Abstract
PURPOSE: The market for recreational diving certificates is characterized by a small number of global providers and standardized products. Understanding how market structure influences firm behavior and market outcomes is essential for evaluating competitiveness and potential policy interventions. This study examines the market for diving certificates through the lens of the Structure-Conduct-Performance (SCP) Paradigm. It seeks to understand the role of entry barriers and market concentration in shaping competition and performance in this niche market. METHODS: The analysis examines structural conditions and resulting market outcomes by using secondary data, industry characteristics and theoretical SCP reasoning. Special attention is given to network effects, proprietary training systems and certification standardization as sources of entry barriers. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that competition is limited by substantial entry barriers, enabling the dominant provider, PADI, to maintain considerable market power. Despite this concentration, technical efficiency and training quality remain consistently high across providers. However, monopolistic pricing strategies lead to allocative and distributive inefficiencies. Because training quality is maintained and consumer preferences are diverse, direct regulatory intervention appears unnecessary.