Objective To improve the oxidation resistance of exhaust pipe of ship. Methods In this paper, the nano composite coating was obtained on the surface of exhaust pipe of ship by electro/ electroless deposition techniques. The effect of CeO2 on the oxidation resistance of the composite coating was studied by high temperature oxidation test, and the micro-morphology and microstructure of nano composite coating were analyzed by scanning electron microscope and optical microscope. Results When the concentration of nano attapulgite particles in the plating liquid was lower than 1. 5 g / L, the grains of composite coating became refiner and more compact with the increase of the attapulgite concentration; and the coating surface became smoother and denser with the increasing concentration of nano-CeO2 particles. When the attapulgite clay concentration in the plating liquid was 0. 5 g / L, the oxidation weight gain of composite coating was the minimum and the oxidation resistance was the best. The oxidation weight gain of composite coatings increased firstly and then decreased with the increasing concentration of nano-CeO2 particles. When the CeO2 concentration was 1. 5 g / L, the composite coating had the highest antioxidant activity. Conclusion The addition of nano attapulgite and nano CeO2 in the plating solution had a significant effect on the morphology and antioxidation performance of the composite coatings.