Simulation of Passenger Evacuation Process in Cruise Ships Based on A Multi-Grid Model

Abstract

The evacuation of the cruise ship is directly related to the safety of passengers during accidents. The method for avoiding and reducing casualties in accidents has become a research frontier of maritime safety. This paper presents the simulation of a passenger evacuation process using a multi-grid model. In the model, directions of passengers’ movement are extended and the relationship between passengers’ orientation and the walking speed under the inclining condition is also analyzed in detail. Considering the space layout, the attraction of the mainstream crowd and exclusion between individuals, the probability of passengers’ transfer between grids is established. The deck of the cruise ship is taken as the evacuation scenario and four parameters are defined for the scenario according to International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines. The process of evacuation in the cruise ship is simulated under upright and inclining conditions. Through the analysis of simulation results, evacuation bottleneck data and the relation between inclined angles and evacuation time are obtained. This work may provide a reference for formulating emergency evacuation plans for cruise ships.