Request from an Ice Breaker will under normal circumstances be directed to the master of an Ice Breaker  operating in the area where assistance is needed or alternatively to the Ice Service:

Direct contact with Ice Breakers can be obtained by Maritime VHF 156,8Mhz (Channel 16), MF 2187,5Khz (DSC) or via CRS Lyngby Radio

The Ice Service can be contacted as follows:

The Ice Service determines with consideration to prevailing ice condition and expected ice conditions when duty of notification commences for an area or port and when such duties cease.

Notification of commencement or cessation of duty of notification will be announced in the daily ice report.

When duty of notification exists ships destined for Danish waters must in good time notify the Ice Service.
 
The notification should contain information on ship name, IMO number, nationality, call sign,size engine power, construction year, cargo, destination and expected time of arrival.

On request by the Ice Service, ships must give further information that the Ice Service might require. Should a ship discontinue its voyage to Danish waters notification about this must be given as soon as possible to the Ice Service.

With consideration to the prevailing ice condition and expected ice conditions and a ship's suitability for navigation in ice, the Ice Service will determine whether the ship can expect to receive assistance.

Into consideration should be taken factors such as whether the ship has the highest ice notification at a recognized classification society or that the ship at a survey is proven to be of the same constructive strength, the ships size and engine power, whether the ship is equipped with VHF radio  and the cargo amount and stowage.

Ships who by Ice Service determination can expect assistance by the Ice Breaking Service will be given the necessary instructions for the voyage. Such instructions may imply that assistance can only be given to a destination different from the destination notified.

Ship who cannot expect assistance will be requested to give up the notified intended voyage.

Ships on notified voyage must carefully follow the Ice Service directions. No later than on arrival to Danish waters the ship must report to The ice breaker either directly by radio or via CRS. When contact is made, the ship must keep listening watch on radio or as arranged.

Masters of notified ships has a duty to adhere to the ice breakers instructions on manoeuvres, meeting places, time of departure, route and order in convoy.