al. [23] highlight the importance of optimizing muster station locations and considering the needs of vulnerable passengers to avoid delays and enhance the overall evacuation flow. Moreover, human behavior and group dynamics are central to understanding evacuation outcomes on cruise ships. The research reveals that group evacuations tend to prolong the evacuation process due to the tendency of group members to wait for slower individuals, as demonstrated by [PERSON] and [PERSON] [24]. This behavior increases the likelihood of congestion, particularly in high-density situations, where groups move as cohesive units, potentially obstructing other passengers. The role of group leaders is also emphasized, as overreliance on a leader can either positively or negatively impact the evacuation depending on the leader's decisions. The relationship between group familiarity and evacuation efficiency also emerges as a critical factor. Familiar groups are more likely to cooperate and coordinate effectively, as shown by [PERSON] et al. [29], leading to quicker evacuations. Conversely, unfamiliar groups may experience competitive behavior, which can slow down the evacuation process. These findings are further supported by research from [PERSON] et al. [30] and [PERSON] et al. [31], which highlight the influence of group structure and interactions on evacuation dynamics.