The Fisheries department and Quest Academy a registered training centre of Rashtriya Life Saving Society (India) offering lifeguard, lifesaving, first-aid and other international certification programmes have launched a training course for local fishermen. After the Fisheries department selected 23 fishermen, the academy began training them at Pirappanvalasai beach, near here, on Wednesday as part of projects to promote alternative livelihood opportunities. Additional director of fisheries (Ramanathapuram) Johny Tom Varghese, who inaugurated the programme, said the candidates were selected on the basis of qualifying stipulated prerequisites by International Life Saving Federation. Vijay Kumar Sha, Chief Operating Officer, RLSS (I), cleared the selection of candidates. Master trainers of RLSS (I) from its eastern coastal offices and Jehan Driver, eminent trainer and managing director of Quest Academy, would train the fishermen. The trainees were shortlisted after they cleared 500 m sea swimming in the selection round, Mr. Driver said. Fishermen from Olaikuda, Rameswaram, Thondi, Thoothukudi, Pirapanvalasai and Irumeni made it to the final selection. Those who failed would be given another opportunity by the department during the next round. QTT Adventure Sports Academy Pvt. Ltd of Quest Academy was actively involved with local fishermen and offering them sports and adventure training. The training programmes provided alternative source of livelihood and helped to create awareness of conservation, sustainability and personal development. Thanks to skills training in swimming, rescue and lifeguard, the fisher folk stood better chance of getting employment in tourism industry. The entrepreneurial skills also helped them to start their own micro businesses, Mr. Driver said. Quest Academy also offers training and international certifications in scuba diving, kayaking, SUP, sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and other aquatic sports.