21Wha1es wi11 often maintain their eourse and pass near a smal1 vessel. The
chanees of collision are un1ikely, sinee not on1y do whales have good eyesight
but they have a sonar facility. However, it is important to maintain a good
lookout and take aetion to avoid a collision as needed. Also, never chase
whales, steer directly toward them, or corner them in bays or narrow inlets
where they might feel threatened.
Brief deseriptions are given for each kind of whale. To assist in identi-
fication at a distance sketeh silhouettes of the whale's blow charaeteristics
and surfaee attitudes are given. For more detailed information refer to the
many texts available on whales and dolphins.
Gray Whale
A stoeky whale having no distinct dorsal fin, the Gray whale may grow to 40
feet and reach 40 tons. It is sIate or gray in color with whitish patches of
barnacles and whale liceo A few grooves may be seen on the throat. Being a
slow swimmer its normal speed is 5 to 8 knots. It may be seen in the Gulf of
Georgia and adjacent bays, or travelling along the outer coasts as it migrates
from Baja to the Bering Sea each year.
Surfaeing & Blowing Beginning a Di~e Sounding (Diving)
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Orca or Killer Whale
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This striking whale is black, with white patehes along the flanks and
bottom. It may grow to 30 feet and reach lO tons. Its high, triangular dorsal
fin may reach 6 feet in mature males but only 3 feet in females and immature
males. It is rarely seen alone as it travels in groups. They ean reach speeds
of 20 knots or faster. Its range includes alI of the areas of the guide but it
1S usually seen in waters south of Prince Rupert. This whale may be the most
familiar because several aquariums have performing oreas.
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