Crossword Genius

Vessel in my hands on film (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

minelayer

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'vessel' is the definition.
(minelayer is a kind of vessel)

'in my hands on film' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'in' is found in the answer.
'film' could be 'layer' (film can mean a thin layer of something) and 'layer' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'me' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for minelayer that I've seen before include "Ship equipped to position underwater explosives" , "Ship putting down explosive devices" , "Warship that places explosive charges" , "Warship putting down explosives" , "Class of naval ship - name Riley (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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