Abstract: A fastening device 20 comprises a body 22 which defines a socket for receiving the end of a boat hook 10 or other elongate member, and a hook portion 21 having a gate 27 which can be opened by pulling back on a rope or line 30 attached to the body of the device. Once the device has been fastened to an object 41, the boat hook or other elongate member 10 can then be withdrawn from the socket, thereby leaving the fastening device 20 and line 30 attached to the object 41.