Topic summary
Minesweepers

Extracted from the Wikipedia article Minesweeper.
Operation and requirements
Minesweepers are equipped with mechanical or electrical devices known as "sweeps" for disabling mines. The modern minesweeper is designed to reduce the chances of it detonating mines itself; it is soundproofed to reduce its acoustic signature and often constructed using wood, fiberglass, or non-ferrous metal, or is degaussed to reduce its magnetic signature.