Electroless nickel phosphorus (NiP) alloy coatings have been used as a success in tribology application. However, the severe adhesive wear failure at high loading condition is the disadvantage of NiP coating. To overcome this, crab shell particle (CSP) is used as reinforcement with nickel-phosphorus (NiP) coating. Phase structure, surface hardness, and surface features of the coating have been studied using x-ray diffractometer (XRD), Vickers hardness tester, noncontact-surface profilometer and scanning electron microscope (SEM).The dry sliding wear behaviour of NiP/ CSP composite coating against hardened en-31 steel was characterized using pin on disc apparatus at various loads condition (4.90 N, 9.80 N and 14.70 N) in room temperature. XRD analysis showed an intensity loss and shift in the peak for NiP/ CSP composite coating. Low wear rate and low friction coefficient with stick slip phenomenon has been exhibited for NiP/CSP composite coating at 14.70 N. CSP played a significant role in the reduction of adhesive wear by minimizing the transfer of NiP layer to the en-31 steel. Various wear mechanism, such as abrasive wear, adhesive wear, and tribolayer formation were discussed and reported. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd