The design and performance of a mass spectrometric system for the measurement of helium isotopes and very low tritium concentrations in natural waters are described and discussed in the light of analytical precision and accuracy. The system consists of a VG 3000 mass spectrometer with a fully automated inlet system for preparation and purification of the samples. Along with this mass spectrometric system, different custom-fabricated units are described, especially designed for taking samples, extracting helium or degassing tritium samples prior to the mass spectrometric analysis. The 3He detection limit of the system is close to 10(-16) cm3 STP corresponding to a tritium level of 0.003 TU for a 500 g water sample stored six months for 3He regrowth. A vertical oceanic tritium profile from the south hemisphere is presented as an illustration of the system's capability to detect very low tritium concentrations in the environment.