A search is on for a crewman who fell from a Greek-managed boxship off Australia on Thursday morning.

The 27-year-old Filipino was carried over the side of the 4,530-teu MSC Siena (built 2006) by a big wave off Rottnest Island.

He was working in the bow in a harness.

A police helicopter, shark-spotting helicopter, water police and several volunteer sea rescue vessels have been searching for the seafarer.

The containership was heading from Melbourne for Fremantle.