## 3 Results
### Ship Factors Influencing Evacuation
#### 3.1.3. Muster Station Location  
One very important factor in the outcome of an evacuation is the strategic placement and layout design of muster stations. The placement of muster stations in proximity to high-occupancy zones, such as cabins, commonplaces, and operational workspaces, minimizes the distance passengers and crew must travel during an emergency. By significantly reducing these distances, the evacuation process is expedited, allowing for personnel and passengers to reach muster stations in less time, which is particularly critical during high-stress situations (when speed and clarity are paramount) [22]. Furthermore, it is supported that muster stations should be positioned close or along primary evacuation passages, clear of obstacles leading directly to lifeboats or escape facilities. This approach reduces possible delays and prevents bottlenecks by ensuring that evacuees do not have to backtrack or navigate complex routes. In addition, research suggests that it would be beneficial if each muster station is accessible through multiple paths, thus enabling a way through alternate routes, in case the main passage to the muster station becomes blocked. The routes leading to the muster stations are also recommended to be designed with additional width to handle high-occupancy flows. Wider corridors and stairwells around these points prevent overcrowding, allowing for more people to pass through simultaneously and reducing overall queuing times [22].  
Moreover, another key factor that affects evacuation efficiency is related to passenger allocation strategies according to muster stations, and its influence on crowd flow, density, and accessibility (especially in adverse conditions like heeling). The assignment of passengers to the nearest muster station from their cabin can expedite initial mustering by reducing travel time; nevertheless, this approach can cause overcrowding at certain muster stations by possibly slowing down the movement of people and causing congestion. In a simulation study conducted by [PERSON] et al. [23], it was observed that when the number of passengers is evenly distributed across several muster stations, the flow during evacuation improves, and muster stations become less congested. This can then lead to faster boarding onto life-saving vessels and, consequently, faster evacuation times.  
Ship inclination, particularly heeling angles exceeding 20\({}^{\circ}\), can further complicate muster station use by limiting access to certain areas and equipment. Research suggests that at these angles, muster stations on the lower decks may become inaccessible, necessitating evacuees to be directed to a reduced number of stations, which heightens crowd density at these critical points [23]. This increased crowding can significantly delay boarding and lifeboat deployment, reinforcing the need for flexible muster station assignments that account for listing scenarios. Additionally, the technique of directing passengers to muster stations in timed waves can assist in managing densities more effectively. Although phased evacuations may slightly extend overall evacuation time, they enhance safety by reducing the risk of overcrowding and facilitating smoother passenger movement, which constitutes a critical benefit when managing vulnerable populations or responding to rapidly deteriorating conditions.