Two boats are operating near each other. which is the boat that must maintain its course and speed?

All vessels are divided into two categories:
stand on vessels: these are those that have the privilege to maintain their course and speed when operating near another vessel. 
Give way vessel: these are those vessels that are mandated to keep away from stand on vessels when the two are near each other. 
When two boats are operating near each other, the STAND ON VESSEL must maintain its course and speed while the give way vessel must take precautions and early actions to keep out of the way of the stand on vessel.