Bobbitt

Introduction

Petitioner Roy C. Bobbitt, Jr., seeks review of the order of respondent Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) that it lacked jurisdiction to award benefits for injuries allegedly received while he was employed on an oil drilling platform in the Santa Barbara channel.

Facts

Petitioner is a resident of California who was hired by respondent Pool Offshore Company in California as a derrick hand on a stationary oil drilling platform, referred to as “Shell Rig No. 2,” in the Santa Barbara channel eight miles from the California coastline. On December 3, 1981, he injured his left knee while pulling blocks on the platform. He is receiving medical treatment, and apparently remains disabled, in California.

In March 1982 he commenced a proceeding before the federal Longshore Harbor Workers’ Administration for compensation benefits under the Longshoremen’s and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). During pendency of the federal proceeding, he commenced the two cases herein (WCAB Nos. 82 SB A 34495 and 34859) against respondent Pool Offshore Company and its insurance carrier, respondent Crawford Insurance Company, seeking compensation benefits under…