a warship whose function is to lay antisub-marine and antitorpedo nets. Netlayers are specially built or are converted merchant vessels. The displacement of net-layers ranges from 500 to 5,000 tons, and they travel at 10–12 knots (19–22 km/hr). They are armed, primarily with anti-aircraft weapons. Netlayers usually operate in their own coastal zone under cover of warships, aviation, and coastal artillery. Nets are laid at a slow, steady speed of 1–2 knots.