...a worldwide radio email service that uses radio pathways where the internet is not present, and is capable of operating completely without the internet--automatically--using smart-network radio relays. Winlink provides its users email with attachments, position reporting, weather and information bulletins, and is well-known for its role in interoperable emergency and disaster relief communications. Licensed Winlink operators/stations use both amateur radio and government radio frequencies worldwide. The system is built, operated and administered entirely by licensed "Ham" volunteers. Support for the system is provided by the Amateur Radio Safety Foundation, Inc., a US 501(c)(3) non-profit, public-benefit entity. Winlink Global Radio Email®️ is a US registered trademark of the Amateur Radio Safety Foundation, Inc.

Winlink Accounts...

...are created with a client program. You can not create one here.

We require

• A valid amateur radio license, or
• a license from a participating government service or agency. Ship station, marine or general radiotelephone licenses DO NOT qualify.

How To Get an Account

1. Download, install and configure any client software. We suggest Winlink Express. Study its help about installation and use.
2. Using Winlink Express, follow the account creation instructions presented by the program, and ignore what follows. Winlink Express makes the process easy. If you use another client, proceed...
3. Connect with the system (send a message) to create your account. Do not use a password on your first connection. Your radio email address is YOURCALL@winlink.org. A message containing your password will be sent to your account. Retrieve it with a second connection. Secure login will now be enforced by the CMS so, be sure to set your password in your client program.
4. At any time, use the form (lower right) to have a password re-sent to your account address. Retrieve it using your client program.
5. Use your callsign as your username, and password to log in here. You can change your password once you're logged in.
6. Be sure to edit your account settings here and set a password recovery address!

Winlink accounts stay alive only with client program use via radio or telnet connections only; Webmail and other accesses don't count!). Accounts off-air for 400 days are automatically purged. Use it or loose it!

The mission of Boat Watch is to maintain a worldwide network of resources to aid mariners that are missing or overdue; have a boat stolen; or to whom urgent messages need to be relayed. Winlink Global Radio Email is proud to be a partner of BoatWatch.org since 1999.

Current Watches
See Boatwarch.org for a current listing of lost or overdue vessels.