What do the stars/skull above ships indicate?

What do the stars/skull above ships indicate? - Sailing Boat

All of the ships that I've seen so far in the game have either a skull or 1-5 stars above them. What do they mean?

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What do the stars/skull above ships indicate? - Toy plane and human hand on chalkboard

What do the stars/skull above ships indicate? - Aerial View Of Body Of Water

What do the stars/skull above ships indicate? - Aerial Photography Of Buildings

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