The Maritime Assistance Service (MAS) is an integrated part of Admiral Danish Fleet functioning around the clock as a central maritime contact point for shipping in and around Danish territorial waters.

The primary mission of MAS is to handle communication between the Danish coastal state, ship’s captains requiring assistance, and other players in maritime community. These can be fleet owners, salvage companies, port authorities, brokers etc.

MAS is on 24-hour alert to deploy rapid assistance and professional support for ships in connection with: Combating pollution, fire and explosions on board, collision, grounding, and maritime security. MAS receives Ship Security Alert System distress calls from Danish around the world and foreign ships in Danish waters.

The Ship Security Alert System enables a vessel to send a distress call if it is attacked by pirates etc. On receiving such a call, MAS is responsible for alerting the relevant authorities responsible for a response.

MAS is the contact point to maritime authorities about administrative questions and to salvage companies, for example in the event of mechanical breakdown, collision or grounding. MAS is also responsible for communicating changes of security level to shipping in Danish waters and to Danish vessels all over the world.

MAS is also responsible for Admiral Danish Fleet's mission as National Competent Authority for the EU SeaSafeNet network. This network is distributing marine-related data to authorities in the EU member states. This includes information about vesels carrying dangerous cargos, thus providing Admiral Danish Fleet with relevant information, which will result in an effective response to accidents and pollution at sea.