An inquest into the death of a pearl diver off Western Australia's far north coast has been deferred until after a criminal case has concluded.
Jarrod Hampton, 22, died while drift diving for family-owned Paspaley Pearling Company south of Broome in April 2012.
It was his second day in the role.
On Thursday, WorkSafe WA said the Darwin-headquartered company had been charged with failing to provide and maintain a safe working environment for its employees.
In the WA Coroner's Court on Friday, it was determined that an inquest into the death would be adjourned until after the criminal case had concluded.
Mr Hampton's father Tony said he and his wife were gutted the charge was not more serious, although they hoped it would lead to increased safety in the self-regulated industry.
The couple expected the inquest would be held off until after the other matter had been finalised.
"But we certainly hope we still do get an inquest into the death because we do believe we'll be able to find out a whole lot more than we do now," Tony Hampton told ABC radio on Thursday.
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