Abstract: A spring device which operates in tension to be used in attenuating shock loads in a flexible tension element, which can be used, for example, on the mooring rope of a floating vessel. Also a spring device acting in compression which can serve as shock attenuating standoff for use, say, in holding a floating vessel away from contact with a mooring structure. Also, a device to provide slack or give in a mooring rope to allow a moored floating vessel to freely rise and fall with varying water levels such as caused by tides. Secondly, a device, which by virtue of its shape, creates a retarding force when slid along a flexible tension element, such as a rope. This force is easily modulated by varying the tension in the element. A possible use would be to control, from below, the rate of descent of an object being lowered down a rope.