axis of the coordinate system and the cushions 36 are accordingly compressed referring now to fig3 a top view of a preferred embodiment of a docking fender according to the present invention can be seen in a condition free from the influence of any dynamic forces tending to displace the bumper toward the pier and compress the hydraulic cushions only a portion of the pier 28 to which the docking fender is connected is shown however it can be seen that the surface of the pier to which the docking fender is connected is vertical and essentially planar a base plate 38 is employed to facilitate connection of the docking fender to the pier the bumper 32 is a vertical essentially planar member which is arranged in a parallel spaced relation to the pier 28 and the base plate 38 a plurality of cushions 36 connect the bumper 32 and the base plate 38 and are arranged in an orthogonal posture therebetween any suitable cushion can be employed however cushions of the type which telescope upon compression and which are self restoring are preferred hydraulic cushions of this type are particularly desirable the cushions 36 illustrated in fig3 are each universally connected to both the bumper and the base.