In the present study a new type of protective coating is developed for use in coating of marine utilities. Nanocomposite coating was successfully prepared by incorporating Chitosan and zinc oxide nanoparticles into epoxy coating to enhance its protection role against aggressive environments. ZnO NPs were synthesized via direct precipitation method. Chitosan is manufactured from locally available shrimp shells. Chitosan, ZnO NPs and epoxy nanocomposite are characterized through various techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and elemental analysis. The manufactured coatings are applied on carbon steel panels. The resistance to corrosion of the nanocomposite coated panels was investigated by the salt spray test after 500 hours according to ASTM D1654-92. Results showed that the performance of the epoxy composite resin is improved with increasing percentage of ZnO Nps and with increasing percentage chitsan. The highest performance was shown by a composite having 3% ZnO NPs + 5% chitosan; where its evaluation parameters were 1% disbanded area and 9 rating number. The corresponding values for the blank sample were 19% disbanded area and 5 rating number. Chemical resistance of these coatings to NaOH, HCl and Acetone solvent was studied. The results showed that incorporation of 5% Chitosan and 3% ZnO NPs to epoxy matrix led to better protective performance towards these materials in comparison to blank epoxy resin. Thus ZnO NPs-Chitosan-epoxy composite coating is a promising methodology for developing corrosion and chemical resistant of surface coatings.