Abstract: A compression shock absorber for use on offshore oil platforms, for example, is used as part of an overall bumper system for receiving impact from marine vessels which are docking at the offshore platform. The apparatus includes a base structural section which is preferably horizontally disposed and having one end portion that is rigidly attached to the offshore oil platform at one of the legs near the water line. A moving structural section slides upon the first base structural section between inner retracted and outer projected positions. The sections are preferably cylindrical such as structural steel pipe, for example. First and second load transfer surfaces are carried respectively by the base and by the moving structural sections for transferring a compressive load between the base and structural sections during use and at rest. A compressible mass such as resilient rubber is positioned between the first and second load transfer surfaces for biasing the moving section into the projected position.