Why can't I send a private message?

[proteus]

If you are new to the forum, your rank is "Swab".  Due to unfortunate abuse by spammers, people of the rank of Swab cannot send Private Messages. However, if you spend just a few hours on the forum (reading and/or posting), you'll be promoted to "Deck Hand", and this restriction will be lifted.

If you're not a Swab, there might be a forum problem.  Visit the Engine Room and report it.