US Sailing Basic Keelboat Practice Test

When docking, the protective cushion placed between the boat and the dock is called a fender. A fender is a rubber or inflatable cushion that absorbs the energy of contact, preventing hull damage as you bring the boat alongside a quay or piling. While you might hear people call it a bumper or a pad, the standard nautical term is fender, since it specifically describes this protective device used on boats and docks. A chock, by contrast, is a wedge used to prevent movement, not a bumper.