The deep-sea explorer whose exploits proved the inspiration for the well-known film Titanic was among those honoured by Robert Gordon University (RGU) yesterday.
Dr Joe MacInnes joined graduates at His Majesty’s Theatre where he picked up an honorary degree of Doctor of Science.
His awarded was presented by Professor Susan Klein of RGU’s Institute for Health and Wellbeing Research.
She outlined his life achievements, which include leading 40 of the world’s most important undersea science and engineering projects.
Dr MacInnes has logged more time below the surface of the Arctic Ocean than any other scientist and was the first person to explore the ocean underneath the North Pole.
He was among the first to dive to the shipwreck of the Titanic – an expedition which inspired James Cameron’s award winning movie – and is the author of the acclaimed book Deep Leadership: Essential Insights from High-Risk Environments published in 2012.
After collecting his honour, Dr MacInnes said: “I’m really grateful to pick up the award, I was really not a good student myself.
“I believe you start learning as soon as you leave university.”
He added: “I first came to Aberdeen almost 40 years ago when the offshore industry was getting set up so I feel I’ve come full circle.
“I’m very impressed with the university, they have a special focus on excellence.”