A surfer has survived a night at sea after he was swept six kilometres off the coast from a beach near Wollongong, with only his board to keep him afloat.

The man, a Japanese tourist, was brought safely ashore on Friday morning after he drifted alongside a 300-metre long container ship and was spotted by crewmen.

The man holds on to a life ring as he is pulled onto the MSC Damla. Credit:MSC

The 37-year-old man was picked up by Panama-registered ship the MSC Damla shortly after 9am, about 16 hours after he set out from Bulli Beach.

Sergeant Sean Netting from Port Kembla Water Police said the man appeared unfazed by his ordeal.