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

When two boats are operating near each other, the boat that has the right of way must maintain its course and speed. This typically means that the other boat must take action to avoid a collision. The specific rules can depend on factors such as the type of vessels involved and their relative positions, as outlined in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). Generally, the vessel that is on a collision course with another must give way.