A whaling vessel is a type of ship that is specifically designed for hunting and capturing whales. Scholars suggest several synonyms for the term "whaling vessel," each describing different features of the ship. For example, a "whaleboat" usually refers to a smaller, more maneuverable vessel used in whaling expeditions. Similarly, a "harpooner" is a ship that is equipped with harpoons and other hunting gear and is responsible for capturing whales. Additionally, "whaling bark" and "whaling brig" are some of the other common synonyms used interchangeably with "whaling vessel." Nevertheless, due to the ethical considerations related to whaling, there has been a decline in the use of these ships, causing many of them to become historical artifacts or museum exhibits.