CrAlN and CrAlON coatings were deposited on high-strength bolts by multi-arc ion plating. The coated bolts were subjected to one year of natural exposure in a tropical marine environment. After one year of exposure in a tropical marine environment, the CrAlN coating exhibits extensive corrosion pits and pronounced grain boundary cracks. In contrast, the CrAlON coating demonstrates superior corrosion resistance, characterized by a dense surface morphology, refined grains, and the absence of observable cracks. These microstructural characteristics inhibit the ingress of corrosive species and confer environmental adaptability on the CrAlON coating. Furthermore, the CrAlON coating retains high hardness and elevated H/E (0.082) and H 3/E* 2 (0.208) values, indicating superior load-bearing capacity. Its wear rate decreases from 18.43×10 -7 mm 3·N -1·m -1 to 9.98×10 -7 mm 3·N -1·m -1 after exposure, reflecting outstanding wear resistance. These findings provide important insights into the development of durable, multifunctional coatings for high-strength bolts in tropical marine environment.