James Cameron, the director of the Oscar-winning film Titanic

Mr Cameron was recognised for his outstanding contribution to marine science and maritime archaeology in his film-making on Tuesday.

His 1997 film, starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, showed footage of the ill-fated liner on the seabed.

Titanic's 11 Academy Awards, included Best Director and Best Film.

'Portrayal a mistake'

Cameron first visited the wreck of the ship in 1995 after becoming fascinated with the White Star vessel which left Southampton on 10 April, 1912, on its maiden voyage.

More than 1,500 people were killed after the vessel struck an iceberg five days later.

While touring Southampton Oceanography Centre, Mr Cameron admitted retrospectively that if he had to make the feature film again, he would have made parts of it differently.

His admission referred to the criticism surrounding his portrayal of First Officer William McMaster Murdock - shown shooting passengers and then himself.

The film-maker said: "I think I have come to the realisation that it was probably a mistake to portray a specific person.

"He (First Officer Murdock) has a family - some surviving family - and they took exception to that, and I think rightly so."